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

PSPRAD201 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Work safely in a radiation environment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPRAD201 - Work safely in a radiation environment
Description This unit covers the competencies required to apply radiation protection and work safety measures when working in an environment where sources of ionising radiation are present. This involves recognising the hazards and risks associated with working near sources of ionising radiation, interpreting and following site safety information, using specified radiation protection and safety measures, applying required operational safety measures, and responding appropriately to actual or potential emergencies.All assigned work tasks would be performed under the authorisation of a responsible person and with the advice of a radiation safety professional, such as a radiation safety officer, and in accordance with organisational procedures based on relevant radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency applies to personnel who require radiation protection and site safety training prior to undertaking operational, technical, and/or maintenance tasks in a radiation environment. It is relevant to all workers who may receive occupational exposures of greater than 1 millisievert per annum.The unit applies to those who need to be competent and take action to avoid unacceptable exposure to radiation hazards, or to ensure that others are not unacceptably exposed to radiation hazards due to their work. Such personnel may work in mines, construction sites, hospitals and laboratories and may include:utility and site service personnel, such as electricians, plumbers, fitters and equipment service technicianssite cleaners and maintenance workersoperators of equipment that emits ionising radiationthose who handle and/or transport radioactive materialthose who use radionuclides.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Radiation Safety
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: Complete site safety induction
  • Participate in required radiation protection and site safety training.
  • Confirm contact details for personnel who can provide emergency and radiation protection and safety information.
       
Element: Recognise site radiation hazards and degree of risk.
  • Apply information about the nature and magnitude of radiation hazards and degree of risk associated with work activities at the site.
  • Apply information about exposure pathways and health effects of radiation exposure.
  • Apply information about occupational dose limits.
  • Recognise possible sources of personal contamination and implement recommended decontamination procedures.
  • Identify hazards and risks in work area prior to starting work, at regular intervals during work, and in response to changes in working conditions.
  • Recognise and report non-routine hazards, unusual situations, and potential or actual emergency incidents.
       
Element: Follow procedures for controlling radiation hazards
  • Implement instructions based on radiation protection principles during assigned work.
  • Apply specified safe working rules, and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal monitoring during assigned work tasks.
  • Comply with all site safety signs.
  • Observe required standards of personal hygiene and behaviour while on site.
  • Seek advice or instructions to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence.
  • Apply specified procedures to decontaminate work surfaces and/or personnel as necessary.
  • Implement instructions for managing contaminated waste produced during assigned tasks.
  • Advise employer of previous employment involving occupational exposure to radiation and cooperate in obtaining records of previous exposure.
  • Complete required records and reporting.
       
Element: Follow workplace emergency response procedures
  • Review information about workplace emergency response procedures and personal responsibilities in the event of a radiation incident.
  • Recognise emergency alarms, move to the designated muster point, and follow instructions.
       
Element: Report problems
  • Recognise and report defects in plant equipment and procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety or radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines.
       


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 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.

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated by applying required radiation protection and work safety measures when working in an environment where sources of ionising radiation are present.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

recognise radiation hazards and regularly assess risks associated with assigned tasks

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

use and care of required personal PPE and monitoring equipment

follow instructions in the event of an emergency

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by safely undertaking a range of relevant work tasks in an area that contains actual or simulated sources of ionising radiation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must comply with:

organisation's radiation management plan and health and safety procedures

commonwealth codes, such as RPS No.1Recommendations for Limiting Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1995) and National Standard for Limiting Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (republished 2002)

local, state and territory regulations

Access may be required to:

simulated radiation training environment or registered operator's site

supervision by a radiation safety professional (depending on radiation sources present)

appropriate PPE and personal monitoring equipment

organisation's radiation management plan or 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

observation of the candidate safely undertaking a variety of assigned tasks in an area that contains actual or simulated sources of ionising radiation

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

review of safety/incident records completed by candidate or reports of his or her safety performance

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,


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.

Required skills

following required radiation protection and safety procedures

following radiation safety signs

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

literacy skills to read signs and follow procedures

numeracy skills to recognise dose limits

seeking advice and further directions when faced with unexpected situations

using and caring for PPE and personal monitoring equipment that has been issued for assigned work tasks

responding correctly when encountering contaminated work surfaces and personnel

Required knowledge

responsibilities of employers and employees under:

relevant commonwealth guidelines, such as RPS No.1

state or territory legislation and local regulations and by-laws

duty of care obligations

meaning of words, such as radioactive decay, radioactive material, ionising radiation, shielding, safe distance, contamination, contamination controls, decontamination

types and properties of ionising radiation (e.g. alpha, beta, gamma, neutron, x-ray, cosmic)

relevant occupational dose limits

sources of hazardous radiation around the site and degree of risk of exposure or contamination

internal and external exposure pathways and protective measures

radiation health effects

location of controlled or supervised areas within the site

safe working rules for assigned work tasks

layers of protection:

