Tritium Compliance Handbook: Facts, Safety, and Proper Disposal

 Quick Picks

Tritium 101 (Facts)

What is tritium?

Tritium (H-3) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that emits very low-energy beta particles. In exit signs, tritium gas is sealed inside tiny glass tubes coated with a phosphor. The beta particles excite the phosphor, producing a steady, maintenance-free glow—no wiring or batteries required.

Key properties & behavior

• Low-energy beta: Cannot penetrate the sign’s casing or even outer skin; external exposure from intact signs is negligible.
• Half-life ≈ 12.3 years: Light output gradually declines over time; common rated lifespans are 10, 15, or 20 years.
• Chemical forms: If released, tritium quickly forms tritiated water (HTO) and can sometimes become organically bound tritium (OBT) in living tissue.

Visibility & brightness over time

Brightness follows tritium decay. Expect ~50% of initial brightness around the 12-year mark. Signs should be replaced when they no longer meet visibility requirements (e.g., 100-ft viewing distance for UL 924-listed devices).

Common identifiers

• Labeling: “H-3”, “Tritium”, radiation trefoil, activity in curies (Ci) or becquerels (Bq), manufacturer, and end-of-life date.
• No power connection: Glows in darkness without wiring or batteries.
• Uniform letters: Dark segments suggest damage or end-of-life.

Where Tritium Is Used

• Life-safety & buildings: Self-luminous exit signs in stairwells, tunnels, remote sites, historic buildings, and places where wiring is difficult.
• Consumer & professional gear: Watches, firearm sights, compasses, key fobs, and markers that require long-term glow.
• Research, medical & industrial: Tracers, fusion research, leak detection, specialized illumination.

Snapshot by audience

• Facility managers: Inventory, inspections, replacements, disposal coordination.
• EHS teams: Compliance, incident response, documentation, vendor oversight.
• Architects/specifiers: Selecting appropriate technology for site conditions.
• Procurement: Budgeting TCO and planning for end-of-life recycling.

Regulations & Compliance Snapshot (U.S.)

Tritium exit signs are typically generally licensed devices. Owners must follow basic rules even without holding a specific radioactive materials license.

• NRC & Agreement States: Most states regulate locally under agreement with the NRC; otherwise NRC jurisdiction applies.
• Ownership duties: Keep labels intact; maintain inventory; do not abandon; recycle at end-of-life through a licensed recipient.
• Incident reporting: Report lost, stolen, or broken devices to the appropriate regulator.
• Transport (DOT): Follow Class 7 rules for shipping; many units qualify as excepted packages when sent to recyclers.
• Environmental context (EPA): Prevent releases to air/water; landfilling is prohibited.

Why Recycle Tritium (Business & Safety Case)

• Legal risk: Trash disposal is illegal and can trigger fines and cleanup liabilities.
• Environmental stewardship: Proper recycling prevents tritium release to air or groundwater.
• Cost & liability control: Predictable chain-of-custody and a recycling certificate close out future exposure.
• ESG & public trust: Demonstrates responsible hazardous materials management.

How to Recycle Tritium (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify & inventory: Confirm tritium vs LED/photolum; capture make/model, serials, activity (Ci/Bq), locations.
2. Condition check: Note dim/dark letters, cracked housings, missing labels; isolate suspect or damaged units.
3. Select a licensed recycler: Verify radioactive materials license; request chain-of-custody and certificate samples.
4. Quote & paperwork: Provide counts, sites, damaged units, access constraints; complete transfer forms as required.
5. Packaging & shipment: Use cushioned, sturdy boxes; follow recycler’s DOT labeling and documentation instructions.
6. Documentation received: Keep BOL, chain-of-custody, and the certificate of recycling.
7. Records retention: File records indefinitely; update inventory to reflect disposal and replacements.

Environmental & Health Considerations

Exposure pathways

Intact signs pose negligible external exposure. The concern is internal exposure if tritium is inhaled or ingested, typically only possible after a breakage.

Spill/leak response (broken sign)

• Keep people away; do not handle shards; ventilate area.
• Notify EHS/RSO; contact regulator as required.
• Contain if trained; otherwise secure area until cleanup.

Environmental fate

Released tritium forms tritiated water (HTO), which moves with moisture and can enter groundwater. Proper recycling prevents releases.

Communication

Provide clear internal notices and cooperate with authorities. Emphasize low risk from intact devices and that cleanup is precautionary.

Spill/leak response (broken sign)

• Keep people away; do not handle shards; ventilate area.
• Notify EHS/RSO; contact regulator as required.
• Contain if trained; otherwise secure area until cleanup.

Environmental fate

Released tritium forms tritiated water (HTO), which moves with moisture and can enter groundwater. Proper recycling prevents releases.

Communication

Provide clear internal notices and cooperate with authorities. Emphasize low risk from intact devices and that cleanup is precautionary.

Comparing Options & Replacements

Risk Management & Program Setup

• Centralized asset tracking: Unique IDs, barcodes/QRs, site/floor/door details, end-of-life dates.
• Annual inspections: Night visibility check, label integrity, physical condition.
• Policy & training: “Do not tamper” guidance; toolbox talks for breakage response.
• Vendor management: Verify licenses, insurance, SLAs; keep copies on file.
• Incident planning: Include in spill/emergency procedures; keep regulator contacts handy.
• Continuous improvement: Re-evaluate technology mix (LED/photolum) and regulatory updates.

Myths vs. Facts

• “Tritium signs are illegal.” – They are legal but regulated; many remain in service.
• “You can throw them away.” – No. They must be recycled via a licensed facility.
• “Standing near one is dangerous.” – Intact signs emit no significant external radiation.
• “They last forever.” – They dim with a ~12.3-year half-life; replace when below code brightness.
• “Photolum works anywhere.” – It needs sufficient charging light; verify conditions first.

Industry-Specific Guidance

Healthcare & Labs

Loop in the Radiation Safety Officer; plan for controlled removal during remodels; emphasize breakage response and documentation.

Hospitality & Retail

Train engineering/contractors; capture units during renovations; consider LED aesthetics for guest-facing spaces.

Transit & Tunnels

Account for vibration, moisture, and long outages; choose wet-rated housings or non-electric solutions accordingly.

Schools & Universities

Inventory aging fleets; schedule summer replacements; communicate simply with parents/staff about safety and recycling.

Remote/Industrial Sites

Favor no-power solutions where wiring is impractical; confirm hazardous-location suitability; plan consolidated pickups.

Checklists & Templates (Downloads)

Visuals & Explainers (Placeholders)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell if my exit sign is tritium?

It glows with no power and the label mentions H-3/Tritium and shows the radiation trefoil.

Are tritium signs allowed by code?

Yes. They are recognized life-safety devices when properly listed and installed; owners must meet handling and disposal rules.

How long do they last?

Typically 10–20 years of effective visibility. Replace when below code brightness or past labeled end-of-life.

Can I ship them myself?

Yes—coordinate with a licensed recycler and follow DOT instructions. Many recyclers provide compliant return kits.

What if a sign breaks?

Keep people away, ventilate, notify EHS/RSO, and report to the regulator if required. Do not handle shards without training.

How much does recycling cost?

Budget a modest per-unit fee (often tens to low hundreds USD depending on quantity and vendor). Obtain quotes in advance.

Can I replace tritium with photoluminescent everywhere?

Use photolum where there’s reliable charging light. Otherwise choose LED or new tritium per location needs.

Tools & Calls-to-Action