RE: Tritium in exit signs and on watch dials

["Williamson, Matthew" <Matthew.Williamson@nypa.gov>]

Basically they are made not to expose John Q. Public when hanging from
the ceiling.  They are labeled.  If you own one, you must report as per
10CFR20 if lost or damaged, etc.

More specifically...

Tritium exit signs are manufactured and distributed under a specific NRC
license as specified in §32.51.

As per §32.51, the devices are manufactured to ensure
-Persons not having training in radiological protection can safely
operate them.
-Under ordinary conditions, handling, storage, and use of the device,
the byproduct material will not be released or inadvertently removed and
it is unlikely a person will receive a dose in excess of 10 percent of
the limits specified in §20.1201(a); i.e., 500 mrem.
-Under accident conditions (such as, fire or explosion), it is unlikely
that a person receive dose in excess of the dose specified in column IV
of §32.24.

As per §32.51, each device bears a label approved by the Commission,
which clearly identifies
-The precautions necessary to safely install or service the device.
-The requirements or lack of requirements for leak testing.
-And specified information about general licensee requirements including
Caution-Radioactive Material.

Each person licensed under §32.51 shall
-Furnish a copy of the general license contained in §31.5 to each person
to whom he directly or through an intermediate person transfers
byproduct material in a device for use pursuant to the general license
contained in §31.5.
-Report to the Commission all transfers of such devices to persons for
use under the general license in §31.5, including names, dates, and
addresses of the general licensee.

A general license is issued to acquire, receive, possess, use or
transfer byproduct material contained in devices designed and
manufactured for the purpose of producing light.  This license applies
to items manufactured under a specific license, §32.51.

The general licensee shall
-Assure that all labels affixed to the device at the time of receipt and
bearing a statement that removal of the label is prohibited are
maintained and comply with the instructions/precautions.
-Assure the device is tested for leakage unless it contains only
tritium.
-Not abandon the device.
-Upon occurrence or indication of a failure or damage to these devices,
within 30 days file a report to the Commission
-Transfer of dispose of the device only to persons holding a specific
license and within 30 days of transfer to a specific licensee notify the
Commission unless transferred to a specific licensee for replacement.
-Shall comply with §20.2201 and §20.2202 for reporting incidents
involving loss or theft of licensed material, but are exempt from other
requirements of §19, §20, and §21.


Matt Williamson
Indian Point Unit 3
Williamson.m@nypa.gov <mailto:Williamson.m@nypa.gov> 
914-736-8416

Not reviewed by anyone

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