Radon precautionary areas
In radon precautionary areas, preventive radon protection measures must be provided for all new buildings in accordance with the respective provincial regulations (implementation of OIB Guideline 3).
These municipalities are defined as radon precautionary areas in the Radon Protection Ordinance (RnV), Federal Law Gazette II No. 470/2020:
| Province | Municipalities that are designated as radon precautionary areas |
|---|---|
| Burgenland | All municipalities with the exception of the municipalities in the districts: Güssing, Jennersdorf, Neusiedl am See and Oberwart |
| Carinthia | All municipalities |
| Lower Austria | All municipalities with the exception of the municipalities in the district: Bruck an der Leitha |
| Upper Austria | All municipalities with the exception of the municipalities in the district: |
| Salzburg | All municipalities |
| Styria | All municipalities with the exception of the municipalities in the district: |
| Tyrol | All municipalities |
| Vorarlberg | All municipalities in the district: |
Note
A graphic representation of the radon precaution and radon protection areas can be found on the Austrian Radon Map.
Radon precautionary measures
Radon precautionary measures in Austria are regulated by the ÖNORM S 5280 Radon - Part 2: Structural precautions for buildings described. Further information on the ÖNORM can be found here.
The scope of the radon protection measures depends on the area designation according to the radon map, the type of building (design of the components in contact with the ground or basement) and the use (habitable rooms planned in the basement area).
According to ÖNORM S 5280-2, buildings that are sealed against non-pressing or pressing water and whose connections, closures and penetrations are made convection-tight are in any case sufficiently sealed against radon convection.
Further information on precautionary measures for new buildings can be found here.
The following are examples of convection-tight designs for components in contact with the ground:
- "White tank" design in requirement class AS or A1
- Design in accordance with ÖNORM B 3692 for the load case of non-pressing or pressing water
Furthermore, the following construction design is sufficiently tight against radon convection:
Continuous foundation slab with a thickness of at least 20 cm in combination with convection-tight pipe and cable penetrations (e.g. waste water pipe, electrical cables). If vertical or horizontal concrete components in contact with the ground are connected to the foundation slab, the convection tightness must be permanently ensured with a joint sealing tape or an equivalent measure.
In addition, simple sealing measures must be provided for existing areas in contact with the ground (e.g. cellars) in the interests of optimization.
Tip
The Upper Austria subsidizes the installation of radon drainage in new buildings in radon precautionary and radon protection areas in accordance with ÖNORM S 5280-2 (precautionary type B) by providing proof from the company carrying out the construction work with 500 euros.
Advice from specially trained experts for structural radon protection can help you choose the right precautionary measures!
You can also take advantage of the free radon measurement after moving into the building!