DEFWHS001
Identify and monitor radiation hazards


Application

This unit describes the skills required to effectively identify the sources of radiation, non-ionising and ionising radiations, that may be a hazard in the workplace and to monitor the hazard and implement the hazard controls that have been recommended. Licensing conditions may be required for those working in this field.

This was developed for those working as Defence workers involved in identifying and monitoring radiation hazards as part of a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently or as part of a team, under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Identify workplace radiation hazards

1.1 Identify source of radiation and/or equipment.

1.2 Identify and access existing organisational records relevant to the radiation.

1.3 Apply regulatory requirements, including those contained in organisational procedures, throughout the operation.

1.4 Take immediate action to bring source of radiation under control.

1.5 Conduct consultation with stakeholders.

2. Monitor radiation abatement plans or controls

2.1 Monitor pre-existing controls and determine controls are adequate.

2.2 Record and report breaches of protocols, plans and local controls.

2.3 Inspect monitoring equipment regularly, where installed.

3. Maintain workplace radiation records/ documentation

3.1 Maintain radiation safety management plans.

3.2 Maintain equipment/instrument deployment and maintenance records/documentation.

3.3 Maintain inventory of radiation sources.

3.4 Maintain records of radiation exposure.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

accessing, reading, interpreting and applying radiation safety plan

identifying radiation sources

undertaking risk assessment and control

observing and responding to changing circumstances and unusual situations in the workplace

making a subjective and qualitative assessment during a walk through/survey

identifying changes in workplace configurations

applying knowledge of relevant WHS legislative framework

identifying inspection tools and methods appropriate to the workplace

applying the principles and practices of WHS inspections

identifying intervention points for advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

meaning of WHS symbols, signs and labels in the workplace

WHS requirements relevant to radiation in the workplace

WHS requirements for the workplace, including ways in which WHS is managed and designated personnel responsible for WHS

organisational policy and standards relevant to radiation

relevant Australian and international standards


Assessment Conditions

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.


Range Statement

Relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures include:

Australian or international standards

equipment manufacturers’ specifications

exposure standards

job safety analysis

legislation, regulations, and codes of practice

previous testing reports

risk assessments

Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Australian or international standards include:

ARPANSA RHS and RPS

AS/NZ

ISO

ICNRP

ICRP


Competency Field

Work Health and Safety