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TECHNICAL REPORT CECOM TR 94-1 1 (REVISION 2)
RADIATION SAFETY INFORMATION SAFE HANDLING OF TRITIUM SOURCES IN
RADIOLUMINESCENT DEVICES
Radiological Engineering Division CECOM Directorate for
Safety
September 2001
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT: Distribution authorized to U.S.
Government Agencies only, administrative or operational use,
September 2001. Other requests for this document shall be
referred to U.S. Army CECOM, Directorate for Safety, ATTN:
AMSEL-SF-RE, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5024
CECOM U.S. ARMY COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS COMMAND DIRECTORATE
FOR SAFETY, ATTN: AMSEL-SF-RE FORT MONMOLITH, NEW JERSEY
07703-5024
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NOTICES
Disclaimers
The policies and procedures in this document are not to be
construed as official Department of the Army position, unless so
designated by other authorized documents.
The citation of trade names and names of manufacturers in this
report is not to be construed as official Government endorsement or
approval of commercial products or services referenced herein.
Prepared By: CECOM Directorate for Safety
Radiological Engineering Division
-
CONTENTS
Page
1 . PURPOSE AND SCOPE
......................................................................................................
1
......................................................................................................................
2 . DEFINITIONS 1
3 . TRITIUM SAFETY
..............................................................................................................
2
.....................................................................................................
3.1 Tritium Hazards 2
3.2 Working Safely With Tritium
................................................................................
3 3.3 First Rule of Tritium Safety
...................................................................................
4
.....................................................................
3.4 Performing Authorized Maintenance 4 3.5 Identification and
Handling of a Damaged
.......................................................................................................
Tritium Source 5 3.6 Tritium Bioassay General Procedure
.....................................................................
6
.....................................................................................................
3.7 Lessons Learned 7 3.8 Identification and Location of Gaseous
Tritium
.............................................................................
Sources on Military Equipment 8
................................................................................................................
3.9 Summary 9
..........................................................................................................
4 . AUTHOR'S NOTES 1 0
................................................................................
A . Commodities Containing Tritium 1 1-36
B . Major End Items Containing Tritium Sources
.............................................................
37-39
C . Incident Response Plan
................................................................................................
40-46
D . Item Managers and Safety Support for Radioactive Commodities
Containing
...............................................................................................................................
Tritium 47
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1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This document was developed to inform Radiation Safety Officers
(RSOs), users and maintenance personnel of the hazards that may be
associated with the possession and handling of tritium
radioluminescent (RL) devices. The information provided can also be
used as a reference in developing or augmenting local procedures
for response to radiation accidents.
This document identifies commodities containing tritium for
illumination in low light conditions. The location of the tritium
source on the device, the activity of the source and a listing of
the most common end items utilizing tritium commodities are
included. The biological hazards associated with a tritium
exposure, recommended work practices and actions that will reduce
the spread of contamination or exposure to personnel when a tritium
source is damaged are discussed. A suggested response plan for the
mitigation of tritium source incidents, investigation, and
reporting practices is included to assist RSOs in development of
local procedures.
***NOTE*** Most items discussed in this report are sealed to
prevent leakage of radioactive material. Do not attempt disassembly
of the radioactive items. These items present no radiation hazard
to personnel unless the sealed source is broken or the radioactive
material is otherwise exposed.
This information and special instructions contained in the
technical manual (TM) and/or technical bulletin (TB) for the device
and/or the end item equipment shall be followed to ensure safe
handling of tritium commodities and the safety of personnel. All
personnel engaged in the operation and maintenance of tritium
commodities should be aware of the information contained both in
this report and the TMITB for the commodity.
2. DEFINITIONS
Activity. Rate of nuclear disintegration or decay of radioactive
material. The units of activity are the Curie (Ci) or the Becquerel
(Bq). 1 Curie = 3.7x101 disintegrations per second (dps), and 1 Ci
= 3.7x101 Bq.
ALARA. Acronym for "As low as is reasonably achievable." Refers
to the operating philosophy in which occupational radiation
exposures are reduced as far below specified limits as is
reasonably achievable.
Bioassay. The determination of radioactivity in a biological
specimen and estimation of the internal exposure to the individual
from that radioactivity.
Electron volt (eV). The energy of an electron under a potential
difference of one volt. Equal to 1.6x10-l9 joule. The electron volt
is used with all multiple and submultiple prefixes now in common
use. The most common are the MeV (million electron volts) and the
keV (thousand electron volts).
Ionizing radiation. Electromagnetic or particulate radiation
capable of causing ionization in its passage through matter. Alpha,
beta and neutron particles, gamma and x-rays, are examples of
ionizing radiation.
Licensed material. Radioactive material that is received,
possessed, used, or transferred under a general or specific license
issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or NRC
Agreement State.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGlNEERlNG DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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Radioactive commodity. An item of government property composed
in whole or in part of radioactive materials and to which a
National Stock Number (NSN) or part number has been assigned.
m. Special unit of radiation dose equivalent. In SI (System
International) units, 1 rem = 0.01 Sieverts (Sv); 1 millirem = 0.00
1 rem or 0.0000 1 Sv.
Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The individual responsible for
the administration and oversight of the Radiation Safety
Program.
Radiation Safety Program. A set of controls initiated to insure
that personnel are not exposed to potentially hazardous levels of
radiation during use or maintenance of licensed material. These
controls include documented procedures.
Radiation Safety Staff Officer (RSSO). The responsible Radiation
Safety Officer at the major army command (MACOM).
Radioluminescence (RL). The process of providing illumination
from the activation of a phosphor by energy from radioactive
decay.
Radioluminescent device. An illuminating device consisting of a
phosphor and a radiation source. Phosphor and gaseous radiation
sources are usually contained in a glass vial or ampoule. The
phosphor and radiation source may be solid and deposited on the
surface of a dial or scale.
Tritium commodity. Equipment or component of equipment
containing one or more tritium sources.
Tritium. A radioactive isotope of hydrogen containing one proton
and two neutrons. Tritium, often designated H-3, decays to helium
by the emission of a beta particle with a maximum energy of 18.6
keV and an average energy of 5.7 keV. The radiological half-life is
12.28 years.
10 CFR 20. Designation for Part 20 - Standards For Protection
Against Radiation, Title 10 - Energy, Code of Federal
Regulations.
3. TRITIUM SAFETY
Tritium sources have been damaged through improper handling,
unauthorized maintenance, or the use of improper tools. In addition
to the loss of equipment, tritium incidents have resulted in
unnecessary radiation exposure to personnel and contamination of
personnel and work areas.
3.1 Tritium Hazards.
(1) Biological Effects. Tritium contamination and airborne
radioactivity are biological hazards. If you breathe tritium oxide
(tritiated water vapors) or if it contacts your skin, the tritium
will be absorbed by your body. Studies have shown that a person
exposed to an atmosphere containing tritiated water vapor will
absorb about one-third to one-half as much tritium through the skin
as via inhalation (i.e., one-third through the skin and two-thirds
via inhalation). Therefore, release of tritium into a closed space
may constitute an internal hazard. Tritium distributes equally
among all body fluids because these fluids contain water. A whole
body radiation dose results since soft tissues make up about 90
percent of the body.
