Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:32 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:32 AM 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.
Work safely with ionizing radiation
Work safely with ionizing radiation
Unit of competency
National Code
MEM13013B
MEM13013B
State Code
W5501
W5501
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/06/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
17/06/2014
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit covers working safely with ionizing radiation when performing radiographic testing in a range of industrial applications.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify the hazards and effects of ionizing radiation in the workplace
- 1.1. The source of ionizing radiation is identified in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.2. Production of X-rays and gamma rays is explained in relation to radiographic testing activities.
- 1.3. Attenuation factors of ionizing radiation and the biological effects on living tissue are outlined.
- 1.4. The biological effects of radiation are identified.
2. Apply radiation safety procedures/plans
- 2.1. Appropriate ionizing radiation protective measures are employed in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.2. SI units of radiation are explained as per the National Health and Medical Research Council/ statutory requirements.
- 2.3. Exposure limits for personnel as laid down by the radiation authorities in Australia are stated and adhered to.
- 2.4. Minimum exposure rates/distances are determined from calculations and charts.
- 2.5. Ionizing radiation sources are operated in accordance with legislation, standards and/or organisational policy, procedures or guidelines.
3. Select and use radiation monitoring equipment
- 3.1. The tools and equipment necessary to monitor radiation are selected and used as required.
- 3.2. Techniques and system verification checks necessary to monitor radiation are selected and applied.
- 3.3. Safety breaches are documented and/or reported in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
4. Respond to emergency situations
- 4.1. Procedures for dealing with both X-ray and gamma ray emergency situations are demonstrated.
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. 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.
Relevant organisational policy and procedures
Legislation
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Australian or international standards
Risk assessments
Previous testing reports
Manufacturer specifications
Production of X-rays and gamma rays
Atomic structure, protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, mass number, isotopes
Electromagnetic radiation wavelength, frequency, energy relationships, intensity
Construction and operation of X-ray tube anode, cathode, target
Gas and coolidge tubes
Glass and ceramic tubes
X-ray spectrum
Characteristic and continuous spectra effect of voltage and current on continuous spectra
Efficiency
Natural and artificial radioisotopes
Production of radioisotopes
Decay mechanisms, alpha, beta-, beta+, and gamma
Concept of half life, decay constants
Selection of gamma ray sources
Units definition of curie, becquerel, conversion of units, multiple units (e.g. GBq), nuclide chart
Biological effects of radiation
Ionisation, absorption, scatter (Compton, Rayleigh, photo-electric, pair production)
Attenuation coefficient, absorption edges
Units roentgen, rad, coulomb/kg, gray conversions
Effects of varying doses on living tissue
Somatic effects, genetic effects, cell biology nucleus, cytoplasm
DNA, chromosome, mitosis; symptoms, effect of time, ICRP recommendations
Dose, dose equivalent, RBE, rem, seivert, conversions
Occupancy factor
Protective measures
Personal protective equipment (PPE) including for risks other than ionizing radiation
Safety protocols of workplace (e.g. flame limitations in refineries)
Signage, barriers/guards
Limitations on operation of specific equipment/machines
Minimum exposure
Time, distance, shielding effect of distance, inverse square law
Half and tenth value layers
Emergency procedures, company procedure codes
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.
Relevant organisational policy and procedures
Legislation
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Australian or international standards
Risk assessments
Previous testing reports
Manufacturer specifications
Production of X-rays and gamma rays
Atomic structure, protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, mass number, isotopes
Electromagnetic radiation wavelength, frequency, energy relationships, intensity
Construction and operation of X-ray tube anode, cathode, target
Gas and coolidge tubes
Glass and ceramic tubes
X-ray spectrum
Characteristic and continuous spectra effect of voltage and current on continuous spectra
Efficiency
Natural and artificial radioisotopes
Production of radioisotopes
Decay mechanisms, alpha, beta-, beta+, and gamma
Concept of half life, decay constants
Selection of gamma ray sources
Units definition of curie, becquerel, conversion of units, multiple units (e.g. GBq), nuclide chart
Biological effects of radiation
Ionisation, absorption, scatter (Compton, Rayleigh, photo-electric, pair production)
Attenuation coefficient, absorption edges
Units roentgen, rad, coulomb/kg, gray conversions
Effects of varying doses on living tissue
Somatic effects, genetic effects, cell biology nucleus, cytoplasm
DNA, chromosome, mitosis; symptoms, effect of time, ICRP recommendations
Dose, dose equivalent, RBE, rem, seivert, conversions
Occupancy factor
Protective measures
Personal protective equipment (PPE) including for risks other than ionizing radiation
Safety protocols of workplace (e.g. flame limitations in refineries)
Signage, barriers/guards
Limitations on operation of specific equipment/machines
Minimum exposure
Time, distance, shielding effect of distance, inverse square law
Half and tenth value layers
Emergency procedures, company procedure codes
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to safely work with ionizing radiation when performing radiographic testing.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with radiographic testing or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
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
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to safely work with ionizing radiation when performing radiographic testing.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with radiographic testing or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAV24 | MEM13013 | Work safely with ionizing radiation | Unit of competency |