Ground gas risk: Providing independent assurance for developments
Published on February 24, 2021When constructing new developments, local planning authorities, warranty providers and future house purchasers need independent assurance that the development is safe from any ground-gas risks. With a detailed knowledge of ground gas, gas protection measures and the construction process, RSK Geosciences has developed a range of independent services for integrity testing and gas protection system verification.
โAs an independent gas-protection-system verifier, RSK Geosciences has a nationwide team of specially trained, experienced and competent geoenvironmental engineers to carry out our specialist services across the UK,โ explains Chris Larkin, RSK Senior Geoenvironmental Engineer. โClients, installers and regulators can call upon us for a wide range of independent gas protection system and gas membrane integrity testing verification services.โ
Independent verification of gas protection systems is essential for regulators to sign off conditions relating to their sites and to ensure the protection of human health from potential ground gases that can cause intoxication, asphyxiation or explosions. It also avoids potential or perceived conflicts of interest with appointed membrane manufacturers, installers, designers and consultants.
โHere at RSK Geosciences we offer a full suite of services, from visual and mechanical inspection through to air-lance testing and dielectric testing,โ explains Chris. โFor low-gas-risk sites, where the installers are confirmed to be suitably competent, our engineers can carry out visual inspections to examine membrane integrity, service entrances, and corner and air brick detailing. This may need to be supported by a mechanical test, where we will look for unbonded seams and joins between sheets of membrane, or around service entrances, corner detailing and air brick detailing using a blunt pointed instrument.
โFor higher-risk sites, air-lance testing and dielectric (electronic leak detection) tests may be recommended, which enable our engineers to rapidly test larger areas and quickly locate defects in membrane integrity,โ says Chris. โAir-lance testing involves using an air compressor and bespoke wand to force 50 PSI of air pressure through a 4 mm nozzle along seams, joins and welds, while dielectric testing sends a high voltage direct current to the surface of the membrane via a phosphor-bronze brush. Even a pinhole triggers an alarm by earthing to the underside of the membrane.

Air-lance testing

Dielectric testing
โAll our gas membrane verification services are carried out in accordance with CIRIA C735 guidance and are determined following a review of the site gas regime, installer competencies, materials used, the methodology of installation, and the wider construction process.โ
For more information on RSK Geosciences’ gas protection and verification services please visit the webpage or contact Chris Larkin.
๐ณ๏ธโ๐ RSK is proud to stand alongside members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
๐ People deserve to be their authentic selves and love freely without fear.
You can read Graeme and Abigail's full stories next week in RSK insights. Keep an eye on our social media for more information.
#rskfamily #pride #pridemonth #loveislove #lgbtq
๐ธ #selfiesonsite ๐คณ
Ryan Dunderdale, Senior Surveyor at Central Alliance, providing technical support and on-site training to datum plate install teams down in Bristol.
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities ๐ www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #engineering #construction
๐ In the June edition of our #employeespotlight, we spoke with with Rosie Pearce at Stephenson Halliday and Carmen Snowdon at WRc Group to find out about their recent achievements ๐
๐ Congratulations to you both!
Click the link in our bio to find out more!
#rskfamily #employeeapprecitation #team #landscapeinstitute #instituteofwater #architecture
"If you donโt feel valued, represented and respected in your workplace, then inevitably your #wellbeing will suffer.โ
๐ In our latest edition of #ADayInTheLife, we spoke with Ellen Lapworth-Maisey, Wellbeing, #Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at RSK โ a fascinating position that helps to create an inclusive and empowering #culture for all RSK staff.
Click the link in bio to learn more!
#RSKGroup #RSKfamily #diversity #inclusion #mentalhealth
๐ธ #selfiesonsite ๐คณ
Some pictures of the Envireau Water staff on site.
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities ๐ www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #waterindustry #construction
๐ถ ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐
#RSKSteps came to an end on Tuesday 31 May after a month of stepping adventures.
๐๐ป ๐ป๐๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐:
โ๏ธ1449 participants
โ๏ธ332,268,416 steps
โ๏ธยฃ1500 raised for our chosen charity, MIND!
Read more about this fantastic challenge in our bio!
#RSKGroup #RSKfamily #wellbeing #health #mentalhealth #walking
#RSKEvents
๐ Join Dirk Van Look and Chris Hughes on our webinar all about #PFAS โ perfluoroalkyl substances, which are both human-made and known to be harmful to humans.
๐ก We will showcase real-life examples to demonstrate how RSK is responding and developing capabilities to assess these emerging #contaminants.
Find out more and register now in our bio!
#RSKGroup #RSKfamily #PFAScontaminants #foreverchemicals #chemicals
๐ In light of #PrideMonth, we are sharing information about how to become a better ally. #Pride offers a sense of solidarity and a platform for expression.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming posts!
#RSKGroup #rskfamily #LGBT #LGBTQ+ #inclusion #diversity #LGBTally #Pride2022
๐ข RSK is pleased to announce it has further expanded its presence in Ireland by acquiring one of the most reputable tree care companies in the country.
๐ณ Dermot Casey Tree Care was founded in the 1970s by Managing Director Dermot Casey and is one of the most highly regarded tree surgery companies in Ireland, with more than 50 years of experience.
Find out more in our bio!
#RSKGroup #RSKfamily #treecare #landscape #treesurgery #landscaping #nature