EPA - Acknowledgement of Proficiency Progs

8/7/2019 EPA - Acknowledgement of Proficiency Progs

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EPA Acknowledgement of Non-Federal National RadonProficiency Programs

Since the close of EPAs National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP) in 1998, there have been a number of requests thatEPA offer some form of recognition of non-Federal radon proficiency programs. EPA has offered a one-timeacknowledgment, based on meeting set recognition criteria (following this document), to any non-Federal radonproficiency program that lists or certifies radon measurement, mitigation service providers and/or analytical serviceproviders. EPA believes that it is appropriate to develop recognition criteria that call for a non-Federal radon proficiencyprogram to incorporate, at a minimum, program elements that comprised EPAs former voluntary RPP. EPA continues toencourage States, industry and consumers to work together to identify those elements that would improve non-Federalradon proficiency programs and go beyond EPAs former voluntary RPP. These improved elements should then beadopted as standards of practice.

Both of the existing non-Federal national radon proficiency programs (The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) and TheNational Environmental Health Associations (NEHA) National Radon Proficiency Program) participated in the evaluation.

On March 30, 2001, EPA issued letters to both organizations stating the following:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed its review of the (NRSBs or NEHAsNRPPs) application submitted for EPAs evaluation of Non-federal National Radon Proficiency

Programs. Based solely on its review of the materials submitted, EPA finds that the following categories(listed here by program) successfully satisfy EPAs minimum criteria for operation of a non-federalNational Radon Proficiency Program (as established and implemented as described in the applicationssubmitted to EPA on March 1, 2001).

Former EPA RPP Program Name NRSB Equivalent Program Name

Analytical Service Provider Accredited Radon Laboratories

Residential Radon Measurement Provider Radon Measurement Specialist

Residential Radon Mitigation Provider Radon Mitigation Specialist

Former EPA RPP Program Name NEHA NRPP Equivalent Program Name

Analytical Service Provider Analytical Laboratories

Residential Radon Measurement ProviderRadon Measurement Provider Offering StandardServices

Analytical Service Provider AND Residential RadonMeasurement Provider

Residential Measurement Provider Offering Standardand Analytical Services (RMPSAS)

Residential Radon Mitigation Provider Residential Mitigation Provider

Because of expected changes in the radon industry, this acknowledgment is only valid through

December 31, 2002, at which time this determination will expire. There will be no extensions of thisdetermination. This determination is not applicable if changes are made to the program(s) as submittedto EPA, or if it is not implemented as described to EPA. To avoid misleading the public, you may notmake public reference to this EPA determination after December 31, 2002.

Any references to EPAs determination in advertisements should avoid misleading consumers in thisregard. We recommend that you use the following description:

For NRSB: EPA has reviewed NRSBs description of its Accredited Radon Laboratoryprogram; Radon Measurement Specialist; and, Radon Mitigation Specialist categoriesand has determined that they are consistent with EPAs former program categoriesAnal tical Service Provider; Residential Radon Measurement Provider; and, Residential


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Radon Mitigation Provider, respectively. EPA has not reviewed the actual operations ofNRSBs Board, operation of its day-to-day operations, nor performed any audits of itsquality assurance program, examinations, or device evaluation program.

For NEHAs NRPP: EPA has reviewed NEHAs NRPPs description of its AnalyticalLaboratories program; Residential Measurement Provider Offering Standard andAnalytical Services (RMPSAS) program; Residential Measurement Provider OfferingStandard Services program; and, Residential Mitigation Provider program and hasdetermined that they are consistent with EPAs former program categories Analytical

Service Provider, Residential Radon Measurement Provider and Residential MitigationProvider, respectively. EPA has not reviewed the actual operation of NEHAs NRPPBoard, operation of its day-to-day operations, nor performed any audits of its qualityassurance program, examinations, or device evaluation program.

If you have questions or comments on this recognition process, you can contact James Long at (202) 564-9433, or via e-mail at [email protected].

