Quick Answer

Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards (Document 294-2309-002), issued by the PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection and effective March 4, 2023, establishes mandatory installation requirements for all DEP-certified radon mitigators. Authority derives from 25 Pa. Code § 240 and the Radon Certification Act. Key requirements: vent fan must not be in conditioned space, vent pipe must terminate 10+ feet above grade and 10+ feet from openings, post-mitigation test required within 24–30 days of system activation.

Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards (294-2309-002): Complete Requirements Guide

Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards document 294-2309-002, effective March 4, 2023, is the binding technical standard issued by the PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection governing the design, installation, and evaluation of radon mitigation systems in residential buildings of three stories or fewer. The document draws its authority from 25 Pa. Code § 240 and the Radon Certification Act (63 P.S. §§ 2001–2014), and it incorporates ANSI/AARST SGM-SF 2017 as its primary reference standard. Every individual and firm holding a DEP certification for radon mitigation work in Pennsylvania must follow its provisions, and failure to comply can result in decertification, suspension, or civil penalties under § 6.3. This guide breaks down the full requirements — from pre-installation diagnostics through post-mitigation testing and record retention — so homeowners can verify contractor compliance and understand what a properly installed system looks like.

Document Authority, Scope, and Enforcement

Document 294-2309-002 was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Radiation Protection with an effective date of March 4, 2023. It supersedes earlier guidance and represents the current uniform standard for residential radon mitigation in the Commonwealth. The document is not advisory — it is the operational expression of binding regulatory authority under 25 Pa. Code § 240, the Radon Certification Act (63 P.S. §§ 2001–2014), and the Radiation Protection Act (P.L. 688, No. 147).

The scope of 294-2309-002 is defined at the outset: it applies to the installation of radon mitigation systems in detached and attached residential buildings with three stories or fewer. This covers the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvania housing stock — single-family homes, townhomes, and low-rise attached dwellings. Commercial buildings, schools, and multi-family structures with more than three stories are governed by separate ANSI/AARST standards, though the regulatory framework under PA Code § 240 applies in all cases.

Who must comply is clearly defined. All individuals and firms certified under PA Code § 240.112 to perform radon mitigation work in Pennsylvania are bound by 294-2309-002 for every system they install. There is no exception for homeowners performing work on their own property in a commercial context, and there is no grandfather provision exempting contractors certified before the 2023 effective date. The standard applies to all covered mitigation work regardless of when the contractor received their certification.

Enforcement is handled by the PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection. Under § 6.3, DEP has the authority to inspect systems installed by certified mitigators, review installation records, and investigate complaints from homeowners. Violations of the standard may result in decertification (permanent loss of certification), suspension (temporary loss pending remediation of the violation), or civil penalties assessed under the Radon Certification Act. Homeowners who suspect a contractor has not complied with 294-2309-002 may file a complaint with the PA DEP Radon Division.

The document uses precise language to distinguish mandatory from recommended requirements, per § 6.4. The word “shall” indicates a mandatory requirement — the contractor has no discretion, and deviation constitutes a violation. The words “should” and “recommended” indicate good practice that the contractor is expected to follow under normal conditions but that may be adapted based on site-specific circumstances, provided the deviation is documented and justified. Throughout this guide, the distinction between “shall” and “should/recommended” is maintained to accurately represent each requirement's legal weight.

The primary reference standard for 294-2309-002 is ANSI/AARST SGM-SF 2017 — the American National Standard for Radon Mitigation Standards for Single Family Homes (§ 8.18). Where the Pennsylvania standard is silent on a specific technical question, ANSI/AARST SGM-SF 2017 governs. Certified contractors are expected to be familiar with both documents, as together they constitute the complete technical framework for residential mitigation work in Pennsylvania.

Note on research deviations (§ 7.6): The provisions of 294-2309-002 are limited to proven technologies. Certified mitigators who expect to deviate from proven techniques for research purposes must obtain written approval from DEP prior to initiation of work, per § 7.6. Experimental or unproven mitigation approaches — regardless of how promising they may appear — require advance written DEP authorization and cannot be installed under the standard certification.

Building Investigation and Pre-Installation Diagnostic Requirements

Before any radon mitigation work begins, the certified contractor is required to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the building. This is not optional — per § 11.1, the visual inspection is mandated by 25 Pa. Code § 240.308(a) and must be completed before any mitigation work is initiated, including before a bid is submitted. The inspection must cover foundation type, floor plan, HVAC system configuration, presence of sumps or drains, natural draft appliances, and any features that will affect system design or installation safety.

Following the visual inspection, the contractor should consider a range of diagnostic tests to characterize the building before committing to a system design. Per § 11.2, recommended diagnostics include radon grab sampling to confirm elevated radon in specific areas, communication tests using vacuum pressure to assess how well the sub-slab zone distributes pressure, and chemical smoke sticks placed at cracks and penetrations to identify visible sub-slab communication pathways. These tests are categorized as “recommended” rather than “shall,” meaning they are expected under standard practice but may be omitted when the building type and foundation characteristics make them unnecessary.

Where sub-slab depressurization (SSD) is the contemplated mitigation approach and the sub-slab material characteristics are unknown, § 11.4 specifically recommends conducting a communication test. The objective is to determine whether adequate pressure field extension can be achieved from a single suction point, or whether multiple points will be required. In Pennsylvania homes with poured concrete slabs over gravel fill, communication is typically good. In homes with slab-on-clay or tightly compacted fill, communication may be severely limited, requiring additional suction points and a larger or higher-static-pressure fan.

Per § 11.5, a floor plan sketch should be developed before system installation, showing: load-bearing walls (which cannot be penetrated for pipe routing), floor drains, sump pits and their connections, HVAC systems and ductwork layouts, natural draft appliances (furnaces, water heaters) whose combustion air supply must not be disrupted by sub-slab depressurization, and the anticipated layout of mitigation system piping and fan location. This sketch should be retained as part of the installation record and provided to the homeowner.

Section 11.6 requires special caution during the drilling phase. Before any slab penetration is made, the contractor must verify the location of buried gas, water, and electrical lines using utility marking services or building plans. Radiant heat systems embedded in slabs require particular caution — a drill through a radiant heat tube can cause significant damage requiring costly repair. Post-tension slabs, which are reinforced with tensioned cables embedded in the concrete, must never be core-drilled without engineering review; cutting a post-tension cable can cause catastrophic structural failure. Contractors encountering a suspected post-tension slab must stop and consult with a structural engineer before proceeding.

The sub-slab communication test procedure, when performed, involves applying vacuum at the proposed suction point and measuring the pressure differential at secondary holes at varying distances using a digital micromanometer. A positive result — confirming that the sub-slab zone communicates adequately — typically shows a measurable negative pressure relative to the building interior at points distributed across the suction field. The smoke observation method, in which smoke sticks placed at cracks or drain openings show air movement toward sub-slab access points, is an acceptable alternative or supplementary method for confirming communication.

Worker Health and Safety Requirements (§ 12.0)

Section 12.0 of 294-2309-002 establishes comprehensive worker health and safety requirements for radon mitigation work. All contractors must comply with applicable OSHA standards for construction work, including requirements for fall protection, respiratory protection, and electrical safety. The radon-specific exposure limit for workers is 4 working level months (WLM) annually — a figure derived from the OSHA permissible exposure limit for occupational radon, per § 12.2.8. Contractors performing intensive work in high-radon environments must monitor worker exposures and ensure they remain below this threshold.

Silica dust is a significant hazard during the drilling phase. Core drilling through concrete generates respirable crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis with repeated exposure. Contractors must use appropriate respiratory protection — at minimum an N95 respirator, and preferably a supplied-air respirator for prolonged drilling — and should use wet drilling methods or vacuum-shrouded core drills to suppress dust at the source. All electrical equipment used on-site must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) per § 12.2.4. A fire extinguisher must be accessible on-site during all phases of work. Where asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed — particularly in older Pennsylvania homes with vermiculite insulation in block walls, or chrysotile asbestos in floor tile adhesives — § 12.2.9 requires that asbestos protocols be followed before any work proceeds.

