HSE Authorises Crown Censure Of HMPPS Over Radon Exposure At HMP Dartmoor

HSE has authorised a Crown Censure for His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service following an investigation that found prolonged radon exposure above legal dose limits at HMP Dartmoor. The move highlights enforcement options for Crown bodies and reinforces the need for effective radon management in custodial and other workplaces.

HSE has notified His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service of its intention to issue a Crown Censure after an investigation found failures to manage radon at HMP Dartmoor. HMPPS first informed HSE of suspected overexposure in February 2023 and subsequent monitoring confirmed radon concentrations in parts of the prison, including prisoner accommodation, that exceeded legal limits. HSE concluded that both prisoners and staff were exposed to radiation doses above the specified limits for a prolonged period. Enforcement action was taken in February and December 2023 and the prison was mothballed in 2024. The investigation file was passed to HSE legal services and, in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, a Crown Censure has been authorised; a formal hearing will be held to confirm the censure.

A Crown Censure is the maximum sanction HSE can issue to a Crown body and is the regulatory equivalent of authorising criminal charges, although it is not a formal finding of guilt. If confirmed at a hearing it will stand as an official reprimand and a lasting public record of the failure to comply with the law. There is no financial penalty attached to a confirmed censure.

For health and safety professionals this case underlines the importance of robust radon risk management including timely assessment, monitoring, mitigation where needed and clear record keeping. Custodial and other older or poorly ventilated buildings can present elevated radon risk and duty holders should act promptly on indications of overexposure to meet legal dose limits and to avoid regulatory and reputational consequences.

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