For more information on how to contact either of the Non-federal National Radon Proficiency Programs (listed herealphabetically):

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)National Radon Proficiency Program

Administrative Offices525 East Fountain Boulevard, Suite 201Colorado Springs, CO 80903(719) 227-7518(719) 632-9607 (fax)http://www.radongas.org/e-mail: [email protected]

The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB)P.O. Box 426

Putnam Valley, NY 105791-866-329-3474(914) 345-8862 (fax)http://www.nrsb.orge-mail: [email protected]

(Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer,or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the UnitedStates Government.)


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October 20, 2000

Criteria for EPA Evaluation of

Non-Federal National Radon Proficiency Programs

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Air and Radiation

Office of Radiation and Indoor Air

Indoor Environments Division (6609J)

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460


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Table of Contents

I. Introduction .......................................................................................... 1

II. EPAs Recognition of Non-Federal Radon Proficiency Programs ............ 2

A. Recognition .................................................................................... 2

1. Development of Criteria ............................................................. 22. Application Process ................................................................... 2

B. Application for Recognition ............................................................. 3

III. Evaluation Criteria for Analytical Service Provider Programs, and

Residential Measurement and Mitigation Service Provider Programs ..... 3A. Criteria for Recognition of an Analytical Service Provider Program ... 3

1. Device Performance Test ....................................................... 42. Develop and Implement a Quality Assurance Plan ...................... 4

3. Adhere to Protocols .................................................................. 54. Reassessment of Qualifications on a Biennial Basis ................... 6

5. Compliance with Program Requirements .................................... 6

B. Criteria for Recognition of a Residential Measurement ServiceProvider Program ............................................................................. 61. Examinations ............................................................................. 6

2. Adhere to Protocols ................................................................. 73. Develop and Implement a Quality Assurance Plan ..................... 7

4. Reassessment of Qualifications on a Biennial Basis .................. 75. Provide Lists of Certified/Proficient Individuals ........................ 8

6. Compliance with Program Requirements ................................... 8

7. Consumer Information ........................................................... 9C. Criteria for Recognition of a Residential Mitigation Service

Provider Program ............................................................................ 91. Training .................................................................................. 9

2. Examinations ............................................................................ 93. Adhere to EPA Radon Mitigation Standards .............................. 10

4. Reassessment of Qualifications on a Biennial Basis ................. 105. Provide Lists of Certified/Proficient Individuals ....................... 10

6. Compliance with Program Requirements .................................. 11

Appendix A - List of Resources ................................................................ 12Appendix B - Sample Acknowledgment Letter to Successful Applicants .... 13

Appendix C - Sample Letter to Applicants Who are DeniedAcknowledgment ............................................................... 14


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Criteria for EPA Recognition of Non-Federal Radon Proficiency Programs

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Criteria for EPA Evaluation of Non-Federal National Radon Proficiency Programs

I. Introduction

In 1988, Congress enacted the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA), which established a

long-term national goal to reduce indoor radon levels to the point that air within buildings is as

free of radon as the air outside. Under 15 USC 2665, 305(a)(2), Technical Assistance to

States for Radon Programs, IRAA provided EPA authority to develop and implement activities

designed to assist State radon programs, including operation of a voluntary program to rate the

effectiveness of radon measurement devices and methods, the effectiveness of radon mitigation

devices and methods, and the effectiveness of private firms and individuals offering radon-

related services.

In response to this authorization, EPA established the Radon Measurement Proficiency

(RMP) Program to assist consumers in identifying organizations capable of providing reliable

radon measurement services. The Radon Contractor Proficiency (RCP) Program was

established in 1989 to evaluate the proficiency of radon mitigators in residences and provide

information to the public on proficient mitigators. In 1991, EPA expanded the RMP Program,

adding a component to evaluate the proficiency of individuals who provide radon measurement

services in the home. In 1995, these Programs were consolidated to form the National Radon

Proficiency Program (RPP). A number of factors contributed to EPAs closing down its RPP on

September 30, 1998. In addition to EPAs budgetary constraints, the radon industry itself had

matured and appeared willing and capable of running their own proficiency program.

