Unit of competency Outline
Information current as of
20/10/2026 5:10 PM AWST
20/10/2026 5:10 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Perform X-Ray examination
Perform X-Ray examination
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTTEC304D
HLTTEC304D
State Code
WD303
WD303
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/07/2012
Original Release Date
07/05/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the competencies required to undertake basic radiographic examinations
General notes
N/A
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Obtain information about the client
- 1.1 Initiate contact with the client
- 1.2 Interview client and confirm X-ray request information
- 1.3 Review client notes and other relevant documentation (including previous X-rays and exposure factors) to ensure maximum care of client
2. Perform the X-ray examination
- 2.1 Explain X-ray procedure to the client in plain language
- 2.2 Obtain client's verbal consent to proceed with the examination
- 2.3 Position client and equipment for the radiographic procedure, in accordance with a recognised radiographic positioning guide, to produce radiographs of optimal diagnostic value
- 2.4 Treat client with care in accordance with WHS guidelines
- 2.5 Position client, ensuring their protection from radiation in accordance with radiation safety guidelines
- 2.6 Take X-ray exposure safely and correctly
3. Set exposure factors
- 3.1 Set exposure factors for the radiographic examination in accordance with an exposure guide specifically compiled for the X-ray machine
- 3.2 Ensure exposure factors are set in accordance with radiation safety guidelines
4. Use radiation protection
- 4.1 Use appropriate radiation protection during the radiographic examination in accordance with radiation safety guidelines
- 4.2 Undertake radiation monitoring in accordance with legislative guidelines
5. Assess film and implement follow up care
- 5.1 Assess technical quality of radiographic images
- 5.2 Inform client the procedure has been completed
- 5.3 Arrange for radiographs to be reviewed (and reported on) by a radiologist and/or medical practitioner
- 5.4 Arrange for continuation of treatment in consultation with the client and health staff
- 5.5 Ensure client confidentiality is maintained at all times
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Equipment and consumables must include:
Radiographic positioning guide/manual
Exposure factor guide
Radiation protection devices (lead rubber gowns, aprons, thyroid protectors, gloves and shields)
Radiation monitoring devices
X-ray machine
X-ray cassette and film
Organisation and legislative guidelines may include:
X-ray operator licence (for use of irradiating apparatus for diagnosis)
Radiation Safety Act 1999
X-ray machine operating manuals
OHS guidelines
Clients may include
All or any persons referred for a diagnostic X-ray examination by a medical practitioner including:
Infants
Children
Adults
Pregnant women
Persons with physical and intellectual disabilities
Care may include:
Explanation of the X-ray examination
Ascertaining whether the person is pregnant and, if so, seek clarification about the radiography from a medical practitioner before proceeding
Checking with the client that the information provided on the X-ray request form is correct
Protecting the client and others from unnecessary radiation exposure
Application of slings/splints
Returning the client and radiographs to the referring medical practitioner
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Equipment and consumables must include:
Radiographic positioning guide/manual
Exposure factor guide
Radiation protection devices (lead rubber gowns, aprons, thyroid protectors, gloves and shields)
Radiation monitoring devices
X-ray machine
X-ray cassette and film
Organisation and legislative guidelines may include:
X-ray operator licence (for use of irradiating apparatus for diagnosis)
Radiation Safety Act 1999
X-ray machine operating manuals
OHS guidelines
Clients may include
All or any persons referred for a diagnostic X-ray examination by a medical practitioner including:
Infants
Children
Adults
Pregnant women
Persons with physical and intellectual disabilities
Care may include:
Explanation of the X-ray examination
Ascertaining whether the person is pregnant and, if so, seek clarification about the radiography from a medical practitioner before proceeding
Checking with the client that the information provided on the X-ray request form is correct
Protecting the client and others from unnecessary radiation exposure
Application of slings/splints
Returning the client and radiographs to the referring medical practitioner
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions
Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a range of clients, reflecting the diverse nature of those for whom service is provided in the workplace context
A diversity of assessment tasks is also essential for holistic assessment
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Resources essential for assessment include:
Radiation Safety Act 1999
Radiation safety and protection plan
X-ray machine operating manuals
Occupational health and safety guidelines
Procedures manuals
Access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
Method of assessment may include:
Written examination to assess theoretical and applied knowledge relative to positioning the client, choice of exposure factors, radiation protection, and image quality
On-the-job or role play assessment of prescribed skills, in particular accurate client positioning, directing and controlling the X-ray beam, setting appropriate exposure factors, application of appropriate radiation protection procedures, and assessment of technical quality of the radiographic image
Observation of work activities
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently
However holistic assessment practice with other X-ray operation units of competency is encouraged
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions
Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a range of clients, reflecting the diverse nature of those for whom service is provided in the workplace context
A diversity of assessment tasks is also essential for holistic assessment
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Resources essential for assessment include:
Radiation Safety Act 1999
Radiation safety and protection plan
X-ray machine operating manuals
Occupational health and safety guidelines
Procedures manuals
Access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
Method of assessment may include:
Written examination to assess theoretical and applied knowledge relative to positioning the client, choice of exposure factors, radiation protection, and image quality
On-the-job or role play assessment of prescribed skills, in particular accurate client positioning, directing and controlling the X-ray beam, setting appropriate exposure factors, application of appropriate radiation protection procedures, and assessment of technical quality of the radiographic image
Observation of work activities
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently
However holistic assessment practice with other X-ray operation units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8530 | HLTTEC304C | Perform X-Ray examination | Unit of competency |