(2) Tritium Elinzination. The average adult takes in about three
liters of water a day. The average adult also excretes about three
liters of water per day. About one-half of this water is in urine,
the rest is eliminated via exhalation, diffusion through the skin
and sweat. After an exposure to an atmosphere
RADlOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DlVlSlON CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
containing tritium it takes from two to four hours for the
tritium concentration in the urine to equal the tritium
concentration in the body fluids. An adult who has had a single
exposure to an atmosphere containing tritium oxide, without
additional exposure, will eliminate this tritium oxide at a rate of
about three liters per day while diluting the remaining tritiated
water with his daily intake of about three liters of tritium-free
water. This results in the effective half-life of tritium in the
body being about 10 days, i.e., the amount of tritium in the body
is reduced by one-half every 10 days. Drinking excessive amounts of
fluids, under a doctor's direction, will reduce the effective
half-life to about one-third to one-half of the normal value;
thereby reducing the exposure.
(3) Exposure Limits. Exposure of field users and maintenance
personnel shall be kept as low as reasonably achievable.
( 4 ) Radiation safe^. The tritium sources used for illumination
by the military are not hazardous as long as they remain sealed.
The energy of the beta radiation emitted during tritium decay (18
keV) is so low that it cannot penetrate the glass vial containing
the source, or the cover glass on a tritium painted dial face. Only
if the Pyrex vial containing the tritium source is damaged can the
tritium escape. Even if tritium is released, the majority of the
tritium remains as molecular hydrogen and is not absorbed by the
body or onto surfaces. About 1% is in the oxidized form and this
form can cause contamination of personnel and work areas.
Therefore, tritium must be ventilated to the outside as quickly as
possible following a release.
( 5 ) Exercise Caution. Opening or disassembling components
containing damaged tritium sources will release tritium oxide and
contaminate the work area. Depot maintenance areas must have proper
facilities with installed equipment that reduces the hazard of
opening a component that contains a broken tritium source.
Maintenance shall be performed on fire control equipment containing
illuminated sources only in accordance with TM procedures.
***NOTE*** The NRC license issued to the U.S. Army for tritium
RL devices states that the instructions and precautions contained
in the TM shall be followed. When a tritium source is damaged, the
events that led to the damage are reviewed. If it is determined
that the damage resulted from the failure of personnel to follow
the instructions and precautions listed in the TM, the NRC will
cite the licensee for noncompliance with license conditions. The
licensee will then determine what caused user non-compliance with
instructions and precautions and cause corrective actions to be
made.
3.2 Working Safelv With Tritium.
Good work practices start with equipment familiarity. The labels
shown in Figure 1 are typical of those found on commodities
containing tritium. The TM and/or TB for the equipment should be
read before using the equipment or performing maintenance on the
equipment.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DlVlSlON CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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I 1 RADIOISOTOPE H3 ACTIVITY
@*% '2: CAUTION
RADIOACTIVE MATERlAL CONTROLLED DISPOSAL REQUIRED NRC UCENSE NO
)I
M l U C U R E CURE I
&* % rn CAUTION a
THIS CASE MAY CONTAIN INSTRUMENTS USING RADIOACTIVE MATERJALS
ISOTOPE H3 MAX CURES
IF FOUND, RETURN TO NEAREST M IUTARY ACTIVITY
1 1 DISPOSAL PER AR 385-1 I 1 - 1
&,$ CAUTION &$%
ISOTOPES H3
Figure I . Radioactive Identification Labels.
IF FOUND RETURN TO A MIUTARY BASE
3.3 First Rule of Tritium Safetv.
CURES I DATE=
Authorized maintenance should not be performed if the proper
equipment is not available. Maintenance involving the tritium
source is not authorized at the user level! Do not disassemble any
component containing a tritium source (glass vials from their
holders) and never attempt to repair a damaged tritium source. If
the source is damaged, bag the entire item containing the source
and contact your local RSO. To bag an item, place the item with the
damaged source in a plastic bag, then place that bag into another
plastic bag. Label the outer bag "Damaged Tritium Source - Do Not
Open." Unless instructed otherwise by the RSO, the device will be
added to the list of unserviceable radioactive material awaiting
disposal. The RSO will determine the disposition of the device.
3.4 Performing. Authorized Maintenance.
Technical Manual directed maintenance is allowed at the
appropriate level on any device that contains tritium sealed
source(s), if the tritium source(s) is properly illuminating. All
persons performing maintenance on devices containing tritium must
have received radiation safety training required by the licensee.
Maintenance authorized on a device that contains properly
illuminated tritium sources varies depending on the level of
maintenance. User maintenance is limited to work on the exterior of
the items. An exception to exterior user maintenance is purging of
the M 1 A 1 collimator. Direct Support (DS) and General Support
(GS) allow some work on the interior of items. However, only
tritium modules, (a glass vial and the metal or plastic piece to
which it is attached), which are properly illuminated may be
replaced when specified by the TM.
The possibility of damage to a tritium source is always present
during maintenance procedures, but there is a greater risk at the
DS level of maintenance. Remember that tritium devices must be
evaluated for illumination prior to being brought into the shop or
maintenance area. Tritium devices that show no illumination should
be regarded as broken and double bagged in plastic. The RSO should
be notified to perform a wipe test on potentially damaged devices.
Proper preparation of the maintenance area can reduce contamination
and personnel exposure when a source is damaged. The following
steps should be included in local procedures for authorized
maintenance on end items containing radioactive sources:
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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(1) Isolate the work area from the remainder of the maintenance
shop, if practicable. If a source is damaged during maintenance,
the area must be secured until surveys have been performed that
verify the area is not contaminated.
(2) Assemble all required tools before performing maintenance.
If the proper tools are not available, do not perform the
maintenance. Contact your maintenance support group for
assistance.
(3) Remove all equipment from the work area that is not required
for the performance of the maintenance procedure. Items that shall
be removed are unnecessary toolboxes, tools, spare parts,
electronic equipment, personal radios, TMs, etc.
(4) Cover the work surface with disposable (Kraft) paper.
(5) Do not allow eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or
tobacco or applying cosmetics in the work areaJroom.
(6) Maintain a positive flow of ventilation from the tritium
work area directly to outside. Ventilation should be away from all
personnel and should exhaust outside the building. Do not store
items containing tritium and awaiting maintenance in the work area.
Storage of tritium containing devices should be separate from work
areas.
(7) Limit access to the area to those persons involved in the
maintenance procedure.
(8) Ascertain where on the commodity the tritium source(s) is
located.
(9) Take special care not to damage the source during
maintenance. Do not pry, push, or hammer on or near the area of the
equipment containing the radioactive source.
3.5 Identification and Handling of a Damaged Tritium Source.
***NOTE*** Inspection of devices containing tritium sources
should be performed in an area that is well ventilated and on a
work surface that has been prepared to prevent the spread of
contamination.
***NOTE**** The ionizing radiation from tritium has such a low
energy that portable radiation survey meters used in the field are
not capable of detecting the presence of tritium on surfaces. The
only way to detect the presence of tritium on surfaces is by swipe
samples counted with a liquid scintillation counter (LSC). The LSC
is laboratory equipment and not normally available for use in the
field.
(1) Low Illumination. Tritium gas sources that show weak or no
illumination may have internal condensation, may be damaged, or may
be old.
(a) Check the date of manufacture. If the device is over 8 years
old, and the source(s) do not appear to be damaged, notify the item
manager, and request return of the device to depot for repair. It
does not have to be bagged, but the turn in document should note
"low illumination." If the date of manufacture is less than 8
years, inspect the device for damage. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE
DEVICE.
(b) If condensation is suspected and the TM for the device
contains purging instructions, perform a purge. If the TM does not
contain purging instructions or purge does not change illumination
level, notify the item manager and request return of the device to
your supporting depot or authorized maintenance activity for
repair.
