• 01 Jan 2021 3:30 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    Current Update: (20 Jan 2022)

    Un message en français suit ci-dessous.

    We are pleased to work with Toole Peet to provide C-NRPP Professionals an insurance program.  This is a voluntary insurance package available for all C-NRPP Professionals (measurement and mitigation professionals)  The premium is on a per company basis and will cover all C-NRPP certified employees.  

    Please complete this contact form to receive more information from ToolePeet.

     Activity $2m E&O / $2m CGL $2m E&O / $5m CGL
    Radon measurement only $1,300  $1,550
    Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services $2,550 $3,050

    RATES HAVE STAYED THE SAME FOR 2022

    Important details:

    • This package would cover all certified professionals within one company as long as they are listed as employees.  All contractors would be considered separate companies.
    • This package provides coverage for companies up to $500K in Annual Revenues (annual revenue is gross without accounting for expenses), any company with revenues above that would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
    • This package is only for companies with no claims in the last five years, any company who have had a claim in the last five years would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
    • The coverage is available starting July 1.  Each company would complete an application form to apply and receive confirmation directly from the insurance company.   Ideally, we would like to get everyone signed up as of July 1.
    • If your current insurance coverage expires after July 1, you can apply as the coverage expires or cancel your current policy and apply.
    • Policy wording available upon request: info@carst.ca 

     Les tarifs n'ont pas changé pour 2022!

    L’ACSTR est heureuse d’annoncer un accord avec Toole Peet sur un régime d’assurance. Remplir un formulaire de contact avec Toole Peet pour plus d’informations.

    Activité  

    $2m E&O / $2m CGL  

    $2m E&O / $5m CGL  

    Mesure du radon seulement  

    $1 300  

    $1 550  

    Mesure, inspection, atténuation et installation associée au radon  

    $2 550  

    $3 050  

    E&O – erreurs et omissions 

    CGL – assurance commercial générale  

    Notes : 

    - L'assurance couvre tous les professionnels certifiés au sein d'une entreprise tant qu'ils sont répertoriés en tant qu'employés. Tous les entrepreneurs seraient considérés comme des entreprises distinctes. 

    - Ce forfait couvre les entreprises jusqu'à 500 000 $ de revenus annuels (les revenus annuels sont bruts sans tenir compte des dépenses), toute entreprise dont les revenus sont supérieurs à ceux qui devraient postuler individuellement et peut le faire via le même lien de candidature. 

    - Ce forfait s'adresse uniquement aux entreprises sans réclamation au cours des cinq dernières années. Toute entreprise ayant eu un sinistre au cours des cinq dernières années devra postuler individuellement et peut le faire via le même lien de candidature. 


    (April 2020)

    We are excited to announce that CARST and Toole Peet have developed an insurance package which provides our members with clear coverage at a reduced rate due to our group buying power. 

    Over the last few months we have been asking for input and we feel this package will appeal to most of our members and accommodate the issues raised by our members through our survey process. 

    The rates listed are incremental based on the eventual number of CARST members purchasing.  You will notice the prices decrease as more members buy into the program  (minimum requirement of 100 members).  It is our goal to be able to move most of our members to this package which would provide a reduced rate for everyone.  We will be aggressively seeking input from members in the next few weeks to be able to have an anticipated number by the end of April.  We will notify all members of the results at the beginning of May.

    Important details:

    • This package would cover all certified professionals within one company as long as they are listed as employees.  All contractors would be considered separate companies.
    • This package provides coverage for companies up to $500K in Annual Revenues (annual revenue is gross without accounting for expenses), any company with revenues above that would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
    • This package is only for companies with no claims in the last five years, any company who have had a claim in the last five years would need to apply individually and can do so through the same application link.
    • The coverage is available starting July 1.  Each company would complete an application form to apply and receive confirmation directly from the insurance company.   Ideally, we would like to get everyone signed up as of July 1.
    • If your current insurance coverage expires after July 1, you can apply as the coverage expires or cancel your current policy and apply.
    • Policy wording available upon request: info@carst.ca 


    In addition we are working on additional features, we will let you know once these have been made available:

    • Extra premium option for $5 mill E&O
    • Additional premium options for vapour Intrusion or methane activities


    This rate would apply if CARST had 100 members sign-on to package:

     Activity $2m E&O / $2m CGL $2m E&O / $5m CGL
    Radon measurement only $1,300  $1,550
    Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services $2,550 $3,050

    This rate would apply if CARST had 101-200 members sign-on to package:

     Activity $2m E&O / $2m CGL $2m E&O / $5m CGL
    Radon measurement only $1,150  $1,400
    Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services $2,250 $2,750

    This rate would apply if CARST had 201-1000 members sign-on to package:

     Activity $2m E&O / $2m CGL $2m E&O / $5m CGL
    Radon measurement only $1,000  $1,250
    Radon testing, inspection, mitigation and installation services $2,000 $2,500

    Update: (February 2020)

    A major need to date is the need to increase input from members.  Moving to a mandatory program would need agreement from a significant number of members.  In addition, the members who have provided input have put forward some useful suggestions to the program and coverage.

