Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PMLOHS301B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PMLOHS301B - Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation
Description 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 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 has no prerequisites.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or field operators working under supervision or direction of para-professionals, commonly in a construction materials testing or similar environment. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section This competency in practice.
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Store instruments safely and securely
  • 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
       
Element: Transport instruments safely and securely
  • 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 in place
  • Ensure security of instruments when the vehicle is unattended
       
Element: Use instruments safely and maintain security
  • 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
       
Element: Monitor radiation levels
  • Check operation and calibration status of radiation survey meter
  • Perform radiation survey following documented procedure
  • Report atypical conditions and/or problems to appropriate personnel
       
Element: Maintain records
  • Record observations, data and results in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • Maintain confidentiality of enterprise information
       
Element: Perform emergency procedures
  • Identify potential emergency situations
  • Respond to emergencies in accordance with documented procedures
  • Report emergency situations to appropriate personnel.
       


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.

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 and/or a range of case studies/scenarios.

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:

PMLOHS302A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

PMLTEST411A Perform mechanical tests

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 non-destructive 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 stand-alone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks

Level (3) 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

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

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.
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 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 enterprise procedures 
Maintain confidentiality of enterprise information 
Identify potential emergency situations 
Respond to emergencies in accordance with documented procedures 
Report emergency situations to appropriate personnel. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMLOHS301B - 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

PMLOHS301B - 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: