ANSI RMS-MF

Description / Abstract: This standard specifies practices, minimum requirements and general guidance for mitigation of radon in existing multifamily buildings including both low-rise and high-rise multifamily buildings.

This standard addresses a wide range of multifamily buildings including, among others, buildings or structures, or a portion thereof used as townhouses, apartment houses, convents, dormitories, military congregate residences, fraternities and sororities, and nontransient boarding houses, hotels, live/work units, monasteries, motels and vacation timeshare properties. ⁴

Practices outlined in this standard can also be applied where the occupants of the building, or portion thereof are primarily transient in nature, including buildings such as: boarding houses, hotels and motels.⁵

This standard addresses practices that are applicable to structures be they rented or owned including condominiums, co-op owned buildings and timeshare properties.

The techniques addressed in this standard provide whole building consideration yet also apply when implemented to portions of a multifamily building or individual dwelling.

This standard is intended to provide:

a) minimum requirements and uniform standards that emphasize safety, system quality and effectiveness in the design and installation of mitigation systems for existing multifamily buildings; and

b) A means to evaluate systems in multifamily buildings.

Significance of use: This document is intended to assist in the installation of mitigation systems by radon mitigation professionals, and to assist in the inspection of mitigation systems by citizens, property owners, residence/facility managers, residents, consultants, regulators, state radiation control programs and anyone concerned with efforts to reduce indoor radon concentrations in multifamily buildings.

Limitations

Design and warranties

This standard is not intended to be used as a design manual, and compliance with its provisions will not guarantee reduction of indoor radon to any specific concentration.

Mitigation of other soil gasses (e.g., chemical vapors)

When applying radon mitigation techniques herein for other hazardous soil gasses such as for chemical vapor intrusion into buildings, applicable requirements are found in ANSI/AARST SGM-SF Soil Gas Mitigation for Existing Homes with special attention to Section 11 (Additional Requirements), Section 12 (Documentation Required) and Annex B (Health and Safety).

Mixed-use buildings or complicated ventilation

When portions of building are used for non-residential purposes and/or contain ventilation systems more elaborate than basic heating and cooling, see ANSI/AARST RMS-LB Radon Mitigation Standards for Schools and Large Buildings for appropriate additional practices.

Safety

This standard is not intended to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Code compliance

This standard does not contain all code or other requirements of the jurisdictions where the radon mitigation system is being installed. Although the provisions in this standard have been reviewed for potential conflicts with other regulatory requirements, adherence to this standard does not guarantee or supersede compliance with the applicable codes or regulations of any federal, state or local agency with jurisdiction.

Less common sources of radon gas

This standard does not address all mitigation techniques such as may be needed for airborne radon that results from radon in water, building materials or other less common sources of radon gas.

APPLICABILITY

Adoption and Use

These standards of practice can be adopted as requirements for contractual relationships or adopted as recommendations or requirements of an authority or jurisdiction.

To the extent the minimum requirements of this document exceed local, state or federal requirements for the locale in which the mitigation is conducted, then this document’s minimum requirements shall be followed.

Mandatory Provisions

The term “shall” indicates those provisions herein that are considered mandatory, while terms such as “should” or “recommended” indicate provisions considered helpful or good practice, but which are not mandatory.

Prior Systems

This standard shall not apply to radon mitigation systems installed in multifamily buildings prior to its effective date, except when a previously installed system is altered. This standard shall apply to only the aspects of the system that are altered, and the Contractor shall recommend to the Client in writing that the noncompliance items be upgraded or altered to meet current standards. A written estimate of the cost for the proposed upgrade(s) should also be provided. For the purposes of this standard, altering a radon mitigation system does not include activities such as replacing worn out equipment while leaving the remainder of the system unchanged.

⁴ As point of reference, see the International Building Code (IBC) Section 310 for Residential Group R2 (as published by the International Code Council).

⁵ As point of reference, see the International Building Code (IBC) Section 310 for Residential Group R1 (as published by the International Code Council).