    We are waiting for updated information from the insurance representative and then we will put forward new communication to the members requesting feedback.  We will update this page as well as email out communication once received.

    Update: (January 2020)

    On Thursday, January 23, we hosted an online webinar regarding a proposed insurance package.  You can view the webinar here.

    Here is a quick update into the progress of the package. 

    Summary to date:  We are looking into a package insurance policy which would apply for all certified professionals.  We acknowledge that often for our members obtaining insurance has been time consuming, expensive and challenging and so we have made it a priority to investigate a way to alleviate these issues.

    Currently, we have a proposed package for our members and as discussed in the webinar our insurance contact is pursuing other options to obtain a package to meet all the needs of our members.

    We welcome input from our C-NRPP Professionals.  Please continue to provide us with your input through the C-NRPP Facebook page, Online Survey or email (info@carst.ca).

    (Note: the C-NRPP Facebook group is a closed discussion available for C-NRPP professionals, if you are certified please send a request and you will be added).

    The CARST Board discussed next steps at their February 11 board meeting.  To date, the board is deciding between a mandatory, all inclusive type package which would be quite cost effective and a group policy which would allow members to opt out but would not provide the same level of pricing.

  • 16 Dec 2020 1:40 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists

    Récapitulation 2020

    Nous arrivons de nouveau à ce moment de l’année ! Avec le Mois de la sensibilisation au radon derrière nous et les Fêtes qui approchent à grands pas, il ny a pas de meilleur moment pour prendre un moment pour évaluer la dernière année. Et quelle année cela a été ! Malgré les défis actuels posés par la COVID-19, la plupart des parties prenantes du radon nous disent que les affaires sont en plein essor.

    Alors que la gestion d’une entreprise en pleine pandémie exige une flexibilité et une créativité sans précédent, les confinements et les mesures de santé et de sécurité semblent n’avoir fait que sensibiliser davantage les Canadiens au fait que la qualité de l’air dans leur maison est une chose dont ils devraient se soucier. Comme presque tout le monde passe plus de temps à la maison, le message ne pouvait pas arriver à un meilleur moment.

    À l’ACSTR, nous nous sommes adaptés pour répondre aux besoins changeants des professionnels en radon tout en poursuivant les projets en cours. Consultez nos nouvelles ressources pour les propriétaires et les locataires ici. De plus, cette année, les villes de Kelowna, Edmonton et Regina ainsi que la province du Manitoba ont toutes proclamé le mois de novembre « le Mois de la sensibilisation au radon » grâce à nos efforts !


    FACEBOOK  •  TWITTER   
    Unsubscribe


  • 16 Dec 2020 1:37 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    C-NRPP continues to be a driving force in radon research. The following projects are all ongoing:

    - The COIRA (Coalition of International Radon Associations) Chamber Intercomparison project is the first of its kind. As radon reference devices travel from chamber to chamber across the globe, the data so far is very promising. The devices are currently in Australia, making progress despite the pandemic. C-NRPP holds a leading role in moving the project forward.

    - The Canadian passive device comparison – another first. Taking notes from Public Health England’s bi-annual efforts, C-NRPP is currently comparing all the passive radon detectors available for purchase in Canada. Results should be available in 2021.

    - Radon device placement: does it really matter if you place that detector near an outside wall? What about in a drawer? Every radon professional has their theories, but only proper research will give us the answers. C-NRPP has begun this research, with results not anticipated until late in 2021 or possibly 2022.

    Consumer Device Comparison – follow-up research. Last year’s C-NRPP's  A comparison of consumer-grade electronic radon monitors was another first, with the results in high demand. (link to research) This year C-NRPP continues that research, beginning an investigation into the lifespan of consumer-grade electronic radon monitors, which continue to flood the market. With the initial research being published in the Journal of Radiological Protection, the second round of results may be available late in 2021.

    - C-NRPP has developed a Technical Bulletin: Decision to Mitigate to help answer your client’s questions on radon testing. This bulletin is intended to assist a professional when faced with a homeowner who has tested their home for radon using a device or method which is not in accordance with Health Canada’s guidelines. It is expected that the radon mitigation professional help the homeowner to understand whether their radon measurement was conducted in accordance with Health Canada’s guidelines, and be able to explain how deviating from the guidelines may affect the test result.

    - Finally, a reminder to all C-NRPP professionals to keep up the good work, and continue to follow all regional public health guidelines as you visit clients. We recommend that our professionals take an approach of prevention and preparedness with respect to COVID-19, to protect themselves and their employees, as well as the occupants of the buildings where measurement and mitigation activities are conducted. See our COVID statement here.