Prior to closing its RPP, EPA began investigating the feasibility of privatizing the RPP and

worked with stakeholders, and, in particular, the Conference of Radiation Control Program

Directors, Inc. (CRCPD) and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists(AARST), to this end.

Currently, there are two privately-run National Radon Proficiency Programs, one run by the

National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and one run by the National Radon Safety

Board (NRSB). Since the close of EPAs RPP, there have been a number of requests that EPA

offer some form of recognition of these non-Federal programs. In response to these requests,

on May 22, 2000, EPA issued draft criteria that would be used in evaluating these non-Federal

radon proficiency programs. The draft criteria were posted on EPAs web site, and sent to key

stakeholders representing States, consumers, industry, and the two current non-Federal radon

proficiency programs. EPA received fourteen individual and joint comments on the draft criteria

from a wide range of stakeholders and these comments have informed EPAs development of

the final criteria.


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II. EPAs Recognition of Non-Federal Radon Proficiency Programs

A. Recognition

1. Development of Criteria

In its 5/22/00 draft criteria, EPA proposed that it would recognize/re-evaluate privateproficiency programs every three years. This periodic review process would have

EPA play a substantial continuing role in overseeing any recognized proficiency

program which a number of commenters did not support. Moreover, some of the

commenters wanted EPA to develop criteria that would require non-Federal

proficiency programs to comply with standards well in excess of EPAs former

voluntary National Radon Proficiency Program (RPP). In consideration of thesecomments, and to further encourage States, industry, and consumers to be involved

in ensuring that non-Federal programs meet their needs, EPA has decided that it will

offer a one-time process to recognize those programs that apply within a specified

period of time.

EPA believes that it is appropriate to develop recognition criteria that call for a non-

Federal radon proficiency program to incorporate, at a minimum, program elements

that comprised EPAs former voluntary RPP. EPA continues to encourage States,

industry and consumers to work together to identify those elements that would

improve non-Federal radon proficiency programs and go beyond EPAs former

voluntary RPP. These improved elements should then be adopted as standards of

practice.

2. Application Process

Upon successful application, a non-Federal proficiency program will be recognized

as meeting EPAs minimum criteria for a residential measurement service provider

program or a residential mitigation service provider program or an analytical service

provider program. To achieve this recognition, the non-Federal program will have to

prove that it contains at least all of the components (or their equivalent) of the

applicable portion of EPAs former voluntary National Radon Proficiency Program.

These are outlined in further detail in Section III below.

EPA will issue a letter of recognition for each program (residential measurement

service provider program, residential mitigation service provider program, and/or

analytical service provider program) that satisfies EPA criteria. This will be based

solely on the information contained in the programs application(s). A copy of these

recognition letters will also be posted (see Appendix B and C for samples of each

type of letter) on http://www.epa.gov/radonpro/index.html. If an applicant does not

meet the established criteria, EPA will issue a letter to this effect, and will post this

determination on its web site.


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B. Application for Recognition

An application for EPAs recognition should be submitted to the following address so that

it will be received by EPA no later than March 1, 2001.

Mr. James W. Long

U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyIndoor Environments Division (6609J)1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

Applicants can submit one application for recognition for one or more program elements

(measurement, mitigation and/or analytical), but must fully address the criteria for each

of these recognitions in sufficient detail in separate sections of their application. Policy or

procedural manuals should be submitted in support of the application. The applicant

should highlight any deviation from the criteria in Section III below, and provide a detailed

explanation as to why the applicants program element still remains equivalent to that of

EPAs former voluntary National Radon Proficiency Program.

