radiation safety information safe handling of tritium sources

Transcription

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
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 ..........................................................................................................
10
11-36
A . Commodities Containing Tritium ................................................................................
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
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
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
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
'2:
CAUTION
&* %
@*%
RADIOACTIVE MATERlAL
CONTROLLED DISPOSAL REQUIRED
I)
NRC UCENSE NO
I1
CAUTION
rn
a
THIS CASE MAY CONTAIN
INSTRUMENTS USING
RADIOACTIVE MATERJALS
ISOTOPE H3 MAX CURES
RADIOISOTOPE H3
ACTIVITY
MlUCURE
I
CURE
IF FOUND,
RETURN TO NEAREST
M IUTARY ACTIVITY
&$
,
CAUTION
&$%
ISOTOPES H3
11
IF FOUND RETURN TO
A MIUTARY BASE
DISPOSAL PER AR 385-1 I
CURES
1
I
DATE=
-1
Figure I . Radioactive Identification Labels.
3.3 First Rule of Tritium Safetv.
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 1A 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
(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
(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
(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
(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
AIMING
UGH1
M58/M59
MU3
9 - 1 0 CI
MIA2 QUAD
M14Al QUAD
M17IM18 QUAD
MWAl SIGHT UNIT
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
m
A
2 STR TEL
MI37 PAN TEL
0.8 CURIE
M113A PAN TEL
MI87 STR TEL
W A 2 STR TEL
2.2 CURIE
1
I
Figure 2. Example of Tritium Source Shapes.
(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.
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
APPENDIX A
COMMODITIES CONTAINING TRITIUM
TABLE OF TRITIUM ILLUMINATED DEVICES
Model
Device
# of
Curie
MlAl
Collimator
Sources
1
10
MIA2
Gunner's
Quadrant
Recoilless h f l e
1
Page
1240-00-332-1780
Part
Number
10556235
0.075
1290-00-169-1937
11732246
14
1
0.2 1
da
da
15
Quadrant, Fire
Control
Front Sight Post
6
2.15
1290-00-150-8891
11730915
16
1
0.009
1005-00-234-1568
12002965
17
5
1.875
1292-01-037-3883
11729530
18
6
1.95
1290-01-037-7289
11729525
19
1
5.0
1290-00-169-1934
11730975
20
1
9.0
1290-00-169-1935
11730976
20
M64
Quadrant, Fire
Control
Quadrant, Fire
Control
Aiming Post
Light
Aiming Post
Light
Sight Unit
9
5.09
1240-01-050-5588
11741796
21
M64
Elbow Telescope
2
1.6
Sight Unit
9
5.09
M64A 1
Elbow Telescope
2
1.6
M90A2
2
1.6
8
4.0
1240-00-150-8886
11730267
23
M114A1
Telescope,
Straight
Telescope,
Panoramic
Elbow Telescope
9360257
11733780
9360 169
11741796
9360257
11733780
12599180
21
M64A 1
1240-01-211-3608
1240-01-051-3657
1240-01-201-8299
1240-0 1-050-5588
1240-01-211-3608
1240-01-05 1-3657
1240-01-277-2875
4
5.6
1240-00-150-8889
11730285
24
M134A1
Mount, Telescope
2
0.15
1240-00-150-8890
105532 15
25
M137
Telescope
Panoramic
10
5.1
1240-01-038-0531
11741101
26
M3
M14A1
M16A1
M17
M18
M5 8
M59
M113A1
NSN
CECOM DlRECTORATE FOR SAFETY
13
21
21
22
TABLE OF TRITIUM ILLUMINATED DEVICES (cont'd)
Model
Device
# of
Curie
NSN
Sources
10
5.1
2
Page
1240-01-277-0472
Part
Number
12599167
4.4
1240-01-038-0530
1174126
28
MI38
Telescope
Panoramic
Elbow Telescope
M139
Alignment Device
1
3.0
493 1-01-048-5834
11741648-1
29
M 140
Alignment Device
1
3.0
493 1-01-187-97 13
11741648-2
29
M 171
Mount, Telescope
2
0.15
1240-01-039-7273
11727800
30
M187
Mount, Telescope
& Quadrant
Range Indicator
6
2.65
1240-01-277-0474
12599166
31
4
3.2
1010-01-043-2050
11578985
32
Various
9377 194-2
9377194
12321679
12549839
9338485
9338485-2
1254882 1
12931378
12960957
12932260
12304730
Various
33
34
35
M137A1
M224
27
--MRS
Compass
Collimator,
Infinity
Beam Splitter
1
1
0.19
10.0
---
Surge Arrestors
2
0.0025
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
1240-01-409-0784
1240-01-380-3 125
1240-01-136-3615
Various
---
Transmitter
Limiter
Watch
1
0.05
Various
Various
35
1
0.025
Various
n/a
36
---
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 1A 1 INFINITY AIMING REFERENCE COLLIMATOR
The M l A l 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- 1 110. 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
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
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
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
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 16A1 RIFLE, FRONT SIGHT POST
M17 Fire Control Quadrant.
This component contains five tritium sources in three locations as shown in Figure A-6. The elevation
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
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
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
IAL
CURIE
ELEVATION
FIGURE A-7. M 18 FIRE CONTROL QUADRANT
M58 and M59 Aiming Post Lights.
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
M 59 AIMING LIGHT
ON AlNllNG POST
FIGURE A-8. M58 AND M59 AIMING POST LIGHTS
M64lM64A1 Sight Unit (With Elbow Telescope).