  • 16 Dec 2020 1:32 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    Le PNCR-C continue d’être une force directrice dans la recherche sur le radon. Les projets suivants sont tous en cours :

    - Le Projet de comparaison entre les chambres du COIRA (Coalition of International Radon Associations) est le premier de son genre. Comme les dispositifs de référence du radon se déplacent de chambre en chambre à travers le monde, les données recueillies jusqu’à présent sont très prometteuses. Les appareils se trouvent actuellement en Australie, où ils progressent malgré la pandémie. Le PNCR-C joue un rôle moteur dans l’avancement du projet.

    - La comparaison des dispositifs passifs canadiens — une autre première. Prenant note des efforts semestriels de Public Health England, le PNCR-C compare actuellement tous les détecteurs passifs de radon offerts à l’achat au Canada. Les résultats devraient être disponibles en 2021.

    - L’emplacement du détecteur de radon : est-il vraiment important si l’on place ce détecteur près d’un mur extérieur ? Et dans un tiroir ? Chaque professionnel en radon a ses théories, mais seules des recherches appropriées nous donneront les réponses. Le PNCR-C a commencé ces recherches, dont les résultats ne sont pas attendus avant la fin de 2021 ou peut-être 2022.

    - La comparaison des appareils pour consommateurs — recherche de suivi. La comparaison de l’année dernière des appareils électroniques de mesure du radon destinés aux consommateurs était une autre première, dont les résultats ont été très attendus. (article disponible ici en anglais) Cette année, le PNCR-C poursuit cette recherche en commençant une enquête sur la durée de vie des appareils électroniques de radon pour consommateurs, car ces appareils continuent à inonder le marché. La recherche initiale étant publiée dans le Journal of Radiological Protection et la deuxième série de résultats pourrait être disponible à la fin de 2021.

    - Le PNCR-C a élaboré un Bulletin technique : La décision d’atténuer pour aider à répondre aux questions de vos clients sur le dépistage du radon. Ce bulletin est destiné à aider un professionnel lorsqu’il est confronté à un propriétaire qui a effectué une mesure de radon dans sa maison en utilisant un appareil ou une méthode qui n’est pas conforme aux lignes directrices de Santé Canada. On s’attend à ce que le professionnel en atténuation du radon aide le propriétaire à comprendre si sa mesure de radon a été effectuée conformément aux lignes directrices de Santé Canada, et qu’il est en mesure d’expliquer comment un écart par rapport aux lignes directrices peut affecter le résultat de la mesure.

    - Enfin, nous rappelons à tous les professionnels du PNCR-C de continuer à faire du bon travail et de suivre toutes les directives régionales de santé publique lors de leurs visites aux clients. Nous recommandons à nos professionnels d’adopter une approche de prévention et de préparation en ce qui concerne la COVID-19, afin de se protéger et de protéger leurs employés, ainsi que les occupants des bâtiments où les activités de mesure et d’atténuation sont menées.  Cliquez ici pour DÉCLARATION DU PNCR-C À PROPOS DU COVID-19


  • 15 Dec 2020 1:24 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    At CARST, we’ve seen the value of engaging with provinces and municipalities to talk with them about radon, and so this October and November we reached out to a number of cities and provinces informing the mayor and councils or ministers about radon statistics for their regions as well as asking them to proclaim November as Radon Action Month. 

    The result was the cities of Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary and Regina all proclaimed November as Radon Action Month as well as the province of Manitoba!


     



  • 27 Jun 2020 3:06 PM | Erin Curry (Administrator)

    There has been a lot of discussion as to whether the radon clauses in the current Ontario Building code would be modified for 2019.  For the moment, they will not.  As it’s currently written, the Ontario Building Code does allow communities to take action on radon.

    You can find the most recent changes to the Ontario Building as they were posted on May 2, 2019: http://www.codenews.ca/.  These changes will be implemented as of January 1, 2020.  It is our understanding that the sections of the building code that reference radon will not be changed.  As a result, it is up to each municipality to determine if they are an area where, “radon gases are known to be a problem” 

    This provides municipalities with the opportunity and responsibility to determine if they should be implementing radon gas measures.  They can refer to SB9 for guidance on the development of their radon gas measures.  For those municipalities who are making decisions, many are being proactive by conducting radon surveys.  Take Action on Radon has also developed the 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge to support municipalities in this. 