Radon Vent Pipe Installation Requirements (PA Code § 240.308)

The vent pipe requirements in § 240.308 and the supporting provisions of § 14.2 and § 15.2 of 294-2309-002 are among the most frequently referenced sections of the standard — both by DEP inspectors evaluating completed systems and by homeowners verifying that their contractor installed the system correctly. Improper vent pipe routing and termination are the most common violations observed in substandard mitigation installations. The requirements below represent the statutory and technical floor for all Pennsylvania residential mitigation systems.

Pipe Materials and Support (§ 14.2 and § 15.2)

Per § 15.2, radon vent piping must be a minimum of Schedule 20 PVC, ABS, or an equivalent material rated for the application. Schedule 40 is required in garages and any location subject to physical damage — including areas where vehicles or equipment could contact the pipe, and interior runs exposed in unfinished spaces where impact is plausible. PVC pipe installed in locations exposed to direct sunlight must be formulated for outdoor use and must be painted to protect against UV degradation; unpainted standard PVC will become brittle and crack within a few seasons of outdoor exposure in Pennsylvania's climate. For exterior above-grade runs, Schedule 40 PVC is recommended; aluminum or PVC downspout material is an acceptable alternative, with a 3×4-inch downspout transition required where 4-inch PVC connects to downspout sections.

Pipe support and fastening are addressed in § 14.2.3 and § 14.2.4. All vent piping must be fastened with appropriate hangers or strapping and may not be supported by existing plumbing pipes, HVAC ducts, or mechanical equipment. For horizontal runs, supports must be placed at a minimum of every 6 feet. For vertical runs, the pipe must be secured above or below each floor or ceiling penetration, or at a minimum of every 10 feet for extended vertical runs. Exterior pipe must be secured within 3 feet of the termination point to prevent wind movement that could loosen connections or allow the pipe to shift away from its proper termination orientation.

Drainage is addressed in § 14.2.6, which requires that piping be installed so that rainwater and condensation drain downward into the sub-slab, away from the fan and out of the pipe rather than pooling in low spots. The recommended slope is 1/8 inch per foot of pipe run. Condensate that collects in fan housings or horizontal pipe runs can reduce fan efficiency and cause corrosion; proper slope ensures that any water that enters the system drains back to the sub-slab rather than accumulating in the pipe. Horizontal runs should be sloped toward the suction side of the fan wherever possible.

Termination Point Requirements — PA Code § 240.308(b)(1-5)

The vent pipe termination location is among the most safety-critical requirements in the standard. Radon discharged at the termination point must not be able to re-enter the building through windows, doors, HVAC intakes, or openings in adjacent structures. The following requirements are statutory under PA Code § 240.308(b) and apply to all active mitigation systems:

  1. The termination point must be above the immediate edge of the roof for pipes attached to the side of the building. Pipes terminating at the side of the building below the roofline do not comply, regardless of height above grade.
  2. The pipe must discharge vertically upward outside the structure. A 45-degree elbow at the termination is permitted and does not constitute non-compliance with the vertical discharge requirement. Rain caps are explicitly prohibited — they restrict airflow and create a location where radon can accumulate before discharge.
  3. The termination must be 10 feet or more above ground level at the nearest point of the ground surface directly below or adjacent to the discharge point.
  4. The termination must be 10 feet or more from any operable window, door, or other opening into conditioned spaces — or, where physical clearance cannot be achieved, the termination must be at least 2 feet above the top of any such opening. Horizontal measurement may follow the shortest path around intervening solid objects such as walls. A chimney is not classified as an opening into conditioned spaces for the purpose of this calculation.
  5. The termination must be at least 5 feet horizontally from a vertical wall extending above the roof, to prevent radon from being deflected downward and toward roof-level penetrations.
  6. The termination must be 10 feet or more from any opening into an adjacent structure, and for pipes penetrating through the roof (rather than the building side), the termination must be at least 12 inches above the roof surface.

These termination requirements are the most common source of homeowner complaints about improperly installed systems. A termination that discharges below the roofline, within 10 feet of a window, or that is capped with a rain cap represents a code violation that homeowners may report to the PA DEP Radon Division. When verifying a contractor's work, measure the termination height above grade and count the linear distance from the nearest operable window. Both measurements must meet the statutory minimums.

