Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the ability to safely store, transport and operate instruments that emit ionising radiation following established safe work practices and in accordance with laboratory procedures and licensing requirements. Examples include, use of process control instrumentation, such as fluid level gauges using radioactive sources, on-site non-destructive testing of weldments using X-ray and gamma ray sources and density testing of asphaltic concrete. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or field assistants working in construction materials testing or similar industry sectors. They work under supervision or direction of paraprofessionals. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Store instruments safely and securely |
1.1. Identify state or territory requirements for storage facilities and associated document processes 1.2. Store instruments in accordance with state or territory requirements and documented procedures 1.3. Secure instruments to prevent unauthorised access 1.4. Record instruments' movements and usage in accordance with documented procedures |
2. Transport instruments safely and securely |
2.1. Select vehicle suitable for the purpose 2.2. Attach regulation signage in accordance with state or territory requirements to indicate that radioactive sources are being carried 2.3. Ensure that instruments are properly located and fixed securely in place 2.4. Ensure security of instruments when the vehicle is unattended |
3. Use instruments safely and maintain security |
3.1. Follow safe working practices to minimise own exposure to radiation 3.2. Use radiation dosimeter to monitor own exposure to radiation 3.3. Follow safe work practices to minimise exposure of others to radiation 3.4. Follow safe work practices to protect the instrument from damage 3.5. Maintain instrument security |
4. Monitor radiation levels |
4.1. Check operation and calibration status of radiation survey meter 4.2. Perform radiation survey following documented procedure 4.3. Report atypical conditions and/or problems to appropriate personnel |
5. Maintain records |
5.1. Record observations, data and results in accordance with enterprise procedures 5.2. Maintain confidentiality of enterprise information |
6. Perform emergency procedures |
6.1. Identify potential emergency situations 6.2. Respond to emergencies in accordance with documented procedures 6.3. Report emergency situations to appropriate personnel |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment. This unit of competency may be assessed with:
Resources may include:
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Method of assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment. |
This competency in practice |
Industry representatives have provided the case study below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and show its relevance in a workplace setting. Construction materials testing Soil moisture density gauges are used extensively for measuring the density of soils, cement treated roadbase, roller compacted concrete and asphalt. They provide a non-destructive means of monitoring compaction operations during construction, so that additional rolling can be provided before the material sets or is covered with another layer. National and state/territory codes of practice regulate the use of equipment that emits ionising radiation. States and territories also have licensing and registration requirements for people involved in owning, storing, transporting or using such equipment. Soil moisture density gauges are used on construction sites, so they are transported to the test site in motor vehicles. They must be protected from damage and stored safely and securely while not in use. The operator must ensure that bystanders are kept clear to minimise radiation exposure. Owners of gauges are required to have documented procedures and ensure that operators are adequately trained. To ensure the safety and integrity of the gauge, radiation surveys are required at regular intervals. A hand-held radiation meter is used, and the results recorded. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Codes of practice |
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used |
Standards , codes , procedures and /or enterprise requirements |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
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Instruments and equipment used |
Instruments and equipment used may include:
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Hazards and problems |
Hazards and problems may include:
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Critical elements for radiation safety |
Critical elements for radiation safety include:
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Occupational health and safety (OHS ) and environmental management requirements |
OHS and environmental management requirements
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Occupational health and safety |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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