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Tritium Exit Sign Compliance Instruction

Tritium Exit Sign Compliance Handbook

A practical, plain-English guide to owner duties for self-luminous (tritium) exit signs — labeling, recordkeeping, incident reporting, and end-of-life steps.

Browse code-ready self-luminous signs Tritium Exit Signs – Complete Guide

Last updated: October 2025

Compliance & Safety Owner Duties • Labels • Records For Facility Managers & Safety Officers

Overview: What “general license” ownership means

Most facilities use tritium (self-luminous) exit signs under a general license. In practice, that means you can own and use the signs without a site-specific license — but you must follow basic owner duties: keep labels intact, maintain an inventory, update contacts, and report incidents. Keep this handbook with your life-safety documentation so it’s handy during audits and inspections.

New to tritium exit signs? Start with the Tritium Exit Signs – Complete Guide for how they work and where they fit.

Agreement States map vs NRC jurisdiction for tritium exit signs
Regulation is handled by Agreement States or the NRC — verify requirements with your state radiation control program.

Labeling Requirements

Your signs ship with permanent labels (manufacturer, serial number, safety language). To stay compliant:

  • Do not remove or paint over labels. Labels must remain legible and unobstructed.
  • Verify labels during rounds. If a label fades or peels, note it and schedule replacement of the sign.
  • Keep mounting surface clear. Avoid trim, décor, or fixtures that block label visibility.

Recordkeeping Checklist

Maintain a simple inventory for each sign:
  • Model and serial number
  • Install location (building, floor, room/door)
  • Install date and rated service life (10 or 20 years)
  • Condition (intact / damaged) and label status
  • Responsible contact (name, phone, email)

When you move, decommission, or replace signs, update the inventory the same day and file supporting documents (receipts, chain-of-custody, carrier tracking). For budgeting and lifecycle planning, see the Exit sign ROI comparison.

Lost, Stolen, or Broken Signs

If a sign is lost, stolen, or damaged:

  1. Secure the area (if broken) and restrict access.
  2. Notify your radiation-safety contact and building management.
  3. Document serial number, location, date, and circumstances.
  4. Arrange compliant disposal for damaged units; keep chain-of-custody.
  5. File required reports per your regulator’s guidance.

Need the exact steps for retiring units? Use the Tritium Exit Sign Disposal (step-by-step) guide.

Staff Training & Inspections

  • Brief your team annually. Cover labels, inventory updates, and what to do if a sign is damaged.
  • Include in life-safety rounds. Verify visibility, label condition, and inventory accuracy.
  • Keep contacts current. Update the responsible person and escalation path after staffing changes.

End-of-Life & Disposal

Expired or damaged tritium signs must be returned to a licensed facility or certified recycler. Do not landfill or scrap them. Plan disposal alongside replacements to minimize downtime and paperwork. Full 4-step process is outlined here: Tritium Exit Sign Disposal (step-by-step).

Compliance FAQs

Do I need a special license to own tritium exit signs?

Most facilities operate under a general license. Follow the owner duties in this handbook and your regulator’s guidelines.

How long should I keep records?

Keep inventory and chain-of-custody documents for the life of the sign, plus your standard retention period for life-safety archives.

What if labels are unreadable?

Schedule replacement of the unit and note it in your inventory; labels must remain intact and legible.

Who should be my “responsible contact”?

Designate someone who manages life-safety assets (e.g., facilities manager or safety officer) with authority to file reports.