Radon Vent Fan Installation Requirements (PA Code § 240.308(c))

The radon vent fan is the active component of a sub-slab depressurization system, creating the pressure differential that draws radon-bearing soil gas from beneath the slab and forces it through the vent pipe to the exterior. Fan placement, specification, and installation are tightly regulated because improperly installed fans can fail to create adequate suction, introduce radon into conditioned spaces if located indoors, or create hazardous electrical conditions.

Section 14.3.1 requires that fans used in radon mitigation systems be designed specifically for radon removal applications. General-purpose ventilation fans, bathroom exhaust fans, and HVAC blowers are not acceptable substitutes. Radon-specific fans are engineered to operate continuously, are constructed of materials resistant to corrosion from radon decay products and condensation, and are rated for the static pressure and airflow requirements typical of sub-slab depressurization. The fan must be appropriate for the sub-slab conditions — a fan that is undersized for high-resistance soil conditions will be unable to create adequate pressure field extension across the full slab footprint.

The statutory prohibition on fan placement is among the most important provisions for homeowners to understand. Under PA Code § 240.308(c)(1-2), incorporated in § 14.3.3, a radon vent fan used in active soil depressurization or block wall depressurization may not be installed: below grade; in a window well or egress window well; in the conditioned space of a building; in a basement; in a crawl space; or in any interior location directly beneath heated or cooled spaces. The rationale is straightforward — a fan located inside the building envelope means that any air leak in the system upstream of the fan (at pipe joints, around the suction pit, at slab penetrations) would draw radon-laden soil gas directly into the conditioned space rather than exhausting it to the exterior. Acceptable installation locations are limited to: attics not suitable for occupancy, garages not located beneath conditioned spaces, and the exterior of the building.

Section 14.3.4 addresses condensation management. Fans must be installed in vertical pipe runs to minimize condensate accumulation in the fan housing. Where condensate bypasses around the fan are installed — a technique used to allow water to drain past the fan without passing through it — those bypasses must be insulated to prevent freezing in Pennsylvania winters. A frozen condensate bypass can block drainage and cause water to back up into the fan housing, shortening fan life and potentially causing fan seizure. Fans mounted on the exterior of the building (§ 14.3.5) must be rated for outdoor use or installed in a watertight protective housing that prevents water infiltration from rain and snow while maintaining adequate airflow.

Fan mounting must minimize vibration transfer to structural framing (§ 14.3.6). Radon fans operate continuously, often for years, and fan vibration transmitted to floor joists or wall framing will produce an annoying hum throughout the structure. Rubber-isolated mounting brackets or flexible couplings between the fan and the rigid pipe runs are the standard approach. Section 14.3.7 further requires that fans be installed using removable, airtight couplings to facilitate maintenance and replacement — a fan that cannot be removed without cutting the pipe is a maintenance problem deferred to the next system failure, typically at the worst possible time.

Electrical disconnection requirements under § 14.6.5 are firm. All radon fans must have a dedicated means of disconnect. For interior fan installations (limited to the permitted locations above), the disconnect may be a plugged cord or an accessible disconnect switch. For exterior fans, an exterior-rated disconnect switch is required — a plugged cord is only acceptable for fans below 1/8 horsepower. In all cases, the disconnect switch or outlet must be within the line of sight of the fan, so that any person working on the fan can confirm the power is disconnected without walking away from the fan location. The circuit breaker controlling the fan must be labeled as part of the mandatory system labeling requirements.

Two fan models are widely used in Pennsylvania residential ASD applications and are worth noting as factual context for homeowners verifying their contractor's equipment selection. The RadonAway RP145 is the industry-standard fan for most Pennsylvania residential installations — it is appropriate for moderate sub-slab resistance conditions, typical slab footprints, and single-zone systems. The RadonAway GP501 is used where sub-slab conditions present higher resistance: dense clay or silt beneath the slab, large footprint homes requiring greater pressure field extension, or multi-zone systems with longer pipe runs. These selections represent standard practice, not an endorsement; contractors may use other fans provided they are designed specifically for radon removal and are sized appropriately for site conditions.

