If you are harbouring war surplus aircraft instruments, the
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission wants you to know that it has granted a
temporary exemption from licensing for persons possessing more than 10 devices
containing radium luminous compounds as described in the Nuclear Substances and
Radiation Devices Regulations.
About six years ago, COPA alerted its members that the older aircraft
instruments that glow in the dark contain hazardous radioactive substances in
the paint used on the dials and indicators. It was reported that as long as the
instruments remain sealed, there was little risk of contamination but taking the
glass off the dial and licking the old powdery paint would be a bad idea.
The CNSC regulates anything to do with nuclear (including radioactive)
substances. It required that anyone possessing more than 10 radium luminous
aircraft instruments obtain a licence or properly dispose of them. Since then,
the CNSC has received a backlog of such instruments to be disposed.
“This exemption was requested by CNSC staff in order to allow time to assess,
develop and initiate a risk-based policy and program related to the licensing
issues associated with radium luminous devices. Therefore, this notice is to
advise you that all actions related to issuing of licences under the regulations
will be suspended during this exemption period. This exemption lasts until
December 31, 2004.”
COPA hopes that the CNSC will have another plan for these units by the end of
the exemption.
To find out more about the CNSC, check out:
www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca.