Ionisation Detectors

Apollo Series 30, Series 60, Series 90, XP95 and Discovery ionisation smoke detectors use a very low level activity radioactive isotope - Americium 241. They have been tested by the National Radiological Protection Board and found to conform to relevant requirements for ionisation chamber smoke detectors. More details of this can be found in Apollo's Engineering Product Guides.

In the UK, there is no limit to how many Apollo ionisation detectors are installed in a fire protection system. Up to 500 can be stored in any premises, though there are stipulations on storage facilities if more than 100 are to be stored in a single building.

Disposal of ionisation detectors

Apollo is authorised by the UK's Environment Agency to dispose of the radioactive sources used in all Apollo ionisation detectors, this includes the Mark I, Mark II, Series 30 and Series 90 detectors, as well as Series 60, XP95 and Discovery detectors (and, of course, any variants or future developments of them. Costs are maintained at a very competitive level to ensure safe, legal disposal of radioactive sources.

Detectors should be returned to the Service Department at Apollo for disposal:

• at the end of their recommended working life of 10 years
• if they are no longer required ie removed or replaced from a fire detection system
• if they have become damaged

For ionisation detectors not manufactured by Apollo, the following UK companies may be able to assist:

Active Collection Bureau
Contact: Miles Bruce
Tel: 01795 437 001
Fax: 01795 599 800
Email: sales@abc.co.uk
Website: www.acb.co.uk

Safeguard International
Contact: Adrian Francis
Tel: 01235 434 308
Fax: 01235 434 408
Email: adrian.francis@aeat.co.uk

For countries outside the UK, please contact the appropriate national regulatory authority who should be able to advise you.

Please note that unauthorised disposal of radioactive sources can lead to prosecution.