Update on Loss and Damage of Tritium Self-luminous “EXIT” Signs

In the “What’s New” item dated 5 July 2013, the Radiation Board drew attention to the discoveries of loss and damage of tritium self-luminous “EXIT” signs (tritium signs) and reminded all licensees who are users of tritium signs their duty to ensure safety, including the handling and safe-keeping of the tritium signs. Since then, additional two cases of tampering and two cases of damage involving 46 signs were discovered. The overall status as at the end of October 2013 is that there have been altogether four cases of loss, one case of sabotage, two cases of tampering and three cases of damage involving a total of 58 tritium signs. 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, tampering and damage highlight the importance of proper management of tritium signs. The users are strongly advised to check the status of their tritium signs regularly and properly maintain their inventory records and installation location plans up-to-date. They are obliged to inform the Board in advance of any changes.

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 any tritium sign is lost or found leaking, 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 : 4 November 2013