RADTOLOGlCAL ENGINEERING DlVlSTON CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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(2) Handling Fire Control Items containing Damaged Tritium
Sources. If damage or source leakage is identified or suspected
(loss of illumination, cracked glass, etc.), take steps as
follows:
(a) Have a co-worker call the RSO.
(b) Put on rubber or latex gloves, then double plastic bag the
item. If gloves are not available, invert the plastic bag so that
your arm is inside. Grasp the device with your hand through the
plastic bag pulling the device into the bag. This is actually the
best technique even when using gloves as it eliminates directly
handling the device. Tie the bag shut or wrap with tape. Place the
bagged device into a second bag. Do not set the bagged item in same
location where un-bagged item was sitting.
(c) Dispose of gloves separately in a radioactive waste
container. Wash your hands in cool water using non-abrasive
soap.
(d) Mark the bagged item "Broken Tritium Device - Do Not Open,"
and mark NSN of item on bag or tag. Await further instructions from
the RSO.
(3) Dials, compasses, watches with broken lens or flaking paint
may be leaking tritium. If damage is detected, double bag the item,
label "Broken Tritium Device - NSN- Do Not Open," and inform the
RSO.
(4) Disposing of Damaged Sources. Package and dispose of the
device as directed by the RSO andlor the item manager for the
equipment.
(5) Reporting Incidents. The RSO shall contact the appropriate
licensee for the commodity involved. Appendix D is a listing of
logistics and safety support for the various commands. The
responsible command is normally listed on the item or in the item
TMITB. The RSO should have the following information available for
the notification call.
(a) Item nomenclature. (b) National Stock Number. (c)
Radioactive source. (d) Manufactured activity and date of
manufacture. (e) Time and date of incident/discovery of leakage.
(f) Where the incident occurred (State, City, Post, Building,
Area). (g) Personnel involved (Number of personnel and degree of
involvement). (h) What actions have been taken? (i) Situation
status. 6 ) Is assistance required to mitigate the incident?
3.6 Tritium Bioassav General Procedure.
When a bioassay is required, urine sample collection should be
performed after the tritium taken into the body has reached
equilibrium conditions in the body fluids. Equilibrium is achieved
approximately 4 hours after the uptake. Ideal sample collection
time would be 4 to 5 hours after a suspected exposure to tritium.
Obtain the sample as soon as practical following the 4 hour period
after disposing of the first void at four hours. Bioassay will be
performed at the direction of the installation RSO.
RADlOLOGlCAL ENGlNEERlNG DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
(1) Sample Collection. Sample kits should be obtained and
processed in accordance with the procedure provided in Appendix
C.
(2) Sample Containers. Urine sample containers may be acquired
from local medical supply facilities.
3.7 Lessons Learned.
The following is a discussion of two tritium source damage
incidents that occurred.
(1) Tritium Source Vial Broken During Unauthorized Maintenance
Procedure. The M64M64Al sight units used with mortar systems
contain tritium in sealed Pyrex tubes located under the scales to
provide low light illumination. A problem with the failure of the
adhesive holding the scales in place was identified by Army and
Marine Corps maintenance. This adhesive failure would result in
slippage of the scale and the sight unit would be inaccurate and
potentially hazardous. A Safety of Use Message Advisory,
Operational, was issued directing direct support maintenance groups
to mark the scale and knob with a paint line that would indicate
scale slippage due to glue failure. Addition of the paint line was
the only maintenance directed by the message. After reading the
message a direct support maintenance technician decided to repair a
scale that had slipped due to adhesive failure. The maintenance
technician glued a dial to a knob. After the glue set, he tested
the glue bond by pulling on the dial with pliers. The pliers
slipped, broke the Pyrex tube containing the tritium source and
released approximately one Curie of tritium into the maintenance
work area. Investigation of the event revealed the following:
(a) Positive Factors: Prompt actions following the breakage of
the Pyrex tube containing the tritium source kept personnel
exposure low and limited the spread of contamination. Personnel
exposures were low; a bioassay determined that the radiation dose
was 5 millirem whole body for the maintenance technician.
(b) Negative Factors: The technician was performing maintenance
that was not authorized at the direct support level. The
ventilation system was not in service during the maintenance
procedure. The work area was not prepared for maintenance on a
device containing radioactive material. The work area was
contaminated and access to the room was limited to decontamination
and survey personnel. The decontamination and testing lasted 14
days. Maintenance operations on equipment could not be performed in
the area during this period.
(2) Tritium Release During Disassembly of M l A l Collimator for
Repair. This incident was the result of unauthorized repairs being
performed to "expedite" work. In accordance with the MIA1
collimator TM, the optical shop was only permitted to perform
maintenance on the exterior components of a collimator.
Maintenance that required disassembly of the collimator main
body containing the 10 Curie tritium source is authorized only at
depot level. Depot level maintenance shops are the only locations
that have installed equipment and work areas designed to contain a
release of radioactive material.
An optical repairman was disassembling an M l A l collimator
that had no illumination to determine extent of required repairs.
Using a gas torch to heat and loosen the threads, he unscrewed the
collimator cell assembly. He heard a "whoosh" sound (cell and
tritium sources are sealed with an internal pressure 5 psi greater
than atmospheric pressure) and a white powder was expelled from the
collimator covering his hands and clothes. He was aware that the
material could be radioactive so he left the room, washed his hands
and brushed the powder from his clothing. He returned to the work
area and placed the broken cell assembly in a plastic bag from
which a new cell assembly had just been removed. He then took the
bag and reported the incident to his foreman.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVlSlON CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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(a) Positive Factor: The repairman was aware of the need to
notify his foreman of an incident involving radioactive
material.
(b) Negative Factors: The incident would not have occurred if
the level of authorized maintenance had been followed. The severity
of the situation was increased by the following:
I The area was not prepared for work on item(s) containing
radioactive material. Items that -
should not have been in the work area were contaminated.
2 No report of the incident was initiated for eight days. This
delay resulted in the spread of -
contamination.
3 All optical equipment that passed through the shop during the
period of -
contamination had to be traced and surveyed for
contamination.
3.8 Identification and Location of Gaseous Tritium Sources on
Military Equipment.
***NOTE*** Commodities within the DA Supply System that contain
radioactive materials are identified in TB 43-0116, "Identification
Of Radioactive Items In The Army."
( I ) Source Construction. Tritium sources, or vials, for
illumination are made of Pyrex tubes containing tritium gas and a
phosphor. One percent or less of the source is in the form of
tritium oxide. Figure 2 illustrates the various physical shapes of
the tritium sources used for illumination and various commodities
using the sources. The brightness and size of a radioluminescent
device determine how much tritium activity the device contained
when manufactured. A collimator, muzzle reference sensor or aiming
light that must be seen at a distance of several meters, must
contain 9 to 10 Curies of activity to provide adequate illumination
for several years of use. Watches, compasses and other small items
viewed at only a few inches contain much less tritium. The larger
the tritium source the greater the hazard it presents if broken.
Treat any source with care but be particularly aware of the size of
the source in collimators and aiming lights. Radioluminescent
devices are designed for field conditions, but they should not be
abused. Read the equipment TM for the precautions relating to
radioactive material and follow the instructions!
