In November 1991 a series of plasma discharges fuelled with a mixture of deuterium and tritium producing fusion power in excess of 1 MW were carried out in JET for the first time. The first tritium experiment (FTE) required careful preparation and the implementation of the experiment, the subsequent clean up phase and maintenance of the tokamak resulted in accumulation of relevant and valuable experience for the full D-T phase of JET. The FTE is briefly described together with the resulting implications for tokamak maintenance work and waste management during the present period of installation of new components inside the vacuum vessel. The experience gained is summarised in the light of the technical requirements for the full D-T phase.