Noise Monitoring Service

Excessive workplace noise is classed as a hazard and must therefore be assessed and monitored if necessary according to Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007.  Assessments and monitoring are conducted by Safety Office staff when required or requested.  The University’s policy on workplace noise is available in your colleges/schools/disciplines/sections copy of the University Safety Statement in Section 5.24. For further details on workplace noise see the Health and Safety Authority website.

Radon Monitoring Service

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas; it is colourless, odourless and tasteless and can only be measured using specific equipment.  Radon can sometimes accumulate indoors to unacceptable high concentrations and in such circumstances can increase the risk of lung cancer.

The Safety Office undertakes to measure radon gas levels in the workplace, according to the Radiological Protection Act, 1991, Ionising Radiation Order, 2000. Basement and ground-floor work spaces are monitored for radon gas and the results are relayed to the occupants and to the Buildings Office.  If the gas level is above the threshold then appropriate work is undertaken by the Buildings Office to reduce it. The university’s policy on radon in the workplace is available in the Buildings Office copy of the university safety statement in Section 5.30.
Further detailed information can be obtained from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.

Asbestos Monitoring Service

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 2006, place a legal requirement on the university to manage asbestos in the workplace. In compliance with the legislation the university is obliged to assess the risk to an employee’s health and safety resulting from any activity which involves or may involve exposure to asbestos.  The University’s safety policy on workplace asbestos and procedures in the event of suspecting or discovering asbestos is available in your colleges/schools/disciplines/sections copy of the university safety statement in Section 5.15c. The Safety Office must be informed immediately if you suspect or discover asbestos.  While the asbestos is being removed from any particular workplace the Safety Office, in conjunction with the Buildings Office, will arrange for reassurance monitoring where required.

Relevant Extracts from NUI Galway Safety Statement

Part 5.30 (Radon)
Part 5.24 (Noise)
Part 5.15c (Asbestos)