Foundation Sealing Requirements (PA Code § 240.308(d))

Foundation sealing is an integral component of any radon mitigation system. Without adequate sealing, conditioned air from the living space will be drawn into the sub-slab zone through cracks and openings to replace the soil gas being exhausted by the fan — a phenomenon called air short-circuiting. Short-circuiting reduces system effectiveness by limiting the pressure differential the fan can maintain across the sub-slab, and it increases heating and cooling costs by depressurizing the conditioned space. Proper sealing isolates the sub-slab zone from the living space and maximizes the fan's ability to extend pressure field extension across the full slab footprint.

PA Code § 240.308(d)(1)(i-v), incorporated in § 14.5.1 of 294-2309-002, specifies the locations that must be sealed when accessible. These are statutory requirements — where the listed features are accessible to the contractor, sealing is mandatory, not optional. The required sealing locations are: perimeter channel drains where the slab meets the foundation wall; cracks at the floor-wall joint where the slab meets the foundation wall; expansion joints and control joints in the slab; openings around utility penetrations of foundation walls (gas lines, water lines, electrical conduits, drain pipes); and sump pits that allow soil gas entry into the building or conditioned air draw from the building into the sump.

The required sealant material is urethane caulk or an equivalent that is permanent and durable. Urethane and polyurethane sealants complying with ASTM C920 Class 25 or greater are specifically recommended for slabs and floor-wall joints — Class 25 sealants are formulated to accommodate movement of 25% of the joint width without cracking or adhesion failure. This flexibility matters because concrete slabs experience thermal movement and minor settlement over time, and a rigid sealant will crack and lose effectiveness within a few years. Expanding foam is explicitly prohibited for crack sealing under § 15.5 — it degrades over time, is not sufficiently durable, and does not maintain adhesion through the movement cycles typical of a residential slab.

The width rule in § 240.308(d)(2) addresses openings and channels that exceed 1/2 inch in width. When any crack, joint, or opening is wider than 1/2 inch, a foam backer rod must be inserted into the opening before the sealant is applied. The backer rod controls sealant depth, provides a backing surface for the caulk to adhere to, and allows the sealant to form the proper hour-glass profile for maximum flexibility and adhesion. The backer rod must be sized to compress 25–30% upon insertion and must leave adequate space below for sub-slab drainage — it should not completely fill the channel beneath it.

Block wall depressurization systems — used in older Pennsylvania homes with hollow concrete masonry unit (CMU) foundations rather than poured concrete — require additional sealing per § 14.5.2. All openings in the tops of block walls and interior exposed block wall surfaces must be sealed using urethane caulk, expandable foam (permitted in this specific application, unlike slab crack sealing), rigid board stock, non-shrink grout, or comparable materials. The objective is to seal the interior of the block wall cavity from the living space so that the negative pressure generated by the fan draws soil gas through the block wall from the exterior rather than drawing conditioned air from the interior through block-wall voids.

For sub-membrane crawl space systems — installed in homes with dirt-floor crawl spaces — § 14.5.5 addresses membrane sealing requirements. Membrane seams must be overlapped at least 12 inches and sealed, the membrane must be sealed around interior piers, and the membrane edges must be sealed to all crawl space wall surfaces. Duct tape not specifically designed for membrane sealing and standard expanding foam are not permitted as long-lived sealants for membrane edges — both degrade rapidly in the temperature cycling and humidity conditions typical of a Pennsylvania crawl space. Membrane-rated tape and urethane-based sealants are the appropriate materials for this application.

System Monitors, Labeling, and Post-Mitigation Testing Requirements

Performance Monitoring (§ 16.1)

Every active mitigation system installed in Pennsylvania must include a fan performance monitoring mechanism that allows building occupants to verify that the system is operating correctly. Per § 16.1, acceptable monitoring mechanisms include: a magnehelic gauge (measures pressure differential across the fan), a liquid-filled U-tube manometer (measures vacuum in the sub-slab zone), an airflow meter, or an amperage meter. The monitoring device must be simple for a non-technical occupant to read, must be located where it is visible to building occupants during the course of normal occupancy (not hidden in an unfinished utility space), and must be installed in a position where it is unlikely to be damaged by normal household activities.

The final system vacuum reading, airflow measurement, or amperage reading — whichever corresponds to the monitoring device installed — must be recorded on a label affixed at the gauge location. This baseline reading allows homeowners and subsequent contractors to determine at a glance whether system performance has changed from its initial installation state. A significant drop in vacuum or airflow typically indicates a fan failure, a sealed opening that has reopened, or a developing problem with the sub-slab communication zone. A significant increase can indicate a pipe failure, a new pathway through the foundation, or a change in soil conditions beneath the slab.