EPA encourages all applicants to make public the contents of their application. However,

in accordance with established EPA procedures contained in the Code of Federal

Regulations, an applicant may assert a business confidentiality claim that covers part or

all of their application. If an applicant chooses to assert such a claim, it must do so at

the time of application. Information covered by such a claim will be disclosed by EPA

only to the extent, and by means of, the procedures set forth in 40 CFR Part 2, SubpartB.

Should EPA find that an application is deficient, EPA will give the applicant notice of the

deficiencies and give the applicant 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the notice

to remedy them. Failure by the applicant to remedy the deficiencies within the 30-day

period will result in a determination that the applicant has not shown that its program

element meets EPAs criteria, and such a determination will be posted on EPAs web

site.

III. Evaluation Criteria for Analytical Service Provider Programs, and Residential

Measurement and Mitigation Service Provider Programs

A. Criteria for Recognition of an Analytical Service Provider Program

Analytical measurement services are defined as radon measurement services or

activities that include the capability to extract, read, analyze, or manipulate the data from

radon measurement device(s), and calculate the final concentration for the client testreport. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, reading and recording initial and

final voltages, printing data tapes, recording concentrations from a data window, or

downloading the data to a some form of device/system for test report generation. An

analytical service provider program shall require its participants to adhere to quality


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assurance/quality control (QA/QC) principles and appropriate radon measurement

protocols.

1. Device Performance Test

An analytical service provider program shall require a device performance test for

each radon test device or method listed by participants in its program. An analyticalservice provider program shall require participants to provide measurement results

that are within at least what EPAs former RPP required, 25% of the chamber target

value. A more detailed discussion of what EPA required in its device performance

test is contained in, U.S. EPA National Radon Proficiency Program Handbook, EPA

402-R-95-013, July 1996 which is available on the EPA website at:http://www.epa.gov/radonpro/.

2. Develop and Implement a Quality Assurance Plan

An analytical service provider program should develop criteria for a quality assurance

program and the program should require participants to adopt these criteria as they

develop their own quality assurance plan(s). An analytical service provider programshould also require participants in the program to operate by, and maintain their

quality assurance plan throughout their participation for each device listed in the

subject analytical service provider plan(s). The program should require that the

participants plan be updated whenever the program participant wishes to add a

device to a listing or certification in the program. Also, EPAs guidance on quality

assurance (Radon Measurement Proficiency Program: Guidance on Quality

Assurance, EPA document 402-R-95-012) recommends that quality assurance

program criteria provide details, practices, and procedures unique to each device

used by a radon measurement service provider. An analytical service provider

program should adopt criteria for a quality assurance plan that address all four of the

following elements.

Chain of Custody: A quality assurance plan should demonstrate custody

procedures for tracking specific measurement devices. All radon

measurement tests performed should have supporting documentation, which

provides complete chain-of-custody information. All certified or listed devices

in an analytical service provider program should carry a unique identifier, such

as a serial number. Analytical service provider programs should require

participants in their program to keep a record of the residential measurement

service providers whose devices they analyze and be specific to the devices

analyzed.

Calibration: An analytical service provider program must require its

participants to be able to describe the process, in writing, of how devicesused by participants are calibrated. EPA recommends that an analytical

service provider program should require participants in the program to have

their devices calibrated at least biennially. Calibration ensures that results of

analyses are accurate within acceptable limits. An analytical service provider


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program should require that all continuous radon and continuous working level

measurement devices display calibration information. This calibration label

should list the calibration facility, the calibration date, and the calibration

expiration date. An analytical service provider program should require

participants to maintain records of calibration certificates and/or logs for all

devices listed by the participant in the program.

Checks for Background: A quality assurance plan should also include

instructions on how to assess the effect of background radiation on

measurement results.

Spiked, Blank and Duplicate Samples: Depending on the measurement

device or method, criteria for a quality assurance plan should require that

participants regularly use of one or more of the following checks for bias and

precision.

S Spikes are samples that are exposed to a known radon concentration.S Blanks are unexposed samples.

S Duplicates are two or more measurements with identical equipmentexposed over the same time interval at the same location.

