Although the dangers of radium luminous paint had been identified by the 1950s and alternative luminous compounds were being used or developed, the use of radium based luminous paint didn't stop overnight, nor were all the items with paint taken out of service at that time. Interestingly, the following warning appeared in AP 112G-0815 1July 1966:
“Luminous compound at present used, constitutes
a possible danger to health. It is therefore essential
that luminous watches, Ref. No. 6B/346, 6B/551,
and 6B/910100 that have either defective glasses
or loose luminous compound, are individually
sealed in polythene bags at the earliest opportunity.
Polythene bags for this purpose can be made from
2 in lay-flat polythene tubing (ref. No. 32B/943)
and 1 in cellulose tape.”
Bob C