ALL SOURCE VIALS DRAWN TO APPROXIMATE SCALE OF MIA1 W M U M
DIMENSIONS FOR EACH TYPE SOURCE IS REPRESENTED
M A 1 COLLIMATOR 10 CURIE
M113A PAN TEL MI87 STR T EL W A 2 STR TEL 2.2 CURIE
AIMING MIA2 QUAD UGH1 M14Al QUAD M58/M59 M17IM18 QUAD MU3 MWAl
SIGHT UNIT 9-10 CI M64 SIGHT UNlT
MWA2 STR TEL Ml34Al TEL MOUNT MI71 TEL MOUNT MI87 STR TEL 1 9
CURIE
M I 13A PAN TEL M14Al QUAD MI37 PAN TEL M17Ml8 QUAD mA2 STR TEL
MI37 PAN TEL 0.8 CURIE
I 1 Figure 2. Example of Tritium Source Shapes.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
(2) Source Location. The fire control devices used with mortars,
howitzers, and battle tanks have radioluminescent sources to
provide light during low light conditions. A single howitzer may
have 10 or more fire control devices, each of which may contain
several tritium sources. The following sections discuss some of the
major fielded fire control devices that contain tritium and
indicate the approximate location of the tritium source in the
device. In all cases the equipment and its carrying case should
have warning labels attached.
3.9 Summary.
Lack of familiarity with proper maintenance procedures has
contributed to many of the incidents involving a tritium release.
Tritium sources damaged at maintenance facilities not designed to
work on the parts of the item containing the radioactive material
have resulted in personnel receiving whole body radiation exposure.
Although the magnitude of the largest exposures was less than NRC
limits for annual whole body exposure limits for a member of the
general public (100 millirem), the exposures are significant
because each incident of exposure would not have occurred if the TM
for the item had been followed.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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4. AUTHOR'S NOTES
This report was developed by the U.S. Army
Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), Radiological
Engineering Division, Directorate for Safety to support our role as
RSO for the command and RSSO for the U.S. Army National Guard. This
report should not be used as a complete listing of components
containing tritium. The components listed in this report are those
most commonly encountered. Users may submit recommended changes,
suggested improvements, additions, reports of omissions and
apparent errors. Comments should be forwarded directly to:
Commander U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command ATTN:
AMSEL-SF-RE Building 2539, Charles Wood Area Fort Monmouth, New
Jersey 07703-5024
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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APPENDIX A
COMMODITIES CONTAINING TRITIUM
TABLE OF TRITIUM ILLUMINATED DEVICES
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
Model
MlAl
MIA2
M3
M14A1
M16A1
M17
M18
M5 8
M59
M64
M64
M64A 1
M64A 1
M90A2
M113A1
M114A1
M134A1
M137
Device
Collimator
Gunner's Quadrant Recoilless h f l e
Quadrant, Fire Control Front Sight Post
Quadrant, Fire Control Quadrant, Fire Control Aiming Post Light
Aiming Post Light Sight Unit
Elbow Telescope
Sight Unit
Elbow Telescope
Telescope, Straight Telescope, Panoramic Elbow Telescope
Mount, Telescope
Telescope Panoramic
# of Sources
1
1
1
6
1
5
6
1
1
9
2
9
2
2
8
4
2
10
Curie
10
0.075
0.2 1
2.15
0.009
1.875
1.95
5.0
9.0
5.09
1.6
5.09
1.6
1.6
4.0
5.6
0.15
5.1
NSN
1240-00-332-1 780
1290-00-169-1937
d a
1290-00-150-8891
1005-00-234-1 568
1292-01-037-3883
1290-01-037-7289
1290-00-1 69-1 934
1290-00-1 69-1 935
1240-0 1-050-5588
1240-01-21 1-3608 1240-01 -051 -3657 1240-0 1-20 1-8299 1240-0
1-050-5588 1240-01-21 1-3608 1240-01-05 1-3657 1240-0
1-277-2875
1240-00-1 50-8886
1240-00-1 50-8889
1240-00-1 50-8890
1240-01-038-0531
Part Number 10556235
1 1732246
d a
1 1730915
12002965
1 1729530
1 1729525
1 1730975
1 1730976
1 174 1796
9360257 1 1733780 9360 1 69 1 174 1796 9360257 1 1733780 12599
180
1 1730267
1 1730285
105532 15
11741101
Page
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
20
2 1
2 1
2 1
2 1
22
23
24
25
26
-
TABLE OF TRITIUM ILLUMINATED DEVICES (cont'd)
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
Curie
5.1
4.4
3.0
3.0
0.15
2.65
3.2
0.19 10.0
0.0025
0.05
0.025
# of Sources
10
2
1
1
2
6
4
1 1
2
1
1
Model
M137A1
MI38
M139
M 140
M 17 1
M187
M224
---
MRS
---
---
---
Device
Telescope Panoramic Elbow Telescope
Alignment Device
Alignment Device
Mount, Telescope
Mount, Telescope & Quadrant Range Indicator
Compass Collimator, Infinity Beam Splitter
Surge Arrestors
Transmitter Limiter
Watch
Page
2 7
28
29
29
3 0
3 1
32
33 34
35
3 5
3 6
NSN
1240-01 -277-0472
1240-01-038-0530
493 1-01 -048-5834
493 1-01-1 87-97 13
1240-01 -039-7273
1240-01-277-0474
1010-01-043-2050
Various 1240-01 -275-0077 1240-01-236-9137 1240-01 -1 8 1-6025
1240-01 -324-22 17 1240-01-187-1057 1240-01 -276-6628 1240-01 -3
13-8932 1240-01-356-5887 1240-0 1-409-0784 1240-01-380-3 125
1240-01-136-3615 Various
Various
Various
Part Number 125991 67
1174126
1 1741 648-1
1 1741 648-2
1 1727800
12599166
1 1578985
Various 9377 194-2 9377194 1232 1679 12549839 9338485 9338485-2
1254882 1 12931378 12960957 12932260 12304730 Various
Various
n/a
-
M l A l Infinity Aiming Reference Collimator.
This component contains 10 Ci of tritium. The location of the
tritium source is shown in Figure A-1.
1 - 10 CURIE
MACHINE SCREW CORE -4 PORT
CAP
FIGURE A- 1. M 1 A 1 INFINITY AIMING REFERENCE COLLIMATOR
The M lAl Collimator, Infinity Aiming Reference, has a field
maintenance procedure that requires purging with dry nitrogen every
90 days. The purge is performed using a gas regulator that allows
the gas pressure to the collimator to be controlled to no greater
than 5 psi. The proper eauipment is "Fire Control Purging Kit",
Supply Catalog No. 493 1 -95-C 1-554, NSN 493 1-00-065- 1 1 10.
Without this special gas regulator the TM states that the purge
should not be performed because gas pressures above 5 psi can
instantly break the 10 Curie tritium source.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVlSlON CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MIA2 Gunner's Quadrant.
This component contains one tritium source to provide
illumination for the level bubble. This source contains 0.075 Ci of
tritium and is shown in Figure A-2.
FIGURE A-2. M 1A2 GUNNER'S QUADRANT
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M3 Recoilless Rifle
This component contains 0.21 Ci of tritium in the flare sight.
The flare sight is shown in Figure A-3.
FIGURE A-3. M3 RECOILLESS RIFLE
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M14A1 Fire Control Quadrant.
This component contains six tritium sources in four locations as
shown in Figure A-4. The elevation counter and correction counter
are each illuminated by two tritium sources each containing 0.5 Ci.
Each level vial is illuminated by one tritium source containing
0.075 Ci. The total activity in each M14A1 fire control quadrant is
2.15 Ci.
FIGURE A-4. M 14A1 FIRE CONTROL QUADRANT
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M16A1 Rifle, 5.56mm Front Sight Post.
This component contains one tritium source of 0.009 Ci as shown
in Figure A-5.
Note: This item is no longer used. Any of these items on hand,
or found, should be turned in to the RSO for disposal.
SIGHT POST 1 - 0.009 CURIE
DAT
FIGURE A-5. M 16A 1 RIFLE, FRONT SIGHT POST
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M17 Fire Control Quadrant.
This component contains five tritium sources in three locations
as shown in Figure A-6. The elevation counter and correction
counter are each illuminated by two tritium sources each containing
0.45 Ci. Each level vial is illuminated by one tritium source
containing 0.075 Ci. Total activity in each MI7 fire control
quadrant is 1.875 Ci.
FIGURE A-6. MI 7 FIRE CONTROL QUADRANT
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM Dl RECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MI8 Fire Control Quadrant.
This component contains six tritium sources in four locations as
shown in Figure A-7. The elevation counter and correction counter
are each illuminated by two tritium sources each containing 0.45
Ci. Each level vial is illuminated by one tritium source containing
0.075 Ci. Total activity in each M18 fire control quadrant is 1.95
Ci.
LEVEL VIAL 1 - 0.075 CURIE
CORRECTION COUNTER
ELEVATION
IAL CURIE
FIGURE A-7. M 18 FIRE CONTROL QUADRANT
M58 and M59 Aiming Post Lights.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
The M58 which is green colored, contains 5.0 Ci, the M-59 which
is orange colored, contains 9.0 Ci and both are shown in Figure
A-8.
M 58 AIMING LIGHT I - 5.0 CURIE
ON AlNllNG POST
M 59 AIMING LIGHT
FIGURE A-8. M58 AND M59 AIMING POST LIGHTS
M64lM64A1 Sight Unit (With Elbow Telescope).
RADIOLOGICAL ENGlNEERlNG DlVlSlON CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
This component contains 11 tritium sources in 10 locations as
shown in Figure A-9. The elbow telescope reticle is illuminated by
two tritium sources of 0.8 Ci each. Each of the two level vials are
illuminated by one tritium source containing 0.05 Ci. Each of the
three scale indices (arrows) are illuminated by one tritium source
containing 0.03 Ci. The fine and coarse azimuth scales are each
illuminated by one tritium source containing one Ci. The fine
elevation scale is illuminated by one tritium source containing 0.7
Ci. The coarse elevation scale is illuminated by one tritium source
containing 1.2 Ci. Total activity of each M64IM64A1 sight unit is
5.69 Ci.
RETICLE 2 - 0.8 CURIE
FIGURE A-9. M64IM64A1 SIGHT UNIT
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DlVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
2 1
-
M90A2 Telescope, Straight.
This component contains two tritium sources of 0.8 Ci each at
one location as shown in Figure A-10. The total activity of the
M90A2 telescope is 1.6 Ci.
RIE
FIGURE A- 10. M90A2 TELESCOPE, STRAIGHT
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M113A1 Panoramic Telescope.
This component contains eight tritium sources in four locations
as shown in Figure A-1 1. The azimuth dial and reset dial are each
illuminated by two tritium sources of 0.5 Ci each. The reticle is
illuminated by two tritium sources of 0.6 Ci each. The gunner's aid
counter dials are each illuminated by one tritium source of 0.4 Ci.
Total activity in each M113A1 telescope is 4.0 Ci.
AZIMUTH DlAL 2 - 0.5 CURIE
RESET DlAL 2 - 0.5 CURIE
GUNNER'S AID COUNTER 2 - 0.4 CURIE
FIGURE A- 1 1. M 1 13A 1 PANORAMIC TELESCOPE
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M114A1 Elbow Telescope.
This component contains four tritium sources in two locations as
shown in Figure A-12. The reticle slide contains two tritium
sources each containing 0.6 Ci. The cell assembly contains two
tritium sources each containing 2.2 Ci. Total activity of each
M114A1 telescope is 5.6 Ci.
CELL ASSEMBLY 2 - 2.2 CLlRlES
RETICLE SLIDE 2 - 0.6 CURIE
FIGURE A-12. M114A1 ELBOW TELESCOPE
RADIOLOG1 CAL ENGINEERING DIVl SION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M134A1 Mount, Telescope.
This component contains two tritium sources in two locations as
shown in Figure A-13. Each level vial is illuminated by one tritium
source containing 0.075 Ci. Total activity of each M134A1 telescope
mount is 0.15 Ci.
FIGURE A- 13. M 134A1 MOUNT, TELESCOPE
RADIOLOGICAL ENGlNEERlNG DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MI37 Panoramic Telescope.
This component contains ten tritium sources in four locations as
shown in Figure A-14. The reticle assembly contains four tritium
sources of 0.6 Ci each. The azimuth, deflection, and correction
counters are each illuminated by two tritium sources each
containing 0.45 Ci. Total activity of each panoramic telescope is
5.1 Ci.
AZIMUTH COUNTER 2 - 0.45 CLlRlE
2 - 0.45 CURIE
RETICLE 4 - 0.6 CURIE
2 - 0.45 CURIE
FIGURE A-14. M 137 PANORAMIC TELESCOPE
RADlOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M137A1 Panoramic Telescope.
This component contains ten tritium sources in four locations as
shown in Figure A-15. The body assembly contains four tritium
sources of 0.6 Ci each. The azimuth, deflection, and correction
counters are each illuminated by two tritium sources each
containing 0.45 Ci. Total activity of each M137A1 panoramic
telescope is 5.1 Ci.
- 0.45 CURIE
BODY ASSEMBLY 4 - 0.60 CURIE DEFLECTION
2 - 0.45 CURIE
CORRECTION COUNTER 2 - 0.45 CURIE
FIGURE A- 15. M137A 1 PANORAMIC TELESCOPE
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DlVlSlON CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MI38 Elbow Telescope.
This component contains two tritium sources in the reticle as
shown in Figure A-1 6. Each tritium source has an activity of 2.2
Ci. Total activity of the M 138 elbow telescope is 4.4 Ci.
RETICLE 2 - 2.2 CURIE ,,>
FIGURE A-16. M138 ELBOW TELESCOPE
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MI39 and MI40 Alignment Devices.
Each of these components contains one 3.0 Ci tritium source as
shown in Figure A-17. Total activity of each alignment device is
3.0 Ci.
FIGURE A-17. M139 AND M140 ALIGNMENT DEVICES
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M 17 1 Mount, Telescope.
This component contains two tritium sources of 0.075 Ci in two
locations as shown in Figure A-1 8. A tritium source is used to
illuminate each level vial. Total activity of each M171 telescope
mount is 0.15 Ci.
LEVEL VlAL 1 - 0.075 CURIE
LEVEL VlAL 1 - 0.075 CURIE
FIGURE A- 18. M 17 1 MOUNT, TELESCOPE
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MI87 Mount, Telescope, and Quadrant.
This component contains six tritium sources in three locations
as shown in Figure A-19. The two level vials are each illuminated
with a tritium source of 0.075 Ci. The correction dial is
illuminated by two tritium sources of 0.80 Ci each. The elevation
dial is illuminated with two tritium sources of 0.45 Ci each. The
total activity of the M187 telescope mount is 2.65 Ci.
ELEVATION COUNTER 2 - 0.45 CURIE
CORRECTION COUNTER 2 - 0.80 CURIE
LEVEL VlAL LEVEL VlAL I - 0.075 CURIE
FIGURE A-19. M187 MOUNT, TELESCOPE AND QUADRANT
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM Dl RECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M224 Mortar, 60 mm, Range Indicator.
This component is a subassembly of the mortar. The scale of the
range indicator is illuminated with four tritium sources of 0.8 Ci
each as shown in Figure A-20. The total activity of the range
indicator is 3.2 Ci.
RANGE INDICATOR 4 - 0.8 CURIE \ M'-'-
FIGURE A-20. M224 MORTAR RANGE INDICATOR
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
Compasses.
Some compasses contain tritium painted dial faces. Newer
compasses contain small vials containing the tritium and phosphor.
The maximum activity is 0.19 Ci. There is no hazard associated with
these commodities as long as the dial face and sighting dots remain
intact. A typical lensatic compass is shown in Figure A-2 1.
LUMINOUS MAGNETIC ARROW SHORT LUMINOUS LINE* SIGHTING SLOT
THUMB LOOP
FLOATING DIAL
FIGURE A-2 1. LENSATIC COMPASS
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
Muzzle Reference Sensor, (Infinity Collimator).
This component contains one tritium source of 10 Ci as shown in
Figure A-22. A battery powered beam splitter assembly is available,
so all may not contain tritium.
BEAMSPLITTER
105 MM MAlN GLIN, M I AND lPMl TANK
CAUTION PLATE
BEAMSPLITTER 1 - 10 CURIE
120 MM MAlN GUN, MIA1 AND MIA2 TANK
FIGURE A-22. MUZZLE REFERENCE SENSOR (Infinity Collimator)
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
Surge Arrestors.
Central Office Telephone Switching Centers use electrical surge
arrestors (ESA) containing tritium. Figure A-23 shows a typical
cross-section drawing of a coaxial ESA assembly. Items E l and E2
contain the tritium. Refer to TB 43-01 16 for activity.
SCREWS, COVER
E l
E2
FIGURE A-23. TYPICAL SURGE ARRESTOR
Transmitter Limiter.
Many radar transmitters use a transmitter limiter tube that
contains tritium. These devices are usually installed in the wave
guide of the transmitter. An example is shown in Figure A-24. In
Figure A-24, tube V3 is the transmitter limiter. Refer to TB 43-01
16 for activity.
FIGURE A-24. TYPICAL TRAIVSMITTER LIMITER
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM Dl RECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
Watches.
Some military issue watches contain tritium painted dial faces.
Newer models contain tritium cells. The maximum activity is 0.025
Ci. A typical watch is shown in Figure A-25. There is no hazard
associated with these watches as long as the face crystal remains
intact.
FIGURE A-25. TYPICAL WATCH
APPENDIX B
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
MAJOR END ITEMS CONTAINING TRITIUM SOURCES
This appendix provides examples of major end items containing
tritium illumination devices. Due to modifications of end items the
number and type of device on any end item may be revised. The most
up-to-date TM or Modification Work Order (MWO) should be consulted
for current information.
M3 Recoilless Rifle. The M3 recoilless rifle contains a flare
sight with 0.2 1 Curies of tritium as shown in Figure A-3 on page
15.
MI1 Pistol, 9 mm. The M1 1 9mm pistol is equipped with tritium
sights containing 0.054 Curies. The radioactive sights are
identified with the letter "T." A check of the illumination of the
M11 pistol sights is to be made on a daily basis prior to use. If
not illuminated, the pistol may be contaminated. Do not attempt to
remove or fix the sights, notify the local RSO.
M16A1 Rifle, 5.56 mm. The M 16A1 rifles equipped with the "Low
Light Level Sight System" have a special rear sight and front sight
post. The front sight post is shown in Figure A-5 on page 17 and
contains 9.0 millicuries of tritium. As long as the sight post
element has not been damaged there is no hazard to the user. This
item is no longer used. Any of these items on hand, or found,
should be turned in to the RSO for disposal.
MI, 1PM1, M l A l and MIA2 tanks, and M68 Cannon, 105mm. The
tritium source on these end items is the muzzle reference sensor
(infinity collimator) containing a 10 Curie source as shown in
Figure A-22 on page 34. A battery operated replacement is
available.
MI02 Howitzer, 105mm, Light, Towed. The M102 Howitzer is
equipped with the following fire control devices containing the
tritium sources listed below.
M 1 A2 Gunner's Quadrant
M114A1 Elbow Telescope
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
M107, Gun Field Artillery, Self-propelled, 175mm. The tritium
source on the M107 is the MIA1 Infinity Collimator with a 10 Ci
source as shown in Fig A-1 on page 13.
M109, M109A1, and M109AlBSP Howitzer, Self-propelled, 155mm and
MlOlA Howitzer, Light Towed. The minimum tritium source on these
models of the Howitzer is the MIA1 Infinity Collimator with a 10 Ci
source as shown in Figure A-1 on page 13, some models may include
additional devices.
M109A2SP and M109A3 Howitzer, Self-propelled, 155mm. The minimum
tritium sources on these models of the Howitzer are the MIA1
Infinity Collimator with the 10 Ci source as shown in Figure A-1 on
page 13 and the M140 Alignment Device with the 3.0 Ci source as
shown in Figure A-17 on page 29. Some models may include the MIA2
Gunner's Quadrant as shown in Figure A-2 on page 14.
M110, and MllOAl, Howitzer, Self-propelled, 8 in. The tritium
source on these models of the Howitzer is the M l A1 Infinity
Collimator with a 10 Ci source as shown in Figure A-1 on page
13.
M110A2, Howitzer, Self-propelled, 8 in. The minimum tritium
sources on this model of the Howitzer are the MIA1 Infinity
Collimator with a 10 Ci source as shown in Figure A-1 on page 13
and the M140 Alignment Device with a 3.0 Ci source as shown in
Figure A-17 on page 29. Some models may include the M 1A2 Gunner's
Quadrant.
M119, Gun, Light and MI19 A1 Howitzer, Towed. The tritium
sources used on these guns are:
MI21 Mortar, 120 mm and M252 Mortar, 81 mm. The M121 and M252
Mortars are equipped with the following fire control devices
containing tritium.
COMMODITY
M 187 Mount, Telescope & Quadrant
M90A2 Telescope, Straight
M 140 Alignment Device
M l Al Infinity Collimator
M 1 A2 Gunner's Quadrant
M 137A1 Panoramic Telescope
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
FIGURE
Figure A- 19
Figure A-1 0
Figure A- 1 7
Figure A-l
Figure A-2
Figure A-1 5
COMMODlTY
M58 Aiming Post Light
M59 Aiming Post Light
M64164AI Sight Unit
ACTIVITY (Curie)
2.65
1.6
3.0
10.0
0.075
5.1
FIGURE
Figure A-8
Figure A-8
Figure A-9
ACTIVITY (Curie)
5.0
9.0
6.69
-
MI98 Howitzer, 155mm, Medium, Towed. The M198 Howitzer is
equipped with the following fire control devices containing the
tritium sources listed below.
M224 Mortar, 60mm, Light, Company. The M224 Mortar is equipped
with radioluminescent devices to provide illumination in low light
conditions. These devices and their tritium activity are:
Radar Systems. The following are examples of radar systems that
use a transmitter limiter electron tube device containing tritium
gas. Follow the cautions and instructions contained in the
appropriate TM for the safe handling and disposal of these devices.
