Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Radiation hazards may include:
internal exposure following inhalation and/or ingestion of radioactive dust or vapour
internal exposure to alpha radiation from inhaling radioactive gas
external exposure to gamma radiation from radioactive materials
exposure to direct or unattenuated x-ray, neutron or gamma radiation beams
exposure following spills of solutions containing radionuclides
Degree of risk may involve:
type and energy of radiation to be used (i.e. alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, neutron)
whether work tasks involve routine, well-established or newly developed procedures
duration of work tasks
proximity of radiation sources
potential internal exposure when using unsealed sources
selection of specific isotopes for technical tests or procedures
use of radiation equipment that is not fully enclosed
Health effects may include:
deterministic effects
stochastic effects
Occupational dose limits may include:
effective dose
annual equivalent dose for the eye, skin, and hands or feet
pregnant workers
young workers
higher values in exceptional or special circumstances approved by the appropriate authority
Radiation protection principles may include:
hierarchy of control measures, including:
avoiding exposure, where practicable
isolating sources of radiation where practicable through shielding, containment and remote handling techniques
engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation to remove contaminants from work area, and dust suppression
adopting safe work practices, including work methods which make appropriate use of time, distance and shielding to minimise exposure
where other means of controlling exposure are not practicable, using approved PPE
designation of controlled or supervised areas within workplaces with appropriate working rules for each, such as:
controlled exposure times
logging of personnel on entry and exit
Specified safe working rules will vary according to the organisation and assigned task and may include:
details of expected hazards and radiation levels in work area
radiation management plan
procedures and equipment for preventing or minimising occupational, environmental and public radiation exposure during assigned work tasks
standard operating procedures covering work tasks, equipment and decontamination
requirements for personal monitoring
steps to be taken in the event of an emergency
Personal protective equipment may include:
safety helmets, safety goggles/face shields, gloves, overalls, safety boots, and hearing protection
respirators or HEPA filter masks, and dust masks
Personal monitoring may include:
observation of personnel conducting work tasks while applying recommended contamination and radiation dose control measures
personal radiation monitor (film, TLD, OSL, and electronic)
personal dust and/or gas monitor
locating contamination on personnel
Required standards of personal hygiene and behaviour may include:
washing or showering on completion of work tasks or prior to eating or drinking
collection and laundry of soiled clothes
collecting and managing non-reusable gloves, masks, outer clothing and waste
avoiding careless or reckless actions that may endanger self or others
Required records may include:
work rosters and schedules
log in and log out of controlled areas
previous work records involving radiation exposure
details of defects in plant, equipment or procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety
details of involvement in radiation incidents and accidents
Emergency response procedures may include:
emergency contact information
instructions for:
keeping exposures to a minimum
appropriate first response
moving to muster point/evacuation
obtaining information to assist with assessing the cause of the incident, accident or emergency
Radiation incidents may include:
exposure of unauthorised personnel entering a controlled area
exposure of authorised personnel due to:
failure to follow required safe working rules
malfunction of ventilation or dust suppression equipment
malfunction of PPE
leakage or dispersion of contaminants following processing plant or equipment breakdown or damage to storage containers
spill of liquid radionuclides
discovery of previously unrecognised contamination of vehicles, clothing, equipment, food or water
Radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines may include:
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) radiation protection series publications, such as:
RPS No.1 Recommendations for Limiting Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1995) and National Standard for Limiting Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (republished 2002)
RPS No.7 Recommendations for Intervention in Emergency Situations Involving Radiation Exposure (2004)
requirements of commonwealth, state and territory legislation, such as radiation protection legislation
definition of a responsible person

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated by applying required radiation protection and work safety measures when working in an environment where sources of ionising radiation are present.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
recognise radiation hazards and regularly assess risks associated with assigned tasks
apply the radiation control measures and safe working rules specified for assigned tasks
use and care of required personal PPE and monitoring equipment
follow instructions in the event of an emergency
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by safely undertaking a range of relevant work tasks in an area that contains actual or simulated sources of ionising radiation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must comply with:
organisation's radiation management plan and health and safety procedures
commonwealth codes, such as RPS No.1Recommendations for Limiting Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1995) and National Standard for Limiting Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (republished 2002)
local, state and territory regulations
Access may be required to:
simulated radiation training environment or registered operator's site
supervision by a radiation safety professional (depending on radiation sources present)
appropriate PPE and personal monitoring equipment
organisation's radiation management plan or standard operating procedures
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about the meaning of radiation terms, principles of radiation protection and safety, employee responsibilities, safe working rules, and the use and care of PPE and personal monitors
observation of the candidate safely undertaking a variety of assigned tasks in an area that contains actual or simulated sources of ionising radiation
feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant radiation protection and safety requirements
review of safety/incident records completed by candidate or reports of his or her safety performance
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended,