Our ground gas membrane products are specifically designed to protect against hazardous gas emissions of which Radon, Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrocarbon gas are the most common. In normal atmospheric conditions these gases would dissipate harmlessly, however when these gases seep in to buildings through cavities, pipe entries and construction joints they become a serious health and safety risk.
The common occurring gases for which protection is required and is achieved by using gas membranes, a gas barrier or a radon barrier are:
Methane: forms an explosive mixture in air at levels of 5-16% by volume;
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): a toxic, asphyxiating gas; maximum permissible levels 0.5% by volume for long term exposure and 1.5% by volume for short term exposure;
Radon: a radioactive gas associated with increased levels of cancer. Radon gas is tasteless and odourless and is highly hazardous for human beings hence the importance of an effective radon barrier.
Other hazardous gases include carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen.
There are three main sources of gas contamination: Brownfield sites, Landfill and Natural occurrence. Building regulation C2 states ‘precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances found on or in the ground to be covered by the building.’ (Scotland see regulation 16)
A high performance gas resistant membrane must be installed across the whole footprint of the building. Where rates of gas are high it will be necessary to install a venting system in the gas membranes, which provides a path for the gas to disperse into the atmosphere. (Product data available upon request.) Installing ground gas membranes or ground gas barrier is essential from a safety point of view to remove the risk from hazardous gases.
Our ground gas membranes complies to BS 8485:2015 and A1:2019 standards.
Our Containment membranes range from HDPE, LDPE materials for use in different applications such as Lakes, Ponds, Landfill capping, Attenuation tanks and Reservoirs. Specification data sheets are available on all our products.
The use of impermeable membranes (including waterproofing membranes, oil and chemical membranes) is one of the simplest, most economical methods of oil, chemical or water containment.
All containment projects require both high quality materials and the expertise to ensure that they are installed safely, effectively and that they meet all regulations.
The RTEC Product Range
Download spec sheets for each of the RTEC products.
