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

PSPRAD202 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Work safely with radioactive ores and minerals

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPRAD202 - Work safely with radioactive ores and minerals
Description This unit covers the ability to recognise the hazards and risks of working with uranium/thorium ores, mineral sands and any other naturally occurring material and to use appropriate radiation protection and safety measures. This involves recognising the hazards and risks associated with assigned work activities, using the required radiation protection and safety measures, responding appropriately to actual or potential emergencies, and contributing to improved radiation safety.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 directly handle, or come in direct contact with, radioactive materials in the mining and mineral processing industry sector and who may receive occupational exposures of greater than 1 millisievert per annum.These personnel include drillers, miners, loader operators, plant operators, and samplers/testers who may:undertake exploration surveys of radioactive ore bodiesextract, mill, process or pack radioactive ores, concentrates or mineral productsmanage radioactive by-products, contaminants and/or wasterehabilitate mine sitesundertake laboratory testing.All assigned work tasks would be performed under the authorisation and supervision, or delegated supervision, of a responsible person and in accordance with radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines.
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: Identify hazards and associated risks with the site and assigned tasks
  • Interpret and apply information about hazards due to radioactive materials and work activities at the site prior to undertaking assigned tasks, where necessary requesting further information on radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines.
  • Implement instructions about site radiation control measures, monitoring, safe working rules and personal protective equipment (PPE) specified for the location and work activities prior to undertaking assigned tasks.
  • Recognise hazards and risks in work area prior to starting work, at regular intervals during work, and in response to changes in working conditions and seek advice if necessary.
  • Recognise and report non-routine hazards and seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence.
       
Element: Apply required radiation protection and safety measures
  • Use recommended hazard and risk control measures and follow safe working rules during assigned work tasks.
  • Comply with all site safety signs.
  • Follow required tag-out and lock-out procedures.
  • Use plant and equipment supplied for radiation protection or for the monitoring and assessment of radiation exposure.
  • Maintain required standards of personal hygiene.
       
Element: Respond to potential or actual radiation incidents
  • Recognise any unsafe situation, hazard or incident associated with assigned tasks.
  • Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice.
  • Provide appropriate workplace first response in accordance with instructions and organisation's workplace emergency response procedures.
       
Element: Contribute to radiation safety
  • Recognise and report defects in plant, equipment or procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety or the management of radioactive waste.
  • Participate in required radiation safety training and participative/consultative activities within the scope of own responsibilities.
  • Advise of previous employment involving occupational exposure to radiation and cooperate in obtaining records of previous exposure.
  • Complete required records and reporting.
       


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.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

recognise radiation hazards associated with uranium/thorium 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:

organisation's radiation management plan and health and safety procedures

commonwealth guidelines, such as RPS No.9 Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005)

local, state and territory regulations

Access is required to:

registered operator's site

supervision by a radiation safety professional

appropriate PPE and personal monitoring equipment

organisation's 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.


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 the organisation's 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.9 Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005)

state or territory legislation and local regulations and by-laws

duty of care obligations

meaning of words such as radioactivity, radioactive material, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), ionising radiation, contamination, contamination controls, shielding, half-life, and safe distance

types and properties of ionising radiation (e.g. alpha, beta, gamma), particularly radiation associated with uranium, thorium and decay products (e.g. radon)

relevant dose limits

sources of hazardous radiation around the site (e.g. underground, tunnel, stockpiles, processing plant and storage locations) and changes in risk of exposure/contamination 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 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.

Hazards due to radioactive materials and work activities may include:

internal exposure following inhalation and/or ingestion of radioactive dust

internal exposure to alpha radiation from inhaling radioactive gas (e.g. radon)

external exposure to radiation from radioactive materials (e.g. raw, intermediate or final products and waste)

Radiation-related work activities may include:

collecting, preparing or consigning radioactive ore samples

drilling ore bodies above or below ground

extracting radioactive ore above or below ground

milling and processing radioactive ore

packing and storing final product or concentrates containing radioactive material

decontaminating and servicing equipment that has been in contact with radioactive material

managing waste

undertaking mine rehabilitation activities

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.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)

RPS No.9 Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005)

RPS No.15 Safety Guide for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) (2008)

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

definition of a responsible person

Site radiation control measures 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

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

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

Monitoring may include:

observation of personnel conducting work activities in controlled radiation areas

personal radiation monitors

personal dust monitors

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

self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

totally encapsulated and certified (TEC) suit

Using plant and equipment involves:

avoiding careless or reckless actions that may:

result in unnecessary personal radiation exposure or exposure of others

compromise management of radioactive waste

Radiation incidents may include:

unauthorised personnel entering a controlled area

failure to follow required safe working rules and/or personal hygiene requirements

malfunction of ventilation or dust suppression equipment

malfunction of PPE

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

contamination of vehicles, clothing, equipment, food or water

exposure to radiation, including:

dust and air

external

Response procedures will include:

instructions for keeping exposures to a minimum, consistent with essential operations through evacuation or otherwise:

bringing the situation under control

providing access to necessary medical or counselling services

obtaining information for assessing cause of accident or emergency

obtaining information for assessing any doses received as a consequence of accident

Required records may include:

work rosters and schedules

log in and log out of controlled areas

personal health records

previous work records involving radiation exposure

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

details of radiation incidents and accidents

personal monitoring results

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
Interpret and apply information about hazards due to radioactive materials and work activities at the site prior to undertaking assigned tasks, where necessary requesting further information on radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines. 
Implement instructions about site radiation control measures, monitoring, safe working rules and personal protective equipment (PPE) specified for the location and work activities prior to undertaking assigned tasks. 
Recognise hazards and risks in work area prior to starting work, at regular intervals during work, and in response to changes in working conditions and seek advice if necessary. 
Recognise and report non-routine hazards and seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence. 
Use recommended hazard and risk control measures and follow safe working rules during assigned work tasks. 
Comply with all site safety signs. 
Follow required tag-out and lock-out procedures. 
Use plant and equipment supplied for radiation protection or for the monitoring and assessment of radiation exposure. 
Maintain required standards of personal hygiene. 
Recognise any unsafe situation, hazard or incident associated with assigned tasks. 
Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice. 
Provide appropriate workplace first response in accordance with instructions and organisation's workplace emergency response procedures. 
Recognise and report defects in plant, equipment or procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety or the management of radioactive waste. 
Participate in required radiation safety training and participative/consultative activities within the scope of own responsibilities. 
Advise of previous employment involving occupational exposure to radiation and cooperate in obtaining records of previous exposure. 
Complete required records and reporting. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPRAD202 - Work safely with radioactive ores and minerals
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

PSPRAD202 - Work safely with radioactive ores and minerals

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: