Control of Tritium Health Hazards at the Savannah River Plant

The essential components of the program for the control of tritium hazards at Savannah River include radiological engineering, training of operating personnel in techniques of protection, protective clothing, control of surface and air contamination, bioassay, and environmental monitoring. Rapid change of air in process areas and the continuous measurement of tritium in air are two important facets of the protection program. Workers in a tritium atmosphere wear inexpensive, polyvinyl suits which are supplied with air ana envelop the entire body. Permissible working time limits are established with the help of a nomograph that reflects the tritium concentration in air and the protective value of air masks or plastic suits. Employees submit urine specimens after jobs involving tritium exposure. These specimens are immediately assayed by means of liquid scintillation counting. Grease, oil, and other hydrocarbons retain tritium. Surface contamination is detected qualitatively by use of smears and gas flow proportional counters. Ventilation air from process areas is released to the environs through tall stacks. The stack air is continuously monitored. At the perimeter of the plant and 25 miles away, air is sampled to determine the effect of tritium released through the stacks. The Savannah River, streams on the plant, and food produced in the vicinity of the reservation are routinely analyzed. The tritium levels in the environs of the Savannah River Plant are substantially less than the limits recommended by the International Commission of Radiological Protection for large populations. (auth