Re: Tritium in exit signs and on watch dials

[David W Lee <lee_david_w@lanl.gov>]

Joseph:

        I have information concerning Isolite self-luminous exit signs that indicates that modern exit signs can contain up to 25 Ci (2.5 mg) of T^2 gas.  Title 10 CFR 30.19 (a) allows normal citizens to possess tritiated self-luminous products without an NRC/Agreement State license, but the manufacturer of such items must have an NRC/Agreement specific license.  Part 30, however, does not explicitly say what the upper limit of tritium gas per each exit sign is.  Presumably, that is up to the manufacturer who may put more or less tritium in a sign depending upon its intended design lifetime.  10 CFR 30.15(a)(1)(i) states that time pieces may contain up to 25 mCi of H-3 per each item, and 10 CFR 30.15(a)(1)(iii) states that a watch dial/bezel may contain up to 15 mCi.  Best regards  David


At 10:42 AM 2/15/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>Does anyone know the range of tritium activity in exit signs and on
>watch dials?
>
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DAVID W. LEE
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Radiation Protection Services, ESH-12
X-Ray/Source Control Team Leader
PO Box 1663, MS K483
Los Alamos, NM  87545
PH:   (505) 667-8085
FAX:  (505) 667-9726
lee_david_w@lanl.gov