RADIOLOGICAL ENGlNEERlNG DlVlSlON
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
21
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
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- 11. M 1 13A 1 PANORAMIC TELESCOPE
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
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
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
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
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
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
M 171 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 171 MOUNT, TELESCOPE
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
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
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.
SHORT LUMINOUS LINE*
LUMINOUS MAGNETIC ARROW
SIGHTING SLOT
THUMB LOOP
FLOATING DIAL
FIGURE A-2 1. LENSATIC COMPASS
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 l P M l TANK
BEAMSPLITTER
1 10 CURIE
-
CAUTION
PLATE
120 MM MAlN GUN, M I A 1 AND M I A 2 TANK
FIGURE A-22. MUZZLE REFERENCE SENSOR
(Infinity Collimator)
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
El
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
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
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
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:
COMMODITY
FIGURE
ACTIVITY (Curie)
M 187 Mount, Telescope & Quadrant
Figure A- 19
2.65
M90A2 Telescope, Straight
Figure A-1 0
1.6
M 140 Alignment Device
Figure A- 1 7
3.0
M l Al Infinity Collimator
Figure A-l
10.0
M 1 A2 Gunner's Quadrant
Figure A-2
0.075
M 137A1 Panoramic Telescope
Figure A-1 5
5.1
MI21 Mortar, 120 mm and M252 Mortar, 81 mm. The M121 and M252 Mortars are equipped with
the following fire control devices containing tritium.
ACTIVITY (Curie)
COMMODlTY
FIGURE
M58 Aiming Post Light
Figure A-8
5.0
Figure A-8
9.0
M64164AI Sight Unit
Figure A-9
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:
COMMODITY
FIGURE
ACTIVITY
(Curie)
Figure A-8
5.0
Figure A-8
9.0
M64JM64A 1 Sight Unit
Figure A-9
6.69
Range Indicator
Figure A-20
3.2
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.
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
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)
(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
UL
AM
UM
X
I
X
I
X
X
Proper handling of contaminated equipment
I
X
X
Hx i
Level of authorized repair
I
I
I
Training Topics
I
I
Incident mitigation training
I
I
X
X
Reporting instructions
X
X
How to recognize a tritium commodity
I
I
II ( X i
lX i
I
X
I
X
I
X
X
I
X
I
I
X
X
I
X
I
Actions to take upon receipt of a damaged tritium commodity
I
Definition of a tritium contamination accident and reporting of incident
X
I
I
Work repair/storage SOPS in use
X
X
I
Why repair of tritium devices at user level is not authorized
X
I
I
Proper handling and turn-in of a damaged tritium source
I
I
Swipe survey of work and storage areas
X
X
X
I'
I
I
I
I
I
I
Recognition of a damaged tritium source
I
I
I
I
I
X
X
I
Storage, security and environmental considerations
X
X
I
Proper care in non-combat conditions to prevent damage
I
I
X
It
I
I
I
I
I
Bioassay collection and disposition
I1
I
U L = All user level personnel, LIM
=
Llser level maintenance personnel, AM
= Authorized
maintenance personnel
Table C-2. Procedure Actions
1
X
Inspection prior to use, after use and before storage
X
X
Inspection upon receipt
X
X
Storage security
X
X
Actions following receipt of damaged items
X
lx i
X
I
Work area preparation
I
I
I
I
Notification of RSO
X
1
I
Bagging and tagging damaged items
I
I
I1
Procedure Actions To Be Addressed
X
I
I
I
/AM
X
Work area clean-up following repairs
X
Disposal of damaged items
I
I
I1
I
UL = All user level personnel, UM
=
User level maintenance personnel, AM
= Authorized
maintenance personnel
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.
(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.
(7) RSO or designate secures the area suspected of contamination. Perform a contamination swipe
survey for immediate analysis by a counting laboratory.
(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
(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.
(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,
(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, 4thFloor
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
5 158 Blackhawk Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 2 10 10-5403
(3) Send e-mail to: [email protected]
CECOM DIKECTORATE FOR SAFETY
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 10906-0100.
(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
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
DSN: 992-9362, Commercial: (732) 532 9362
B 16
CECOM RSO - U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command
ATTIU: AMSEL-SF-RE
DSN: 987-3 112, Commercial: (732) 427-3 112

radiation safety information safe handling of tritium sources

Transcription

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