Ground Gas Protection

When working within basements or below-ground spaces, the inclusion of ground gas assessments and barriers may occasionally be necessary. Ground gases, such as radon, methane and carbon dioxide are naturally occurring substances that can pose health and safety risks when they accumulate in buildings. These gasses originate from soil, rocks, and decomposing organic matter and can infiltrate structures through cracks in foundations, utility entry points, and other openings.

If needed, as part of a basement, construction, or new build project, we can provide assistance and guidance to have the ground gas risk suitably assessed. We have experience dealing with ground gas issues, but we always strongly recommend seeking specialist advice for testing radon and other ground gases if there is a potential risk.

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Brownfield site affected by Ground Gas - MJ Rooney

When ground gas protection needs to be considered

Current building regulations mandate that any development or proposal on or near land affected by gas emissions must be adequately protected against the ingress of harmful gasses. Local authority planning departments, supported by government regulations, now enforce stricter measures for sites with potential ground gas contamination. It is crucial to consider ground gas protection early in the planning and design stages to avoid costly revisions and ensure compliance.

Types of ground gases

You might be surprised to learn there are many different types of ground gases, including:

  • Radon
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Nitrogen
  • Methane
  • Hydrogen Sulphide
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Ground gas protection specialists - MJ Rooney

Where you can find specialists

If you are working with us, we are happy to recommend an experienced ground gas specialist near you.

However, if you wish to find a ground gas specialist yourself, we advise visiting the 'UK Radon Council' or the ‘Property Care Association' websites. Specialists can analyse and produce a system design, create specifications and can also assist in the installation process to ensure it meets best practices.