Radioactive sources can be accidently commingled with scrap metals that are processed at metal reclamation facilities or mixed in with landfill wastes. This can result in contamination of the facility, unnecessary worker or public exposure to radiation - posing hazards to health and the environment, and costly cleanups. Most radiation sources that show up at scrap metal facilities come from industrial demolition sites, discarded waste in landfills or are considered orphan sources. Orphan sources are defined as once lost sources that are later discovered and the owner or source or the radioactive material is unknown. Examples of such sources include industrial gauges and devices containing radioactive sources. These items frequently require little or no maintenance and remain radioactive for a long period of time. If some of these devices  are lost (especially during oil and gas exploration), painted over, or otherwise overlooked, they can be easily forgotten or unknown to demolition contractors, waste handlers and scrap metal processors.

In keeping with its mission to protect public health, welfare and the environment, EPA has developed presentations to train personnel in the identification and proper handling of radiation sources that could be encountered at scrap metal facilities or demolition sites.

Tritium Exit Signs, Responsible Management

Tritium is a radioactive substance used in exit signs to allow them to be illuminated without a source of electricity. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires that tritium exit signs be returned to a licensed facility for disposal. Most, if not all, radioactive substances used for similar or other applications are subject to NRC regulations [10 CFR Part 30] as well as some NRC Agreement States.

EPA has developed this self-paced online program to promote awareness of tritium EXIT signs, the proper disposal and safety in handling these signs, legal requirements and the availability of Energy-Star non-radioactive “green” sign alternatives.

View the online training, “Tritium Exit Signs, Responsible Management.”

Please provide feedback on the training here.

Response to Radiation Alarms at Metal Processing Facilities

EPA worked with states, federal and industry organizations to develop this CD-ROM-based training program that helps workers at scrap metal yards identify and properly handle radioactive materials that could be found in scrap metal shipments.

Download Response to Radiation Alarms at Metal Processing Facilities (ZIP)(454 MB, September 2002)

Please provide feedback on the training here.

Identifying Radioactive Sources at the Demolition Site

This presentation was designed specifically to help demolition contractors identify and properly handle radiation sources that could be found at demolition sites. The National Demolition Association Exit participated in developing, reviewing, and testing the training presentation.

Download Identifying Radioactive Sources at the Demolition Site (ZIP)(563 MB)

Please provide feedback on the training here.

• Poster: Identifying Radioactive Sources at the Demolition Site (PDF)(1 pg, 1 MB)
  This poster accompanies the training CD created by EPA and the National Demolition Association to help demolition contractors learn how to identify and properly handle radiation sources that could be found at demolition sites.