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.

Characteristics of RF EMR include:
electrical fields
electromagnetic spectrum
energy
frequency
magnetic fields
non-ionising radiation
radiation
wavelength.
RF EMR hazards include:
air navigation aids
amateur and ham radio
broadcast radio and television
business services for voice and data
cordless phones
emergency services
marine safety and operations
mobile phones and associated towers
radar.
Potential effects relate to:
brain cancer
dysaesthesia (abnormal sensation)
eye damage
infertility
risk to pregnancy
tissue heating.
Relevant regulations and standards may include:
appropriate Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) technical standard requirements relating to RF EMR and sources of RF EMR
Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Radiation Protection Standard - Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
Typical organisational controls may include:
appropriate signage
commitment to the exposure limits set out in the ARPANSA Standard
controlled access and sign-in at each site for employees, contractors and visitors
creation of locked out procedures and areas
identification of areas where equipment generates RF EMR
identification of the boundaries of RF EMR hazard areas
induction processes
placement assessments
prohibition of workers from any site where RF EMR hazard exceeds the limit for occupational exposure
provision of appropriate testing equipment, such as personal monitor or radiation meter
restricted access to the general public
secure barrier around the RF EMR hazard areas
training for staff and contractors.
Organisational WHS requirements relate to:
Australian standards
construction industry WHS standards and guidelines
duty of care
health and safety representatives, committees and supervisors
industry WHS standards and guidelines
licences, tickets and certificates of competency
National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work
national safety standards
person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) or officer of the PCBU safety codes of practice
WHS and Welfare Acts and regulations.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:

apply knowledge of the effect of RF EMR on the body
locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications for working safely with RF EMR
identify organisational controls for exposure to RF EMR, including lock-out procedures and the use of personal protective equipment
carry out two risk assessments demonstrating:
correct identification of risks and safety requirements recorded in a job safety analysis (JSA) sheet or safe work method statement (SWMS) or similar record sheet
correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment to minimise RF EMR risk
compliance with regulations, standards and organisational procedures and processes
communicating and working effectively and safely with others.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:

induction procedures and requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
support materials appropriate to activity
workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
relevant regulations, standards, specifications and manuals, including industry-related systems information.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess awareness of RF EMR hazards. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate preparing and carrying out work close to sources of RF EMR
oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess awareness of RF EMR hazards
review of JSAs and documentation prepared by the candidate.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

This assessment may be carried out in a simulated environment to minimise risks of injury or loss.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.