UK laboratories urged to review storage of redundant ECDs containing Ni-63

Electron Capture Detectors (ECDs) have been widely used in gas chromatography for many years, particularly in environmental, food, and chemical analysis. What is often overlooked is that ECDs contain a Nickel-63 (Ni-63) radioactive source and are subject to UK radiation safety and environmental legislation, even when they are no longer in active use.

A growing issue seen across universities, contract testing laboratories, and long-established analytical facilities is the storage of redundant or removed ECDs without the appropriate licence. Under UK regulations, simply holding a Ni-63 source counts as possessing radioactive material. If an ECD has been removed from its instrument and placed into storage, this can leave a site in a non-compliant or illegal position unless the correct radioactive materials licence is in place.

These situations rarely arise intentionally. ECDs are often removed during equipment upgrades, decommissioning, or laboratory moves, with the intention of arranging disposal at a later date. Over time, responsibility for the detector can become unclear, and the device may no longer be formally recorded or reviewed.

In many cases, the issue only comes to light during audits, safety inspections, or facility clear-outs. At that stage, laboratories may discover they are holding radioactive material they are not licensed to store, creating avoidable compliance and safety concerns.

Because of the Ni-63 source, ECDs cannot be disposed of as normal laboratory waste. Disposal must be carried out by licensed organisations, with appropriate transport, handling, and documentation to demonstrate legal decommissioning.

Ellutia Ltd, a UK-based manufacturer and service provider with over 30 years’ experience in gas chromatography, is licensed to assess, take ownership of, and dispose of Ni-63 ECDs in accordance with UK regulations. The company provides end-to-end support, including assessment, secure removal, compliant disposal or reuse evaluation, and full regulatory documentation.

Laboratories are encouraged to review any unused or stored ECDs on site and confirm that their licences cover their current situation. Addressing the issue early can prevent compliance problems later.

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