Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use organisational risk control procedures when working with a risk of exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) hazards.
The unit applies to site maintenance staff, technicians and installers who install or maintain equipment at installations that are sources of RF EMR.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the ICT Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for details of licensing, legislative or certification requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to work in RF EMR environment | 1.1 Identify characteristics of RF EMR and situations that can lead to exposure to RF EMR hazards 1.2 Identify potential effects of RF EMR on human body and contributing factors that affect it 1.3 Research relevant regulations and standards that apply to working with and controlling RF EMR hazards 1.4 Obtain and review RF EMR information required for work environment |
2. Assess RF EMR risks | 2.1 Assess potential RF EMR hazards in telecommunications work environment 2.2 Estimate likely field strength pattern of potential RF EMR hazard |
3. Control RF EMR risks | 3.1 Explain typical organisational controls to manage and control identified RF EMR hazards 3.2 Choose and apply appropriate RF EMR controls 3.3 Report EMR exposure that exceeds acceptable levels according to organisational work health and safety (WHS) requirements |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify the effect of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the human body
locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications for working safely with RF EMR
identify organisational controls for exposure to RF EMR, including lock-out procedures and the use of personal protective equipment
identify risks and safety requirements and record in a job safety analysis (JSA) sheet or safe work method statement (SWMS) or similar record sheet
select and use appropriate processes, tools and equipment to minimise RF EMR risk
comply with regulations, standards and organisational procedures and processes
communicate and work effectively and safely with others.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe the characteristics of RF EMR and sources of RF EMR, and state their effect on the human body
describe the nature of work undertaken close to sources of RF EMR and identify the associated risks and hazards
identify and summarise the regulations and standards that govern the generation of RF and EMR
identify the relevant statutory and regulatory requirements relating to working safely with RF EMR
describe the organisational control processes for managing exposure to RF EMR.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – work health and safety field of work and include access to:
induction procedures and requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
support materials appropriate to activity
workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
relevant regulations, standards, specifications and manuals, including industry related systems information.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1-1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 | Uses a number of reading strategies to identify and interpret relevant information within familiar text types |
Writing | 3.3 | Prepares organisational WHS documentation using clear language, correct spelling and terminology |
Oral Communication | 3.3 | Uses clear language and concepts, and tone and pace appropriate for the audience and purpose |
Numeracy | 2.2 | Performs mathematical calculations to estimate, interpret and compare RF signal strength |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 1.4, 3.1-3.3 | Understands responsibility to comply with legal and regulatory requirements |
Interact with others | 3.3 | Identifies and takes steps to follow accepted communication practices and protocols |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 | Follows clearly defined instructions and sequencing, and monitors own progress for the task, seeking assistance when necessary Makes low-impact decisions within familiar situations, based on a range of predefined or routine solutions Responds to predictable routine problems and implements standard or logical solutions |
Sectors
Telecommunications – work health and safety