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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Store instruments safely and securely
  2. Transport instruments safely and securely
  3. Use instruments safely and maintain security
  4. Monitor radiation levels
  5. Maintain records
  6. Perform emergency procedures

Required Skills

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence

Critical aspects of competency

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard In particular assessors should look to see that the candidate

keeps other personnel clear of radiation sources

demonstrates emergency procedures

performs and documents radiation surveys

places the instrument into storage

safely transports the instrument in a motor vehicle

safely handles and uses the instrument

observes interprets and reports atypical situations

communicates problems to appropriate personnel promptly

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain

health safety and emergency procedures relevant to radioactive devices

factors affecting radiation intensity

principles of external radiation protection and practical methods of minimising radiation exposure

methods of measuring and detecting ionising radiation

nature of radiation different types of radiation their characteristics sources and shielding methods

physiological effects of ionising radiation

State or Territory licensing requirements

national Codes of Practice

general guidelines for safe handling of radiation sources

Assessment context and methods

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment

The following assessment methods are suggested

analysis of work completed by the candidate over a period of time to ensure accuracy consistency and timeliness

observation of candidate using the instruments in a range of work contexts

review of enterprise documentation completed by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors

use of suitable simulation andor a range of case studiesscenarios

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 Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with

PMLOHSA Participate in laboratoryfield workplace safety

PMLOHS302A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

PMLTESTA Perform mechanical tests

PMLTEST411A Perform mechanical tests

PMLDATAA Process and interpret data

PMLDATA400A Process and interpret data.

Resource implications

Resources may include

appropriate tools instruments equipment and materials

enterprise procedures test methods equipment manuals

This competency in practice

Construction materials

Soil moisture density gauges are used extensively for measuring the density of soils cement treated roadbase roller compacted concrete and asphalt They provide a nondestructive 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 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 handheld radiation meter is used and the results recorded

Key Competencies

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit These are standalone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework AQF

Level represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level represents the competence to manage tasks

Level represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks

Collecting analysing and organising information

Communicating ideas and information

Planning and organising activities

Working with others and in teams

Using mathematical ideas and techniques

Solving problems

Using technology

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Range Statement

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

Operations are performed in accordance with laboratory and/or enterprise procedures, and appropriate legislative requirements. These procedures and requirements include or have been prepared from:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS2243 Safety in laboratories, Part 4 Ionising radiation and Part 5 Non-ionising radiation

Codes of Practice prepared by

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

State and territory legislation dealing with health and environmental protection

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

equipment manuals

equipment start-up, operation and shutdown procedures

calibration and maintenance schedules

quality manuals

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

production and laboratory schedules

material, production and product specifications

licensing requirements.

Instruments and equipment used may include:

soil moisture/density gauges

borehole logging probes

fluid density/level detectors

battery chargers

radiation monitors/doimeters

motor vehicles

storage areas for nuclear sources

documentation, including user manuals, enterprise safety manuals

radiation warning signs.

Typical skills may include:

performing radiation surveys using radiation monitors

using radiation dosimeters

transporting instruments containing radioactive materials

storing instruments containing radioactive materials

using instruments containing radioactive materials

maintaining instruments containing radioactive materials.

Hazards and problems may include:

jamming of the source rod in the exposed position

incidents during transportation

fire

theft of equipment containing radioactive sources

on-site accidents

keeping other personnel clear of instrument

instrument breakdown.

Safe working practices include the critical elements for radiation safety

time (reduce the exposure time)

distance (maintain greatest distance possible at all times)

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

Health, safety and environment

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

All operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.