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Fact Sheet on Tritium EXIT SignsSelf-luminous EXIT signs containing the radioactive gas tritium are widely used in a variety of facilities across the United States, such as public and private office buildings, theaters, stores, schools and churches – anywhere the public needs a rapid exit path. Those who possess tritium EXIT signs are general licensees of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or an Agreement State,1 and are subject to certain reporting and handling requirements, including proper disposal of unwanted or unused signs. Tritium EXIT signs pose little or no threat to public health and safety and do not constitute a security risk. However, the NRC requires proper recordkeeping and disposal of all radioactive materials. Proper handling and recordkeeping are important, because a damaged or broken sign could cause mild radioactive contamination of the immediate vicinity, requiring a potentially expensive clean up. Use of Tritium in EXIT SignsMore than 2 million tritium EXIT signs are estimated to be in use in the United States. The signs do not require electricity or batteries, and are commonly used in areas where it is difficult to install electric signs (eg., above doors). They serve a safety function by remaining lit during power outages and emergencies.
Tritium emits low-energy beta radiation that cannot penetrate a sheet of paper or clothing. If inhaled, it leaves the body relatively quickly. Tritium gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless, and is lighter than air. Regulatory RequirementsManufacturers of tritium EXIT signs are “specific licensees,” meaning they are licensed by the NRC or an Agreement State. The signs are considered “generally licensed devices,” because they are inherently safe enough to be handled or used by anyone with no radiation training or experience. Although purchasers – known as “general licensees” – do not need authorization from the NRC or a state regulatory agency to possess the signs, they are subject to certain regulatory requirements regarding handling, transfer or disposal of the signs.2 They are also subject to NRC or Agreement State inspection and enforcement action (including fines) for violating those requirements. Manufacturers must inform purchasers of the EXIT signs of the regulatory requirements for generally licensed devices. The general licensee is required to designate an individual responsible for complying with the regulatory requirements. Under NRC regulations, a general licensee using tritium EXIT signs:
Tritium EXIT signs must NOT be disposed of as normal trash. To dispose of a sign properly, a general licensee must transfer the sign to a specific licensee. This would typically be a manufacturer, distributor, licensed radioactive waste broker, or a licensed low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. These facilities may charge a fee for this service. Within 30 days of disposing of a sign, the general licensee is required to file a report to the NRC or Agreement State that includes:
Reports should be sent to Director, Office of Federal and State Materials and Environmental Management Programs, ATTN: GLTS, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555-0001. January 2009 1 The NRC has agreements with 35 states under which the states assume regulatory jurisdiction over the commercial, industrial and medical uses of radioactive materials. 2 The regulatory requirements for generally licensed devices are spelled out in NRC regulations at 10 CFR Part 31 and in Regulatory Issue Summary 2006-25. |
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