Additional guidance for analytical service provider programs in developing criteria for

quality assurance plans available under EPA Order 5360.1 A2, Policy and Program

Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-wide Quality System(May 5, 2000), which

reaffirms the policy defined under EPA Order 5360/1 (April 1984), and the EPA Order

5360 (2000), EPA Quality Manual for Environmental Programs. More information on

EPAs quality program are available at: http://www.epa.gov/quality/index.html.

3. Adhere to Protocols

An analytical service provider program shall require participants in its program toagree to adhere to the EPAs Measurement Device and Homes Protocols, that are

referenced in Appendix A, or some equivalent or better device and homes protocols.

There are many Federal, State, university, and private organizations who perform

radon measurements, therefore, it is important that an analytical service provider

program follow consistent procedures to assure accurate and reproducible

measurements, and to enable valid intercomparison of measurement results.

S Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols.

EPA Document Number 402-R-92-004, July 1992.

These protocols provide method-specific technological guidance that can be

used as the basis for standard operating procedures. In keeping with goodlaboratory practices, each program participant should develop its own detailed

instrument-specific procedures that incorporate recommendations found in

this and other radon-related protocol and guidance documents.


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S Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes.

EPA Document Number 402-R-93-003, June 1993.

4. Reassessment of Qualifications on a Biennial Basis

An analytical service provider program should require participants to remain abreast

of new developments in the radon industry and to continue to hone their skills. Theanalytical service provider program should require participants to fulfill biennial

listing/certification requirements. The biennial requirements may include device

performance tests, review of the participants quality assurance procedures, and/or a

review of the participants quality control (QC) measurement data during the previous

listing/certification period, etc.

5. Compliance with Program Requirements

An analytical service provider program shall have a compliance component and a

process for evaluating complaints, including fair procedures that afford opportunities

for providers and complainants to present their views to an impartial party (to be

determined by the analytical service provider program). EPA suggests thatconsequences (e.g., delisting/decertification for incompetence, inappropriate

practices or fraud) of program non-compliance should be clearly stated in

informational materials provided by the analytical service provider program and

should be implemented when appropriate.

B. Criteria for Recognition of a Residential Measurement Service Provider Program

A residential measurement service provider program should evaluate participants on

their knowledge in providing reliable radon measurement services in the home. EPA

considers the following components necessary elements for a residential measurement

service provider program to assess the qualifications of participants so as to ensure that

consumers receive reliable, quality measurement services.

1. Examinations

A residential measurement service provider program shall require participants to

demonstrate knowledge sufficient to provide reliable radon measurement services in

a residential setting. EPA considers the preferred method to demonstrate thisknowledge to be passing a written or, for example, a computer-based exam, as a

condition to being initially listed or certified. The exam should be designed to evaluate

an individuals knowledge necessary to ensure valid radon measurements and

effective consumer communication. EPA continues to offer an extensive list of

resources to assist in the development of an exam and as a study aid for participants

to prepare for the exam(s) (see Appendix A).


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2. Adhere to Protocols

A residential measurement service provider program shall require participants in its

program to agree to adhere to EPAs Measurement Device and Homes Protocols,

that are referenced in Appendix A, or some equivalent or better device and homes

protocols. There are many Federal, State, university, and private organizations who

perform radon measurements, therefore, it is important for that a residentialmeasurement service provider program follow consistent procedures to assure

accurate and reproducible measurements, and to enable valid intercomparison of

measurement results.

S Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols.

EPA Document Number 402-R-92-004, July 1992.

These protocols provide method-specific technological guidance that can be

used as the basis for standard operating procedures. In keeping with good

laboratory practices, each program participant should develop its own detailed

instrument-specific procedures that incorporate recommendations found in

this and other radon-related protocol and guidance documents.

S Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes.

EPA Document Number 402-R-93-003, June 1993.