Mandatory System Labeling (PA Code § 240.308(e))

The system labeling requirements in PA Code § 240.308(e) are statutory and non-negotiable. Labels provide homeowners, future contractors, home inspectors, and emergency responders with critical information about the system. The following requirements apply to every active mitigation system installed in Pennsylvania:

  1. A system description label must be permanently and prominently affixed to the mitigation system piping — or in another prominent location if the system piping is concealed within a wall cavity or chase. The label must be legible from at least 3 feet.
  2. The label must include the words “Radon Reduction System.”
  3. The label must include the name and DEP certification number of the certified individual or certified firm that installed the system.
  4. The label must include a contact telephone number for the certified individual or firm.
  5. The label must include the date of installation.
  6. The label must include the statement: “Building should be tested for radon at least every two years.”
  7. Each exposed interior vent pipe section must be labeled “Radon Reduction System” on each floor level where the pipe is visible.
  8. The circuit breaker or breakers controlling the mitigation system fan must be labeled “Radon Reduction System” in the electrical panel.

Homeowners purchasing a home with an existing mitigation system should verify all labeling requirements during the inspection period. A missing DEP certification number on the system label is a red flag — it may indicate the system was installed by an uncertified contractor, which raises questions about whether the system was designed correctly, whether sealing was performed per the standard, and whether the termination location complies with § 240.308(b). The certification number can be cross-referenced against the PA DEP Radon Services Directory to confirm that the contractor held an active certification at the time of installation.

Post-Mitigation Testing Requirements (§ 17.0 and PA Code § 240.310(a)(11))

After the installation of any active radon mitigation system, the certified mitigator must perform a series of operational verification steps before leaving the site. Per § 17.2, these include: measuring sub-slab suction in the system piping using a manometer or equivalent instrument, measuring system airflow to confirm the fan is operating within its design range, and performing a pressure field extension measurement at the most distant point from the slab penetration to confirm that the fan is creating adequate sub-slab vacuum across the full footprint of the building. All measurements must be recorded and provided to the homeowner as part of the installation documentation package.

The post-mitigation radon measurement requirement is established in § 17.3 and PA Code § 240.310(a)(11). A short-term radon test must be conducted no sooner than 24 hours after the system is activated (to allow the system to stabilize and for any disturbed radon from the installation process to clear) and no later than 30 days after system completion and activation. The test must be performed using a device listed by NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) or NRSB (National Radon Safety Board) — the same devices used for pre-mitigation testing. Consumer digital radon monitors (CDRMs) are not acceptable for this test. The post-mitigation test result, along with the pre-mitigation result, constitutes the baseline record of system effectiveness and must be included in the homeowner documentation package.

One exception to the 30-day window is provided: if the homeowner refuses to allow post-mitigation testing, or ignores requests to schedule the test, the 30-day requirement may be extended. In this situation, the certified mitigator must document the refusal or non-response in writing and maintain that documentation in the installation record. Homeowners should understand that the post-mitigation test is in their interest — it is the only way to confirm that the system is actually reducing radon levels below the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L, and it is the documentation that protects the homeowner in a subsequent real estate transaction. Per § 17.4, certified mitigators must continue to comply with the reporting requirements of 25 Pa. Code § 240.303 following system installation.

Contract Requirements and Homeowner Documentation (PA Code § 240.308(f))

Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards § 18.1 establishes what must be provided to clients in writing before any mitigation work begins. This pre-work disclosure is a statutory requirement under PA Code § 240.308(f) and is not satisfied by a verbal description of the scope of work. The contract documentation provided before work begins must include all of the following:

  1. The name and DEP certification number of the certified radon mitigation individual who will perform the work.
  2. The planned scope of work — a description of the specific mitigation system to be installed, the locations of suction points, fan placement, vent pipe routing, and termination location.
  3. Known hazards associated with any chemicals or materials to be used during installation, including sealants, caulks, and expanding foam products.
  4. A statement of compliance indicating that the work will comply with DEP standards (294-2309-002) and all applicable local building codes.
  5. A description of any system maintenance the building owner is responsible for performing — including filter replacement (if applicable), periodic monitoring device checks, and the recommended two-year retesting schedule.
  6. The installation cost and an estimate of annual operating costs (primarily the cost of electricity to operate the fan on a continuous basis).
  7. The terms of any warranty or guarantee — both for the system hardware and for the result guarantee (if the contractor guarantees that post-mitigation levels will fall below 4 pCi/L).
  8. A Notice to Clients, as specified by the PA DEP, advising homeowners of their rights under the Radon Certification Act.

