Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
1 |
PSP12V1 |
Primary release. Supersedes and is equivalent to PSPRAD703A. AQF indicator updated to reflect usage. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the ability to directly measure radiation by following the organisation's procedures and using instruments calibrated by others. Basic radiation measurements will be straightforward involving one or two steps, take a short time and produce results that can be easily compared with specified limits.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Application of the Unit
This unit of competency applies to personnel undertaking radiation-related work activities, including:
- extracting, milling, processing and packing radioactive ores
- operating, installing, servicing and calibrating fixed radiation gauges, bore hole logging or industrial radiography equipment, and moisture/density gauges
- decontaminating and servicing equipment that has been in contact with radioactive material
- XRF and XRD analysis
- collecting, preparing and testing samples containing radioactive materials
- using radionuclides in a laboratory.
Measurements that are part of this unit would be performed under the authorisation and supervision, or delegated supervision, of a responsible person and in accordance with radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines.
The activities may take place:
- at a mine or plant that processes radioactive ore and minerals
- with instruments that emit ionising radiation at geotechnical, construction, mining and manufacturing sites, or analytical and research facilities
- in a laboratory or licensed facility that handles radioactive materials or has radiation-emitting apparatus
- in a nuclear facility.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
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 range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for radiation measurements |
1.1. Confirm purpose, priority and nature of required ionising radiation measurements and any site access arrangements with supervisor. 1.2. Use organisation's radiation management plan to obtain information about the hazards associated with performing the measurements, measuring instruments and safe working rules to be used and refer to radiation protection safety standards , codes and guidelines as necessary. 1.3. Perform and record pre-use checks of measuring instruments and tag or replace faulty items as necessary. 1.4. Check that personal protective equipment (PPE) and other task-related equipment is fit for purpose. 1.5. Stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport to the site and within the boundaries of the site if required. |
2. Obtain reliable radiation data |
2.1. Operate measuring instruments in accordance with radiation management plan and manufacturer specifications and applying safe working rules to minimise personal radiation exposure. 2.2. Perform measurements at specified locations and times and in accordance with organisational procedures. 2.3. Seek advice if required measurements cannot be made or if specified procedures require modification. 2.4. Conduct regular instrument checks and minor maintenance (e.g. battery changes) if required. 2.5. Take sufficient measurements to ensure reliable data. 2.6. Recognise obvious errors and atypical data, and take appropriate corrective actions . 2.7. Record data with the required precision, accuracy and units. 2.8. Record environmental/site conditions or observations that may impact on data quality. |
3. Finalise radiation measurements |
3.1. Check for contamination and, if necessary, perform personal decontamination in accordance with radiation management plan. 3.2. Re-stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport from the site and within the boundaries of the site if required. 3.3. Record use of PPE and measuring instruments according to radiation management plan. 3.4. Check condition of measuring instruments, PPE and task-related equipment before storing them in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and radiation management plan. |
4. Report results |
4.1. Record results according to organisational procedures. 4.2. Compare results with relevant radiation limits and identify/record significant differences or atypical results. 4.3. Maintain required records that are complete, accurate, legible and secure. |
5. Respond to potential or actual radiation incidents |
5.1. Recognise unusual situations, unexpected hazards, and potential or actual emergency radiation incidents . 5.2. Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice. 5.3. Initiate appropriate workplace emergency first response in accordance with instructions, radiation management plans and organisation's response procedures . |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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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. |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated by safely undertaking a variety of radiation measurement tasks using appropriate instruments. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. Assessment must comply with:
Access may be required to:
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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 that are difficult to assess directly. |
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. |
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Ionising radiation may include: |
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Radiation measurements may include: |
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Radiation management plan should include details of: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Measuring instruments may include: |
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Safe working rules relevant to performing basic radiation measurements may include: |
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Radiation protection safety standards , codes and guidelines may include: |
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Personal protective equipment may include: |
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Appropriate corrective actions may include: |
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Required records may include details of: |
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Radiation incidents may include: |
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Response procedures will include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Competency field
Radiation Safety.