AbstractThe Tritium Process Laboratory (TPL) was constructed at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) in June, 1985. The objectives of this laboratory are the research and development of the fusion reactor fuel processing system and safe handling technology of large amounts of tritium. Total tritium inventory in the facility is 10 g and each experiment will be conducted with up to 1 g. Safety systems have been in operation since 1985 and have been tested without tritium. Tritium removal systems, gloveboxes, vacuum pumping system and tritium storage systems etc. have been proven to work as designed so that tritium can be handled safely in this facility. The various items of experimental apparatus were designed, fabricated, installed and checked early in 1988. First tritium was shipped from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in February, and then the “hot” operation was initiated in March, 1988.