Loss and Damage of Tritium Self-luminous Signs

Over the past six months, there have been the discovery of four cases of loss, one case of sabotage and one case of damage of tritium self-luminous exit signs (tritium signs) through the regulatory process of the Radiation Board (the Board) and effective vigilance of the users. A total of twelve tritium signs were involved. The loss and sabotage cases are under Police investigation.

The concerned tritium signs were originally installed in the premises of the licensed or exempted users to indicate the fire escape routes. Each tritium sign contained several hundred Gigabecquerel (GBq) of tritium which is radioactive in nature.

As there are potential radiation hazards from tritium, the Board’s policy is that the use of tritium signs is only justified by the potential benefit of saving of life and where the use of electrical power is not possible or feasible. This is explained in the Secretary for Food and Health’s reply to the Legislative Council on 27 March 2013.

It is the duty of the users to ensure safety, including the handling and safe-keeping of the tritium signs. These events of loss and damage highlight the importance of proper management of tritium signs. The users are strongly advised to properly maintain their inventory records and installation location plans up-to-date. These should be checked regularly and the users are obliged to inform the Board prior to any change.

All tritium sign users are urged to take immediate and timely action to review their justification for the continued use of the tritium signs.

Any disused tritium sign shall be returned to the manufacturer in accordance with the provisions of the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303, Laws of Hong Kong) and conditions as stipulated in the licence or exemption notification. In case of any loss of tritium sign or leakage of tritium, the user is obliged to take immediate remedial and protective actions and report the discovery to the Board, with report in writing within 48 hours.

For more information about the Board’s policy and health related information about use of tritium exit sign, please refer to the FAQ section.

Date Posted : 5 July 2013