The tritium activity in these devices is less than 1.0 Ci and
presents no radiation hazard as long as the tubes remain intact.
For the activity in each device refer to TB 43-01 16.
COMMODITY
M58 Aiming Post Light
M59 Aiming Post Light
M64JM64A 1 Sight Unit
Range Indicator
Central Office Telephone Switching Stations. The following are
examples of central office telephone switching stations that
utilize electrical surge arrestors (ESA) containing tritium. Follow
the cautions and instructions contained in the appropriate TM for
the safe handling and disposal of these devices. The tritium
activity in the ESAs are less than 0.5 Ci and presents no radiation
hazard as long as the ESAs are not broken.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERlNG DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
FIGURE
Figure A-8
Figure A-8
Figure A-9
Figure A-20
ACTIVITY (Curie)
5.0
9.0
6.69
3.2
-
APPENDIX C
INCIDENT RESPONSE PLAN
1. Purpose and Scope.
The response plan should be based upon the potential hazard that
may exist when a tritium commodity is damaged, and has two goals:
1) To prevent the spread of contamination when a tritium
illumination device is damaged, and 2) all radiation exposure
should be maintained "As Low as is Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA).
The plan should incorporate training and periodic surveys to
achieve these goals and be designed to guide personnel through the
incident response with positive mitigation actions and corrective
measures that will reduce the potential for future incidents. The
level of response will be determined by incident conditions.
2. General.
Tritium, commonly used in military equipment, is considered to
be a low biological hazard. The amount of tritium in a device and
the physical form (solid or gas) are the major factors pertaining
to the potential hazard of tritium to personnel. Since the
biological hazard for tritium commodities is low, a baseline or
periodic bioassay are not required.
3. Training and Procedures.
a. Training. Frequent training should be performed using the
appropriate TM, for all users. Users are soldiers and lower echelon
maintenance personnel that use and store tritium devices as
required to perform the unit's mission. Lower echelon maintenance
personnel are those at user level maintenance shops not authorized
by the equipment TM to perform repairs on the tritium source
components of a commodity. Training requirements for all personnel
are listed in Table C-1.
b. Procedures. Routine operating and use procedures should
address the actions listed in Table C-2. These procedures should be
prepared by the RSO and reviewed annually.
4. Bioassav and Suwev Requirements.
a. Users.
(1) Routine medical surveys and bioassay not required for user
personnel.
(2) Quarterly contamination surveys of the storage area(s) are
required.
b. Maintenance Personnel.
(1) Routine bioassay or baseline data are not required.
(2) Quarterly contamination surveys of the storage area(s) and
maintenance area(s) (i.e., workbenchsltables) are required.
c. Authorized Maintenance Personnel (Depot Level). .
(1) Routine bioassay or baseline data are required.
(2) Quarterly contamination surveys of the storage area(s) and
maintenance area(s)
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
(i.e., workbenchsltables) are required.
5. Response Plan.
a. Incident Response To Damaged Tritium Source While
Handling.
(1) Notify other personnel in the area that the source is
damaged. Instruct nonessential personnel to evacuate the area and
assemble in pre-designated assembly area.
(2) Notify the RSO.
(3) Place the damaged commodity in a double plastic bag and
label the bag with device NSN and the words: "Damaged Tritium
Source - DO NOT OPEN."
(4) If outer clothing is contaminated (phosphor powder from
source visible on clothing), remove clothing and place in plastic
bag. Label the bag as: "Contaminated Material."
(5) Wash suspected contaminated body areas with soap and tepid
(skin temperature) water. Table C-I. Training Topics
X X Level of authorized repair
UL
I I I X X Proper handling of contaminated equipment
I I X X Incident mitigation training I
UM AM Training Topics
I H x i I I X I I I I I X i I I I ( X I I I X
How to recognize a tritium commodity X
X
X
Reporting instructions
X
I l X i I I I I I I X
X
X
X I I I
Proper care in non-combat conditions to prevent damage
Storage, security and environmental considerations I
X I I It I
X
X
X
Recognition of a damaged tritium source
Proper handling and turn-in of a damaged tritium source
X
I I I I Why repair of tritium devices at user level is not
authorized
I X I I I II I
I' I I I1 U L = All user level personnel, LIM = Llser level
maintenance personnel, AM = Authorized maintenance personnel
Actions to take upon receipt of a damaged tritium commodity
Definition of a tritium contamination accident and reporting of
incident X
I I I II I X
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
X
Work repair/storage SOPS in use X
X
Bioassay collection and disposition
X
X Swipe survey of work and storage areas
-
Table C-2. Procedure Actions
11 / A M I Procedure Actions To Be Addressed 11 X
X
X
X
X
X
Inspection prior to use, after use and before storage
Inspection upon receipt
X
X
I I
Storage security
Actions following receipt of damaged items
X
I l x i I I I Bagging and tagging damaged items
X
X
I1 I I I1 UL = All user level personnel, UM = User level
maintenance personnel, AM = Authorized maintenance personnel
Notification of RSO
Work area preparation
I I I
Personnel who may have handled a broken device, or were in the
near vicinity at the time of the break, may be required to report
to local medical clinic for bioassay. Bioassays are urine samples
that must be analyzed by medical facilities with specialized
equipment. Do not delay in obtaining a sample. Optimum sample time
is between four and twenty four hours after exposure. See Section 7
below, for instructions for collecting a bioassay sample.
X
I II
(6) Worker should provide a bioassay (urine) sample no sooner
than four hours after the incident and as soon as possible after
four hours. Discard the first void.
Work area clean-up following repairs
X
(7) RSO or designate secures the area suspected of
contamination. Perform a contamination swipe survey for immediate
analysis by a counting laboratory.
Disposal of damaged items
(8) Notify the RSSO and provide initial report.
(9) RSO obtains written statements from all involved
personnel.
(10) Bioassay Follow Up Actions.
(a) If bioassay results indicate less than two times background
uptake, initiate a report explaining the incident. Report and
explain results to the individual(s) and RSSO.
(b) If bioassay results indicate less than 125 millirem whole
body dose, initiate a report stating that no individual exposure
exceeded the investigation dose level established by DA Pam 40-18.
Report the results to U.S. Army Ionizing Radiation Dosimetry Branch
(AIRDB) and explain results to the individual(s) and RSSO.
RADlOLOGlCAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM Dl RECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
-
(c) If bioassay results are greater than 125 millirem but less
than 375 millirem whole body dose, initiate an investigation of the
incident to determine why individual exposure is greater than the
investigation dose level established by DA Pam 40-18. In addition,
review work procedures with consideration given to the
following:
1 Do not allow the same work procedure to be performed. Using
information obtained from -
the workers, the RSO or designate will develop a safe work
procedure and implement same.
2 Based on a study of the incident, other personnel may require
bioassay sampling. -
3 Investigate work area for environmental conditions. Inspect
ventilation, free space, and work -
conditions and correct any causative situations.
(d) If bioassay results indicate greater than 375 millirem,
initiate an investigation and report that the individual exposure
exceeded the level I1 investigation dose level established in DA
Pam 40-1 8. Perform an investigation as explained in DA PAM 40-1 8,
Section 4-10, subparagraphs f through j. The RSO will perform the
actions specified in DA PAM 40-18 Section 4-12 d. Report results to
AIRDB and notify the individual(s) and RSSO of any actions taken
and explain results of bioassay.
(1 1) Swipe Results Follow-up Actions.
(a) If swipe results are less than 10,000 d p d 100 cm2 (1,000 d
p d 1 0 0 cm2 - uncontrolled area).