3. Develop and Implement a Quality Assurance Plan

A residential measurement service provider program shall develop criteria for a

quality assurance program and the program should require participants to adapt this

criteria as they develop their own quality assurance plan(s). A residential

measurement service provider program should require that the participants plan be

updated whenever the program participant wishes to add a device to a listing or

certification in the program. Also, EPAs guidance on quality assurance (RadonMeasurement Proficiency Program: Guidance on Quality Assurance, EPA document

402-R-95-012) recommends that a quality assurance plan provide details, practices,

and procedures unique to each device used by a radon measurement service

provider. (See III.A.2. above for further EPA guidance regarding development of

quality programs.) The elements of the guidance are designed to provide a

framework for quality assurance practices that can be modified, and added to,

according to the specific needs of the measurement program.


A residential measurement service provider program should require participants to

remain abreast of new developments in the radon industry and to continue to honetheir skills. The program shall require participants to fulfill a biennial re-listing/re-

certification requirement. This requirement could be achieved by completing

continuing education requirements. A residential measurement service provider

program should demonstrate how continuing education course work is approved and


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how participants document their completion of continuing education credits. A

residential measurement service provider program that approves course providers

should require these providers to update their course materials on a regular basis to

ensure that as new technical information is developed this information is incorporated

into the course material. As part of its former continuing education program, EPA

developed course evaluation criteria that can be used as guidance in developing a

continuing education program (see Appendix A).

A residential measurement service provider program must be able to demonstrate

how its continuing education program is designed to maintain a participants relevant

knowledge in the radon field. A residential measurement service provider program

should require participants to submit documentation showing their completion of, atleast, sixteen hours of continuing education. Under its former voluntary RPP, EPA

required that at least half of these credits come from completion of program-

evaluated or approved courses, with the other half of the continuing education

requirements coming from a variety of informal radon-related activities and

experience. EPA will consider this approach acceptable for a non-Federal residential

measurement service provider program. Each formal course should include an

evaluation mechanism built into the lesson plan to ensure that attendeesdemonstrate attainment of the learning outcomes with a certificate of successful

completion awarded upon completion of the course requirements.

5. Provide Lists of Certified/Proficient Individuals

Consumers seeking the services of a radon measurement service professional need

a resource they can use to find qualified service professionals. EPA recommends

that consumers contact their State Radon Contact to determine what are the, or

whether there are, requirements associated with providing radon measurement in a

particular State. Some States maintain lists of contractors available in their state or

they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own. EPA recommends that

a residential measurement service provider program offer convenient ways forconsumers and other groups to search for their listed radon professionals in an

easily accessible media (e.g., the world wide web).


A residential measurement service provider program shall have a compliance

component and a process for evaluating complaints, including fair procedures that

afford opportunities for providers and complainants to present their views to an

impartial party (to be determined by the residential measurement service provider

program). EPA suggests that consequences (e.g., delisting/decertification for

incompetence, inappropriate practices or fraud) of program non-compliance should

be clearly stated in informational materials provided by the residential measurementservice provider program and should be implemented when appropriate.


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7. Consumer Information

In addition, a residential measurement service provider program shall require

participants to provide all customers the following information:

S The results of the radon test, including an explanation of what the test result

means in reference to established benchmarks for concern, including EPAsradon action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCurries per liter);

S If the radon test exceeds established benchmarks (such as EPAs action level

of 4 pCi/L), information about possible re-testing and information on how to

obtain mitigation services (such as is provided in EPAs Consumer's Guideto Radon Reduction How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home... EPA

Document Number 402-K-92-003).

C. Criteria for Recognition of a Residential Mitigation Service Provider Program

A residential mitigation service provider program should evaluate participants on their

knowledge in providing reliable radon mitigation services in the home. EPA considers thefollowing components necessary elements for a residential mitigation service provider

program to be able to assess the qualifications of participants so as to ensure that

consumers receive reliable, quality services.

