A major new tritium handling facility, devoted to the investigation of problems related to the operational safety of fusion power plants, is to be constructed at JRC-Ispra in northern Italy. The facility will provide the necessary safe operating conditions and tritium infrastructure in which both Ispra personnel and those of other research institutions can conduct a wide range of experimental studies. Envisaged to be licensed for 37 PBq, the laboratory should be commissioned In 1990.