Assessor Resource

PSPRAD003
Perform basic radiation measurements

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to directly measure radiation 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. Measurements that are part of this unit would be performed under the authorisation and supervision, or delegated supervision, of a responsible person.

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.

This unit applies to those 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

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, or be authorised by the responsible person, to perform routine tasks in familiar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

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 of conditions section.

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.

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.

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 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.

3.2 Re-stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport from the site and within the boundaries of the site.

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.

4. Report results

4.1 Record results.

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.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

applying manufacturer’s recommended procedures for using and caring for radiation measuring instruments

applying safe working rules and those parts of the organisation’s radiation management plan relevant to job role

conducting pre-use checks and simple maintenance for radiation measuring instruments and task-related equipment used in job role

reading scales and displays accurately for a wide range of values

regularly assessing and reassessing hazards and taking appropriate protective measures

seeking advice and further directions when faced with unforeseen circumstances or situations that may require decisions or response actions beyond technical competence

using and caring for PPE used in job role

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

ionising radiation, radioactivity, radioactive material, activity, dose, contamination, contamination controls, shielding, half-life, radionuclide, and safe distance

types and properties of ionising radiation, sources and shielding methods

radiation measuring instruments used in job role, including at least one of:

air proportional

gas proportional

gas ionisation

Geiger-Muller (GM)

compensated GM

scintillation

neutron monitors

solid state

personal dosimeters (badge and electronic)

definitions of radiation quantities

international system (SI) of units for radiation quantities, multiples and sub-multiples, and significant figures

function of key components and operating principles of radiation measuring instruments used in job role

effects on results of modifying instrument settings and variables

basic instrument troubleshooting and maintenance procedures

guidelines and safety procedures for working with radiation sources, based on principles:

reducing exposure time

maintaining greatest distance

using as much shielding as possible

techniques for assessing radiation hazards likely to be encountered in job role

health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures relevant to job role

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

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 of conditions section.

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.

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.

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 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.

3.2 Re-stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport from the site and within the boundaries of the site.

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.

4. Report results

4.1 Record results.

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.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

applying manufacturer’s recommended procedures for using and caring for radiation measuring instruments

applying safe working rules and those parts of the organisation’s radiation management plan relevant to job role

conducting pre-use checks and simple maintenance for radiation measuring instruments and task-related equipment used in job role

reading scales and displays accurately for a wide range of values

regularly assessing and reassessing hazards and taking appropriate protective measures

seeking advice and further directions when faced with unforeseen circumstances or situations that may require decisions or response actions beyond technical competence

using and caring for PPE used in job role

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

ionising radiation, radioactivity, radioactive material, activity, dose, contamination, contamination controls, shielding, half-life, radionuclide, and safe distance

types and properties of ionising radiation, sources and shielding methods

radiation measuring instruments used in job role, including at least one of:

air proportional

gas proportional

gas ionisation

Geiger-Muller (GM)

compensated GM

scintillation

neutron monitors

solid state

personal dosimeters (badge and electronic)

definitions of radiation quantities

international system (SI) of units for radiation quantities, multiples and sub-multiples, and significant figures

function of key components and operating principles of radiation measuring instruments used in job role

effects on results of modifying instrument settings and variables

basic instrument troubleshooting and maintenance procedures

guidelines and safety procedures for working with radiation sources, based on principles:

reducing exposure time

maintaining greatest distance

using as much shielding as possible

techniques for assessing radiation hazards likely to be encountered in job role

health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures relevant to job role

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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
Confirm purpose, priority and nature of required ionising radiation measurements and any site access arrangements with supervisor. 
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. 
Perform and record pre-use checks of measuring instruments and tag or replace faulty items as necessary. 
Check that personal protective equipment (PPE) and other task-related equipment is fit for purpose. 
Stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport to the site and within the boundaries of the site. 
Operate measuring instruments in accordance with radiation management plan and manufacturer specifications and applying safe working rules to minimise personal radiation exposure. 
Perform measurements at specified locations and times. 
Seek advice if required measurements cannot be made or if specified procedures require modification. 
Conduct regular instrument checks and minor maintenance if required. 
Take sufficient measurements to ensure reliable data. 
Recognise obvious errors and atypical data, and take appropriate corrective actions. 
Record data with the required precision, accuracy and units. 
Record environmental/site conditions or observations that may impact on data quality. 
Check for contamination and, if necessary, perform personal decontamination. 
Re-stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport from the site and within the boundaries of the site. 
Record use of PPE and measuring instruments according to radiation management plan. 
Check condition of measuring instruments, PPE and task-related equipment before storing them. 
Record results. 
Compare results with relevant radiation limits and identify/record significant differences or atypical results. 
Maintain required records that are complete, accurate, legible and secure. 
Recognise unusual situations, unexpected hazards, and potential or actual emergency radiation incidents. 
Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice. 
Initiate appropriate workplace emergency first response. 
Confirm purpose, priority and nature of required ionising radiation measurements and any site access arrangements with supervisor. 
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. 
Perform and record pre-use checks of measuring instruments and tag or replace faulty items as necessary. 
Check that personal protective equipment (PPE) and other task-related equipment is fit for purpose. 
Stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport to the site and within the boundaries of the site. 
Operate measuring instruments in accordance with radiation management plan and manufacturer specifications and applying safe working rules to minimise personal radiation exposure. 
Perform measurements at specified locations and times. 
Seek advice if required measurements cannot be made or if specified procedures require modification. 
Conduct regular instrument checks and minor maintenance if required. 
Take sufficient measurements to ensure reliable data. 
Recognise obvious errors and atypical data, and take appropriate corrective actions. 
Record data with the required precision, accuracy and units. 
Record environmental/site conditions or observations that may impact on data quality. 
Check for contamination and, if necessary, perform personal decontamination. 
Re-stow measuring instruments and task-related equipment to ensure safe transport from the site and within the boundaries of the site. 
Record use of PPE and measuring instruments according to radiation management plan. 
Check condition of measuring instruments, PPE and task-related equipment before storing them. 
Record results. 
Compare results with relevant radiation limits and identify/record significant differences or atypical results. 
Maintain required records that are complete, accurate, legible and secure. 
Recognise unusual situations, unexpected hazards, and potential or actual emergency radiation incidents. 
Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice. 
Initiate appropriate workplace emergency first response. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPRAD003 - Perform basic radiation measurements
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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPRAD003 - Perform basic radiation measurements

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