1 Release area for normal operations. -
2 Complete Incident Report. -
(b) If swipe results are greater than 10,000 d p d 1 0 0 cm2
(1,000 d p d 1 0 0 cm2 - uncontrolled area).
1 Designate equipment that cannot be economically decontaminated
as radioactive waste and -
notify the item manager.
2 Maintain area controls to prevent spread of contamination.
-
3 Decontaminate affected areas. -
4 Swipe decontaminated areas.
5 Maintain control over areas and decontaminate as required
until swipe results are less than -
10,000 d p d 1 0 0 cm2 (1,000 d p d 1 0 0 cm2 - uncontrolled
area).
b. Tritium Source Found Damaged On Equipment or In Storage.
(1) Assume equipment and immediate area are contaminated.
(a) Secure area, evacuate excess personnel.
(b) Double bag and tag item.
(c) Swipe survey the area.
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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(2) Other Actions.
(a) Immediate bioassay not required.
(b) If contamination survey results indicate contamination
levels greater than 1 million d p d 1 0 0 cm2, perform bioassay on
individuals handling the item.
(3) Swipe Follow-up Actions.
(a) If swipe test results are less than 10,000 dprn1100 cm2
(1,000 d p d 1 0 0 cm2 - uncontrolled area), no action is required.
Release area for normal operations and complete incident
report.
(b) If swipe test results for any equipment or area are greater
than 10,000 d p d 100 cm2 (1,000 d p d 1 0 0 cm2 - uncontrolled
area), perform decontamination of equipment or areas.
1 Designate equipment that cannot be economically decontaminated
as radioactive waste and -
notify the item manager.
2 Maintain control of the area to prevent spread of
contamination. -
3 Decontaminate affected areas. -
4 Swipe test decontaminated areas. -
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 until swipe test results show
decontamination levels below action level. -
Release area for normal operations.
6. Swipe Procedure.
a. Equipment Required.
(1) Nitrocellulose filters. Filtering Disk, Fluid, NSN
6640-01-142-83 17.
(2) Liquid scintillation vials, clear, 20 ml, with screw caps.
(RPI Research Products International Corp. No. 12000, or Beckman
Instruments 18 ml capacity, part number 566350, or equal.)
(3) Distilled or deionized water.
(4) Gloves, latex.
(5) Marking pen.
b. Procedure. Wipe tests can be used on any surface or device
where tritium contamination is suspected. Broken devices should not
be swiped but bagged and tagged.
(1) Put on gloves. Remove filter from between the colored paper
separators. (The disc is white, with a very smooth surface.) Dampen
filter disc with distilled water.
(2) With the disc, wipe an area of approximately 4 inches by 4
inches. For commodities, all accessible surfaces suspected of being
contaminated should be wiped. Use one filter disc per
commodity,
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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(3) Carefully roll the disc and place in glass vial, add not
more than 10 drops of water (i.e., 1 - 2 milliters) to vial and
place cap on vial.
(4) Place an identifying number on the vial cap. DO NOT WRITE ON
VIAL OR APPLY TAPE TO VIAL.
(5) Identify location of wipe on survey form.
(6) Carefully pack to prevent breakage or spillage and submit
vial(s) to counting laboratory for analysis:
(a) National Guard units should send contamination survey swipes
to CECOM for counting at:
Commander U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command ATTN:
AMSEL-SF-RE (LAB) Bldg. 2540, Charles Wood Area Fort Monmouth, NJ
07703-5024 Phone: (732) 427-5370 or DSN: 987-5370
(b) Other units should submit samples to:
Commander Rock Island Arsenal ATTN: SOSRI-ESM Bldg. 2 10, 4th
Floor Rock Island, IL 6 1299-5000 Phone: (309) 782-7889 or DSN:
793-7889
CAUTION Wear latex gloves while performing wipe tests as the oil
from your skin will interfere with tritium absorption on the
filter. Excessive surface dirt and grease will also interfere.
7. Bioassav Procedure.
a. If an uptake is suspected or indicated by a very high level
of contamination, contact the Chief, Radiological, Classical and
Clinical Chemistry Division of the U.S. Army Center for Health
Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM) by telephone, mail or
electronic mail.
(1) Phone: DSN 584-8247 or Commercial (410) 436-8247
(2) Address:
Commander U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive
Medicine ATTN: MCHB-TS-LRD 5 1 58 Blackhawk Road Aberdeen Proving
Ground, MD 2 10 10-5403
(3) Send e-mail to: [email protected]
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIKECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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b. Provide the following information.
(1) Technical point of contact (POC).
(2) DSN and commercial phone number, mailing address and e-mail
address (if available) of the POC.
(3) A description of the problem for which services are being
requested.
(4) Why services are being requested.
(5) Types of analyses requested.
(6) Types of samples to be collected.
(7) Number of samples to be collected.
(8) Date and time of sample collection.
(9) Whether chain of custody is required, and
(10) Any specific regulatory requirements.
c. CHPPM will provide: Specific instructions for sample
container, volume requirements, collection procedures, labeling,
packaging and shipping.
(1) For tritium analysis, a single void is required. The
container is obtained from the supporting medical facility, and is:
Bottle urine, 100 milliliter capacity, NSN 6640-00-165-5778, GSA
Cat. No. F 10906-0 100.
(2) Follow local clinic procedures for collecting urine samples.
Ensure to:
(a) Wash hands before collecting specimen.
(b) If exposure is to tritium, it is imperative that the urine
sample be representative of the tritium concentration in the body
fluids. A sample collected too soon will not be representative of
tritium concentration in the body fluids. Pre-exposure bladder
contents will dilute the sample. Therefore:
1 Discard the initial void following the exposure and any
additional voids prior to four hours -
post-exposure.
2 Allow four hours to elapse following the exposure, then
collect the void. The post-exposure -
time may be longer than four hours but should not be less than
four hours.
(c) Collect a minimum of 50 milliliters.
(d) Close container tightly and rinse under running water. Dry
container prior to shipping.
(e) Do not add chemicals or preservatives.
(f) Follow labeling and shipping instructions from CHPPM.
RADlOLOGlCAL ENGlNEERlNG DlVlSlON CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY
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APPENDIX D
ITEM MANAGERS AND SAFETY SUPPORT FOR RADIOACTIVE COMMODITIES
CONTAINING TRITIUM
Radioactive commodities containing tritium are assigned to
various Major Subordinate Commands (MSCs) and agencies for
logistics support and radiation safety guidance. These MSCs are
listed below. Additional commodity information can be obtained by
contacting the appropriate National Inventory Control Point (ICP)
for logistical support and the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) of
the responsible ICP.
B14 TACOM-RI ICP - U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments
Command ATTlU: AMSTA-CFSF Rock Island, IL 61299-7036 DSN: 793-0126,
Commercial: (309) 782-0126
B14 TACOM-RI RSO - U.S. Army Tank-automotive & Armaments
Command ATTN: AMSTA-LC-RS Rock Island, IL 61299-7036 DSN: 793-2965,
Commercial: (309) 782-29651622812995
B16 CECOM ICP - U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command
ATTN: AMSEL-LC-LEO-D Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5000 DSN: 992-9362,
Commercial: (732) 532 9362
B 16 CECOM RSO - U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command
ATTIU: AMSEL-SF-RE Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5024 DSN: 987-3 1 12,
Commercial: (732) 427-3 112
RADIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION CECOM DIRECTORATE FOR
SAFETY