Upon completion of the installation, the certified mitigator must attach a homeowner information package directly to the system, per § 18.4. This package must be physically associated with the mitigation system — not simply emailed to the homeowner — so that it is available to future owners, home inspectors, and any subsequent contractor who works on the system. The information package must include:

  1. Copies of all contracts and warranties associated with the installation.
  2. A description of the installed system and its basic operating principles — sufficient for a homeowner with no technical background to understand what the system does and how to tell if it is working.
  3. Manufacturer operation and maintenance instructions for all mechanical and electrical components, including the fan; drain-filling instructions for any condensate drain installed as part of the system; and instructions for interpreting warning device readings (if a magnehelic gauge or manometer is installed, what reading indicates normal operation and what reading indicates a problem).
  4. A clear statement of actions to take if the warning device indicates system failure — including who to call and what constitutes an emergency versus a routine service visit.
  5. A recommendation to retest for radon at least every two years to verify continued system effectiveness, consistent with the system label requirement.
  6. A recommendation to have an electrical inspection performed on applicable electrical components, particularly if new wiring was installed as part of the fan circuit.

Record retention requirements are established in § 18.2. Certified mitigators must maintain all records related to each installation for a minimum of 5 years, or for the duration of any warranty or guarantee period — whichever is longer. These records must include the pre-installation visual inspection report, any diagnostic test results, the floor plan sketch, post-installation measurements (suction, airflow, pressure field extension), post-mitigation radon test results, and all contract and documentation materials. Worker health and safety records, including any occupational radon exposure monitoring, must be maintained indefinitely per § 18.3 — this is a requirement derived from OSHA record retention obligations for occupational exposure data.

Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards: Key Requirements at a Glance

Standard / RequirementDetail
Document Number294-2309-002
Issuing AuthorityPA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection
Effective DateMarch 4, 2023
Regulatory Authority25 Pa. Code § 240; Radon Certification Act (63 P.S. §§ 2001–2014)
Reference StandardANSI/AARST SGM-SF 2017
Applies ToAll DEP-certified radon mitigators; residential buildings ≤ 3 stories
Fan PlacementAttic, garage not under conditioned space, or building exterior only
Fan Placement ProhibitedBasement, crawl space, conditioned space, or below grade
Vent Termination Height10+ feet above grade; 12+ inches above roof surface
Vent Clearance from Openings10+ feet from windows/doors; or 2+ feet above such openings
Rain CapsProhibited
Primary SealantUrethane caulk or equivalent (ASTM C920 class 25+); expanding foam prohibited for cracks
Opening Width RuleOpenings > 1/2 inch require foam backer rod before sealant
Post-Mitigation Test WindowNo sooner than 24 hours; no later than 30 days after activation
Post-Mitigation Test DeviceNRPP/NRSB-listed device
System Label RequirementsCertification number, installation date, "test every 2 years" — legible from 3 feet
Record Retention5 years minimum (health/safety records: indefinitely)
EnforcementDEP inspection; violations may result in decertification, suspension, or civil penalties

Related Guides

Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards Apply Statewide

DEP certification requirements and 294-2309-002 installation standards apply to every county in Pennsylvania. Select your city for local radon risk data and DEP-certified contractors.

Disclosure
PA Radon Hub is an independent informational resource. We connect homeowners with DEP-certified radon professionals. We do not perform testing or mitigation. The requirements described on this page are drawn from Pennsylvania Radon Mitigation Standards document 294-2309-002, issued by the PA DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection, effective March 4, 2023, under authority of 25 Pa. Code § 240. Always verify contractor certifications through the PA Department of Environmental Protection at dep.pa.gov before hiring.