    Find more details om the TAOR 100 Radon Test Kit Challenge here…. https://takeactiononradon.ca/100-radon-test-kit-challenge/

    To date there have been a few municipalities who have created their own program.  We have listed the ones we know about below:

    Thunder Bay:

    https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-services/resources/Documents/TB198---Single-Family-Dwelling-16.pdf

    Guelph:

    https://guelph.ca/city-hall/building-permits-inspections/residential-building-permits/radon/

    Central Elgin:

    https://www.centralelgin.org/en/business-development/resources/Documents/Radon-Bulletin.pdf

    Grey Bruce:

    https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Documents/Publications/General%20Reports/Radon%20Policy%20Statement.pdf

    Perth:

    https://www.pertheast.ca/en/municipal-services/resources/Building-Dept.-/Radon-Gas-Program.pdf

    City of Kingston: 

    https://www.cityofkingston.ca/resident/building-renovating/radon-gas-mitigation

    Hamilton:

    https://www.hamilton.ca/build-invest-grow/construction-renovation/residential-building-renovation/residential-construction

    Ottawa:

    https://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents/files/radon_soil_gas_advisory_en.pdf


  • 19 Mar 2020 3:50 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    (This page is was last updated June 1, 2020)

    We know this is a difficult time for all our members and there are a lot of difficult decisions to be made these days.

    Ceci est un temps difficile pour tous nos professionnels. ACSTR a compilé une liste de liens qui pourraient être utiles, en incluant des liens au laboratoires d'analyse.


    CARST webinar: COVID-19 Back to Radon Mitigation and Measurement Webinar


    During our webinar we made reference to a guideline resource document that we have developed.  Here is the link for the resource document, which includes all the links that were previously listed on this page.

    CARSTs COVID Guideline Resource Document

    Here is the link for the COVID Quiz to obtain your Certificate for your C-NRPP renewal:     COVID-19 Quiz to be completed for certificate


    Presentation Decks from the Webinar:

    COVID Presentation with Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol

    CARST Presentation on Steps for preparing to get back to work

    Practical perspective with Jeff Leblanc



    ACSTR webinare: COVID-19 Reprise du travail d’atténuation et des mesures de radon et les Subventions de OTDR


     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPXLsSTgODk&t=2s


    ACSTR COVID_ Retour au travail Guide pour les professionnels de radon

    Quiz à compléter pour certificat


    Liens:

    Présentation COVID de Dre. Anne-Marie Nicol

    Présentation de l'ACSTR pour le retour au travail

    Présentation pratique avec Jeff Leblanc



    Do you have any suggestions that you can share with fellow professionals on how you are handling this with your business?  Click the blue square at the top left  of this post to add your comments.


  • 20 Jan 2020 12:54 PM | CARST (Administrator)

    Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists

    Helping Canadians Reduce Radon RiskHelping Canadians Reduce Radon Risk

    Quick Update & Upcoming Dates


    Happy New Year to all our members and radon stakeholders!  As we all shift back into gear after the holidays, we wanted to send out a quick bulletin to remind you of some upcoming deadlines and events.


    Insurance Webinar


    C-NRPP professionals: don't forget to join us this Thursday, January 23rd as we discuss insurance package options with Adam Thomson of Toole Peet Insurance.  You can sign up for the webinar by clicking here. In preparation for the webinar, please fill out our brief Insurance Survey so that we’re prepared with your general questions.

    Call for Nominations


    Announcing CARST's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday April 20, 2020, noon PST at the Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria, BC.

    Each year we hold our AGM during our annual conference.  The AGM is open to all CARST members, and is an opportunity for members to hear about the work that we have been doing on your behalf and ask questions or provide input directly to your board of directors and admin team.  The AGM is also where CARST members vote for their board of directors and any important orders of business.

    This year, there will be two long-standing members stepping down and two members of the board up for re-election.  As a CARST member we encourage you to consider putting your name forward for the board of directors.

    If you know someone who would make a great candidate for the CARST Board of Directors, now is the time to encourage them to join us. 

    The call for nominations is now open - please submit your nominations here.


    Awareness Contest

    Are you a CARST member?  Have you done something to help raise radon awareness this radon season?  If so, you're eligible to win a FREE registration to CARST's 2020 Conference in Victoria BC!  Whether you gave interviews, manned a booth, ran an article in the local paper or met with local stakeholders, we want to hear about it.  Fill out the online form to submit your application by clicking here. Contest is open until January 31st 2020 for any activities carried out between November 1 2019 and January 31st 2020.



    Real Estate Guideline

    Since the release of the Radon & Real-Estate Guideline last year, we have been gathering feedback with the goal of updating the guidelines this February. We invite you to submit your feedback on the guideline by the end of January so that we may include it in our discussions. We have two different surveys available and we ask that you take time to review them both:  Sharing your data with us, will help us supplement the research that the Radon & Real-Estate Guideline was based on.



    CARST Programs & Resources


    Don't forget TakeActionOnRadon Resources: Radon pins, radon window clings, Bookmarks and online tools! 


    Upcoming Events

Menu
Log in