Management of Tritium Exit Signs

Tritium (³H) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen and an active material that makes tritium exit signs glow in the dark without power.  Tritium exit signs are widely used by a surprisingly large number and type of facilities throughout the United States.  These signs are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the 36 Agreement States; therefore, the signs necessitate proper management and handling to ensure compliance with federal/state requirements.

It is important to understand how to identify and properly handle a tritium exit sign to avoid damage and improper disposal.  While owning a tritium exit sign is legal, facility owners must address the regulatory obligations that accompany ownership of this device.  On January 16, 2009, the NRC released a “demand for information” to 62 organizations possessing 500 or more tritium exit signs.  The demand required that the organizations confirm the total number of signs possessed and provide an explanation of how it complies with the regulatory requirements applying to the possession, transfer and disposal of tritium exit signs. 
On February 01, 2010, the NRC released an opportunity to comment on a petition from a national radiation focus group.  The focus group has petitioned the NRC to revise its regulations to improve labeling and accountability of tritium exit signs.
Facility owners must be aware of if they have signs and how to properly manage signs installed at their facilities.  This session will review the best practices for the proper management of tritium exit signs.