1. Training

A residential mitigation service provider program shall incorporate requirements that

participants complete at least 16 hours of hands-on training. A residential mitigation

service provider program should be able to prove that training courses, at a

minimum, contain the guidance in EPAs Radon Mitigation Standards. EPA

Document Number 402-R-93-078, October 1993 (Revised April 1994), or equivalent

information. The EPA Radon Mitigation Standardsset a base level of performance

for all residential mitigation service providers.

2. Examinations

A residential mitigation service provider program should require participants to

demonstrate knowledge sufficient to provide reliable radon mitigation services in aresidential setting. EPA considers the preferred method to demonstrate this

knowledge to be passing a written or, for example, a computer-based exam, as a

condition to being initially listed or certified. The exam should be designed to evaluate

an individuals knowledge necessary to ensure valid radon mitigations and effective

consumer communication. EPA continues to offer an extensive list of resources to

assist in the development of an exam and as a study aid for participants to prepare

for the exam(s) (see Appendix A).


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3. Adhere to Radon Mitigation Standards

A residential mitigation service provider program shall require participants in its

program to agree to adhere to appropriate standards and protocols, such as those

found in EPAs Radon Mitigation Standards. EPA Document Number

402-R-93-078, October 1993 (Revised April 1994), or similar document.

EPAs Radon Mitigation Standards provide uniform standards that residential

mitigation service provider programs can use to ensure quality and effectiveness in

the design, installation, and evaluation of radon mitigation systems.


A residential mitigation service provider program should require participants to

remain abreast of new developments in the radon industry and to continue to hone

their skills. The program shall require participants to fulfill a biennial re-listing/re-

certification requirement. This requirement could be achieved by completing

continuing education requirements. A residential mitigation service provider program

should demonstrate how continuing education course work is approved and howparticipants document their completion of continuing education credits. A residential

mitigation service provider program that approves course providers should require

these providers to update their course materials on a regular basis to ensure that as

new technical information is developed this information is incorporated into the

course material. As part of its former continuing education program, EPA developed

course evaluation criteria that can be used as guidance in developing a continuing

education program (see Appendix A).

A residential mitigation service provider program must be able to demonstrate how its

continuing education program is designed to maintain a participants relevant

knowledge in the radon field. A residential mitigation service provider program should

require participants to submit documentation showing their completion of, at least,sixteen hours of continuing education. Under its former voluntary RPP, EPA required

that at least half of these credits come from completion of program-evaluated or

approved courses, with the other half of the continuing education requirements

coming from a variety of informal radon-related activities and experience. EPA will

consider this approach acceptable for a residential measurement service provider

program. Each formal course should include an evaluation mechanism built into the

lesson plan to ensure that attendees demonstrate attainment of the learning

outcomes with a certificate of successful completion awarded upon completion of the

course requirements.

5. Provide Lists of Certified/Proficient Individuals

Consumers seeking the services of a radon mitigation service professional need a

resource they can use to find qualified service professionals. EPA recommends that

consumers contact their State Radon Contact to determine what are the, or whether

there are, requirements associated with providing radon mitigation in a particular


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State. Some States maintain lists of contractors available in their state or they have

proficiency programs or requirements of their own. EPA recommends that a

residential mitigation service provider program offer convenient ways for consumers

and other groups to search for their listed radon professionals in an easily accessible

media (e.g., the world wide web).


A residential mitigation service provider program shall have a compliance component

and a process for evaluating complaints, including fair procedures that afford

opportunities for providers and complainants to present their views to an impartial

party (to be determined by the residential mitigation service provider program). EPAsuggests that consequences (e.g., delisting/decertification for incompetence,

inappropriate practices or fraud) of program non-compliance should be clearly stated

in informational materials provided by the residential mitigation service provider

program and should be implemented when appropriate.


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Appendix A

List of Resources

A Citizen's Guide to Radon (second edition) The guide to protecting yourself and your family

from radon. EPA Document Number 402-K-92-001, September 1994.

Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your Home... EPA

Document Number 402-K-92-003.