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 requirements, and effects and implications of risky behaviours

emergency, health and safety procedures

safe working rules and safe operating procedures for equipment

safety signs relevant to assigned tasks

use and care of PPE and personal monitors for assigned tasks

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Radiation hazards may include:

internal exposure following inhalation and/or ingestion of radioactive dust or vapour

internal exposure to alpha radiation from inhaling radioactive gas

external exposure to gamma radiation from radioactive materials

exposure to direct or unattenuated x-ray, neutron or gamma radiation beams

exposure following spills of solutions containing radionuclides

Degree of risk may involve:

type and energy of radiation to be used (i.e. alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, neutron)

whether work tasks involve routine, well-established or newly developed procedures

duration of work tasks

proximity of radiation sources

potential internal exposure when using unsealed sources

selection of specific isotopes for technical tests or procedures

use of radiation equipment that is not fully enclosed

Health effects may include:

deterministic effects

stochastic effects

Occupational dose limits may include:

effective dose

annual equivalent dose for the eye, skin, and hands or feet

pregnant workers

young workers

higher values in exceptional or special circumstances approved by the appropriate authority

Radiation protection principles may include:

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, and dust suppression

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

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

designation of controlled or supervised areas within workplaces with appropriate working rules for each, such as:

controlled exposure times

logging of personnel on entry and exit

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

details of expected hazards and radiation levels in work area

radiation management plan

procedures and equipment for preventing or minimising occupational, environmental and public radiation exposure during assigned work tasks

standard operating procedures covering work tasks, equipment and decontamination

requirements for personal monitoring

steps to be taken in the event of an emergency

Personal protective equipment may include:

safety helmets, safety goggles/face shields, gloves, overalls, safety boots, and hearing protection

respirators or HEPA filter masks, and dust masks

Personal monitoring may include:

observation of personnel conducting work tasks while applying recommended contamination and radiation dose control measures

personal radiation monitor (film, TLD, OSL, and electronic)

personal dust and/or gas monitor

locating contamination on personnel

Required standards of personal hygiene and behaviour may include:

washing or showering on completion of work tasks or prior to eating or drinking

collection and laundry of soiled clothes

collecting and managing non-reusable gloves, masks, outer clothing and waste

avoiding careless or reckless actions that may endanger self or others

Required records may include:

work rosters and schedules

log in and log out of controlled areas

previous work records involving radiation exposure

details of defects in plant, equipment or procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety

details of involvement in radiation incidents and accidents

Emergency response procedures may include:

emergency contact information

instructions for:

keeping exposures to a minimum

appropriate first response

moving to muster point/evacuation

obtaining information to assist with assessing the cause of the incident, accident or emergency

Radiation incidents may include:

exposure of unauthorised personnel entering a controlled area

exposure of authorised personnel due to:

failure to follow required safe working rules

malfunction of ventilation or dust suppression equipment

malfunction of PPE

leakage or dispersion of contaminants following processing plant or equipment breakdown or damage to storage containers

spill of liquid radionuclides

discovery of previously unrecognised contamination of vehicles, clothing, equipment, food or water

Radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines may include:

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) radiation protection series publications, such as:

RPS No.1 Recommendations for Limiting Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1995) and National Standard for Limiting Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (republished 2002)

RPS No.7 Recommendations for Intervention in Emergency Situations Involving Radiation Exposure (2004)

requirements of commonwealth, state and territory legislation, such as radiation protection legislation

definition of a responsible person

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
Participate in required radiation protection and site safety training. 
Confirm contact details for personnel who can provide emergency and radiation protection and safety information. 
Apply information about the nature and magnitude of radiation hazards and degree of risk associated with work activities at the site. 
Apply information about exposure pathways and health effects of radiation exposure. 
Apply information about occupational dose limits. 
Recognise possible sources of personal contamination and implement recommended decontamination procedures. 
Identify hazards and risks in work area prior to starting work, at regular intervals during work, and in response to changes in working conditions. 
Recognise and report non-routine hazards, unusual situations, and potential or actual emergency incidents. 
Implement instructions based on radiation protection principles during assigned work. 
Apply specified safe working rules, and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal monitoring during assigned work tasks. 
Comply with all site safety signs. 
Observe required standards of personal hygiene and behaviour while on site. 
Seek advice or instructions to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence. 
Apply specified procedures to decontaminate work surfaces and/or personnel as necessary. 
Implement instructions for managing contaminated waste produced during assigned tasks. 
Advise employer of previous employment involving occupational exposure to radiation and cooperate in obtaining records of previous exposure. 
Complete required records and reporting. 
Review information about workplace emergency response procedures and personal responsibilities in the event of a radiation incident. 
Recognise emergency alarms, move to the designated muster point, and follow instructions. 
Recognise and report defects in plant equipment and procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety or radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPRAD201 - Work safely in a radiation environment
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

PSPRAD201 - Work safely in a radiation environment

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: