Required skills

following the organisations information about radiation protection and safety

following safety signs

regularly assessing and reassessing risks and hazards and applying appropriate control measures

applying standard operating procedures and specified safe working rules for assigned tasks

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

using and caring for PPE and personal monitoring equipment required in job role

using communication equipment

Required knowledge

responsibilities of employers subcontractors and employees under

commonwealth guidelines such as RPS No Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing

state or territory legislation and local regulations and bylaws

duty of care obligations

meaning of words such as radioactivity radioactive material naturally occurring radioactive material NORM ionising radiation contamination contamination controls shielding halflife and safe distance

types and properties of ionising radiation eg alpha beta gamma particularly radiation associated with uranium thorium and decay products eg radon

relevant dose limits

sources of hazardous radiation around the site eg underground tunnel stockpiles processing plant and storage locations and changes in risk of exposurecontamination due to weather time of day etc

location of controlled or supervised areas within site and working rules for each

internal and external exposure pathways and protective measures

signs and symptoms of radiation exposure radiation health effects

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

spot the hazard assess the risk make the changes SAM

stop think go

application of the hierarchy of control measures including

avoiding exposure where practicable

isolating sources of radiation where practicable through shielding containment and remote handling techniques

engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation to remove contaminants from work area

adopting safe work practices including work methods which make appropriate use of time distance and shielding to minimise exposure

using approved PPE where other means of controlling exposure are not practicable

personal hygiene and effects and implications of risky behaviours

health safety and workplace emergency response procedures

safe working rules and safe operating procedures for equipment

safety signs relevant to job role

use and care of PPE and monitoring equipment for job role and assigned tasks

potential adverse health and performance effects of wearing PPE while working in potentially hazardous environments

principles and techniques for decontamination of personnel and equipment

procedures for the disposal of contaminated waste

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to

recognise radiation hazards associated with uraniumthorium ores mineral sands or any other naturally occurring material and regularly assess and reassess risks associated with assigned tasks

apply the radiation control measures and safe working rules specified for assigned tasks

use and care of required PPE and monitoring equipment

provide workplace first emergency response consistent with incident technical competence and job role

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by safely undertaking a variety of assigned tasks that involve working with radioactive ores and minerals

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment

Assessment must comply with

organisations radiation management plan and health and safety procedures

commonwealth guidelines such as RPS No Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing

local state and territory regulations

Access is required to

registered operators site

supervision by a radiation safety professional

appropriate PPE and personal monitoring equipment

organisations radiation management plan and standard operating procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

oral questioning about the meaning of radiation terms principles of radiation protection and safety employee responsibilities safe working rules and the use and care of PPE and personal monitors

feedback from peers and supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant radiation protection and safety requirements

response to scenarios case studies and reports of radiation incidents and exercises

observation of the candidate safely undertaking a variety of assigned tasks involving radioactive ores in a simulated or actual workplace environment

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

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended

Hazards due to radioactive materials and work activities may include:

Radiation-related work activities may include:

Radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines may include:

Site radiation control measures may include:

Monitoring may include:

Safe working rules will vary according to the organisation and assigned task and may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Using plant and equipment involves:

Radiation incidents may include:

Response procedures will include:

Required records may include: