Assessor Resource

MSL943001
Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


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.

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.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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 workplace procedures

5.2

Maintain confidentiality of workplace 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

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely handling, storing and transporting at least one (1) instrument that emits ionising radiation in accordance with established safe work practices, laboratory procedures and licensing requirements

safely checking the operation and calibration status of at least one (1) instrument that emits ionising radiation and then operating it to conduct a radiation survey

maintaining instrument security and keeping other personnel clear of radiation sources

using a radiation dosimeter to accurately monitor personal exposure to radiation

recording and reporting instrument condition and use, observations, data and survey results in accordance with workplace procedures

recognising and reporting atypical conditions and problems to appropriate personnel promptly

following procedures for working safely, minimising environmental impacts and responding to emergency incidents and accidents.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

radiation concepts and principles, including nature of radiation; different types of radiation, their characteristics, sources and shielding methods; radiation intensity; physiological effects of ionising radiation; external radiation protection and practical methods of minimising radiation exposure

methods of measuring and detecting ionising radiation

national codes of practice and state or territory licensing requirements for use of instruments that emit ionising radiation

function of key components, pre-use and calibration status checks and safe operating procedures for the instrument used

work health and safety (WHS) and emergency procedures for safe handling of radiation sources and working with the instrument used

critical elements of radiation safety, including:

time (reduce the exposure time)

distance (maintain greatest distance possible at all times)

shielding (interpose as much radiation shielding as possible between yourself and the radiation source).

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924001 Process and interpret data

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

MSL974010 Perform mechanical tests

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of the quality of survey data/results achieved by the candidate over time

review of records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate (for accuracy and completeness)

observation of candidate safely handling, storing, transporting and using the instrument

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s consistent ability to safely use instruments that emit ionising radiation

review of the candidate’s response to suitable emergency simulations, case studies or scenarios

oral or written questioning to check required knowledge of radiation concepts and principles and the safe use of instruments that emit ionising radiation.

Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

instruments that emit ionising radiation and radiation monitors/dosimeters and associated equipment, such as battery chargers

documentation, including user manuals, workplace safety procedures and test/survey methods

radiation warning signs and barriers

storage areas for nuclear sources

motor vehicles.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

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 workplace procedures

5.2

Maintain confidentiality of workplace 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

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one of more of:

Australian and international standards covering the competence of testing and calibration laboratories; and safety, such as AS 2243.4-1998 Safety in laboratories - Ionising radiations

national standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS), and national environment protection measures

registration/licensing and/or National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, and radiation licensing requirements

Australian and international standards, codes and guidelines covering measurement management, accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty, principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Codes of Practice, and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); equipment manuals and warranties; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; and recording and reporting procedures

Instruments that emit ionising radiation

Instruments that emit ionising radiation include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

soil moisture and density gauges

borehole logging probes

fluid density and level detectors

Atypical conditions and problems

Atypical conditions and problems include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

incidents during transportation

on-site accidents and fire

jamming of the source rod in the exposed position

theft of equipment containing radioactive sources

keeping other personnel clear of instrument

instrument breakdown

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely handling, storing and transporting at least one (1) instrument that emits ionising radiation in accordance with established safe work practices, laboratory procedures and licensing requirements

safely checking the operation and calibration status of at least one (1) instrument that emits ionising radiation and then operating it to conduct a radiation survey

maintaining instrument security and keeping other personnel clear of radiation sources

using a radiation dosimeter to accurately monitor personal exposure to radiation

recording and reporting instrument condition and use, observations, data and survey results in accordance with workplace procedures

recognising and reporting atypical conditions and problems to appropriate personnel promptly

following procedures for working safely, minimising environmental impacts and responding to emergency incidents and accidents.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

radiation concepts and principles, including nature of radiation; different types of radiation, their characteristics, sources and shielding methods; radiation intensity; physiological effects of ionising radiation; external radiation protection and practical methods of minimising radiation exposure

methods of measuring and detecting ionising radiation

national codes of practice and state or territory licensing requirements for use of instruments that emit ionising radiation

function of key components, pre-use and calibration status checks and safe operating procedures for the instrument used

work health and safety (WHS) and emergency procedures for safe handling of radiation sources and working with the instrument used

critical elements of radiation safety, including:

time (reduce the exposure time)

distance (maintain greatest distance possible at all times)

shielding (interpose as much radiation shielding as possible between yourself and the radiation source).

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924001 Process and interpret data

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

MSL974010 Perform mechanical tests

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of the quality of survey data/results achieved by the candidate over time

review of records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate (for accuracy and completeness)

observation of candidate safely handling, storing, transporting and using the instrument

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s consistent ability to safely use instruments that emit ionising radiation

review of the candidate’s response to suitable emergency simulations, case studies or scenarios

oral or written questioning to check required knowledge of radiation concepts and principles and the safe use of instruments that emit ionising radiation.

Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

instruments that emit ionising radiation and radiation monitors/dosimeters and associated equipment, such as battery chargers

documentation, including user manuals, workplace safety procedures and test/survey methods

radiation warning signs and barriers

storage areas for nuclear sources

motor vehicles.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify state or territory requirements for storage facilities and associated document processes 
Store instruments in accordance with state or territory requirements and documented procedures 
Secure instruments to prevent unauthorised access 
Record instruments' movements and usage in accordance with documented procedures 
Select vehicle suitable for the purpose 
Attach regulation signage in accordance with state or territory requirements to indicate that radioactive sources are being carried 
Ensure that instruments are properly located and fixed securely in place 
Ensure security of instruments when the vehicle is unattended 
Follow safe working practices to minimise own exposure to radiation 
Use radiation dosimeter to monitor own exposure to radiation 
Follow safe work practices to minimise exposure of others to radiation 
Follow safe work practices to protect the instrument from damage 
Maintain instrument security 
Check operation and calibration status of radiation survey meter 
Perform radiation survey following documented procedure 
Report atypical conditions and/or problems to appropriate personnel 
Record observations, data and results in accordance with workplace procedures 
Maintain confidentiality of workplace information 
Identify potential emergency situations 
Respond to emergencies in accordance with documented procedures 
Report emergency situations to appropriate personnel 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL943001 - Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSL943001 - Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: