June 22, 2008

A Warning to Consumers

 

The state of Georgia does not require radon testers or contractors to be trained, certified or licensed. For consumer protection, it is recommended that you take the following steps before hiring a "professional"

 Always ask for proof of insurance and confirm that it is current.

 

First, require and check for Certification with:
    The National Environmental Health Association - NEHA (www.radongas.org)

    The National Radon Safety Board - NRSB (www.nrsb.org)

  

Second, go to www.sos.state.ga.us/corporations to access the Georgia Secretary of State website. Click on “Locate Corporation Agents, Status, Filing Dates” in the left-hand column to see if the company is listed and in compliance. Notice the date of incorporation. You will see that Radon Reduction & Testing, Inc, has operated under the same name since it was first incorporated in 1988. We have never changed our name to avoid creditors or a bad reputation.

 

Third, go to www.atlanta.bbb.org/search.html  the Better Business Bureau website. Click on "Type of Business", scroll down to "Radon Testing & Service" and "Submit Search Request". Review all the companies noting the principal party, when you come across a NEHA certified mitigator note the additional companies referenced. You may want to check those with the Secretary of State.

 

Your only assurance of dealing with a qualified professional in a non-licensing state is to pick a contractor who is certified with one of these two organizations. The EPA Radon Proficiency Program was privatized in 1998; “EPA Listed” is no longer a valid certification. PLEASE VERIFY ALL OF THIS INFORMATION AT:  http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/proficiency.html

 

“Certification” is very important but is only a starting point for assessing qualifications. The NEHA or NRSB Certified individual has taken a course, passed a written exam, and provided payment of his certification fees.  However, levels of proficiency, performance guarantees, quality control, and competent field personnel are equally important. Remember, in non-licensing states like Georgia, contractors are not held accountable for following the EPA Radon Measurement and Mitigation Protocols. Click on our link to the EPA website for a valuable information needed to evaluate proposals and to determine if EPA Protocol is properly followed.

 

In summary, ask questions, the following questions are some examples to determine if the contractor has an accurate understanding about radon and the service to be performed?

  1. Will your test report provide certification numbers of the placement technician and the analysis lab? Will the type of test device be specified on the report? If a continuous monitor is used, will the calibration date and hourly readings be provided?
  2. Will the occupants provide written confirmation of their willingness to honor EPA Radon Testing Protocol, including the requirement for 12 hours of closed-house conditions before beginning the test in addition to maintaining closed-house conditions throughout the test?
  3. Is your technician deploying tamper tape to help assure that closed house conditions were followed, therefore will know what they measured and will be able to analyze their data?
  4. Has the certified mitigator requested a copy of the radon test report to review for reliability as required by the EPA before they proceed with providing a quote?
  5. Is the certified mitigation contractor providing a copy of at least current liability insurance of $1,000,000.00 if not also Workman's Compensation insurance?
  6. Do the mitigation proposals you are receiving have the quality and length of guarantee that you want, including the quality and quantity of post-mitigation testing, including short term and long term testing?
  7. Are you being told “exactly” where and how many points are going to be needed to mitigate before the job begins? The “exact” system cannot be determined until the structure is worked with, and an accurate clearance test determines that the guaranteed levels have been accomplished. One suction point very rarely maintains radon levels below the EPA guideline in this area of the country due to the soil and construction style. Please be wary of a proposal guaranteeing levels in writing with only one suction point, it is impossible to know that one point may lower the levels before working the system.
  8. Does the installation of the mitigation system meet the EPA protocols, such as the pipe exhaust location? The discharge must be outside, at least 10 feet above ground, above the eve of the roof and least 10 feet away from doors, windows, or other openings into the occupied area that are less than 2 feet below the discharge. Exhaust is not to be where children are playing outside or is able to go back into the house!!

HOME