El Radn Gua para su proteccin y la de su familia Documento de la Agencia de los Estados

Unidos para la Proteccin Ambiental Nmero 402-K-93-005, septiembre del 1993.

Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon. EPA Document Number: 402-R-93-003, March

1993. (Note: A newly revised version of the Guideis about to be released - 402-K-00-008, July

2000).

Model Standards and Techniques for Control of Radon in New Residential Buildings.

EPA Document Number 402-R-94-009, March 1994.

Radon Mitigation Standards. EPA Document Number 402-R-93-078, October 1993 (Revised

April 1994).

Technical Support Document for the 1992 Citizen's Guide to Radon. EPA Document

Number 400-R-92-011, May 1992.

Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols. EPA

Document Number 402-R-92-004, July 1992.

Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Homes. EPA Document

Number 402-R-93-003, June 1993.

Radon Measurement Proficiency Program: Guidance on Quality Assurance , EPA

document 402-R-95-012

U.S. EPA National Radon Proficiency Program Handbook, EPA 402-R-95-013, July 1996

EPA Order 5360.1 A2, Policy and Program Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-wide

Quality System, May 5, 2000 (http://www.epa.gov/quality)


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Page 13 of 14

Appendix B

Sample Acknowledgment Letter to Successful Applicants

[Organizations Name] [Date]

[Organizations Representative]

[Address][City, State, Zip]

RE: EPAs Evaluation of Non-Federal - Residential Measurement Service Provider Programs [or

Residential Mitigation Service Provider Program or Analytical Service Provider Programs]

Dear Sir/Madam:

EPA has completed its review of your programs application dated __/__/__. Based solely

on its review of the materials submitted, EPA finds [the subject programs] residential

measurement service provider program [or residential mitigation service provider program, or

analytical service provider program] successfully satisfies EPA criteria for operation of a non-

Federal national radon proficiency program if established and implemented as described in your

application. Because of expected changes in the radon industry, this acknowledgment is only

valid through December 31, 2002, at which time this determination will expire. There will be no

extensions of this determination. This determination is not applicable if changes are made to the

program as submitted to EPA, or if it is not implemented as described to EPA. To avoid

misleading the public, you may not make public reference to this EPA determination after

December 31, 2002.

Any references to EPAs determination in advertisements should avoid misleading

consumers. We recommend that you use the following description:

EPA has reviewed [your organizations] description of its [your program name] andhas determined that the description of [your programs name] is consistent with EPAs

criteria for operation of a non-Federal residential measurement service provider program[or a residential mitigation service provider program or an analytical service provider

program]. EPA has not reviewed the actual operation of [your programs name].

We will post the results of our determination on our web site at:

http://www.epa.gov/radonpro. If you have any questions concerning this letter, you may contact

James Long of my staff at (202) 564-9433 or [email protected].

Sincerely yours,

Mary T. Smith, DirectorIndoor Environments Division


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Appendix C

Sample Letter to Applicants Who are Denied Acknowledgment

[Organizations Name] [Date]

[Organizations Representative]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip]

RE: EPA Evaluation of Non-Federal - Residential Measurement Service Provider Programs [or

Residential Mitigation Service Provider Program or Analytical Service Provider Programs]

Dear Sir/Madam:

Based on EPAs review of your submission dated __/__/00, we can not find that your

residential measurement service provider program [or residential mitigation service provider

program, or analytical service provider program] meets EPAs criteria for a non-Federal national

radon proficiency program. You have 30 calendar days from the date of your receipt of this letter

to address the concerns described in the attachment. If you fail to successfully address these

concerns within the time frame allocated, no more consideration will be given to your

submission and EPA will issue you a formal denial of your application and post the results of our

determination on the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/radonpro/.

If you have any questions concerning this determination, you may contact James Long of my

staff at (202) 564-9433 or [email protected].

Sincerely yours,

Mary T. Smith, Director

Indoor Environments Division

Attachment

Documents

EPA - Acknowledgement of Proficiency Progs