This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or field assistants working in construction materials testing or similar industry sectors. They work under supervision or direction of paraprofessionals.

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'.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Store instruments safely and securely

1.1. Identify state or territory requirements for storage facilities and associated document processes

1.2. Store instruments in accordance with state or territory requirements and documented procedures

1.3. Secure instruments to prevent unauthorised access

1.4. Record instruments' movements and usage in accordance with documented procedures

2. Transport instruments safely and securely

2.1. Select vehicle suitable for the purpose

2.2. Attach regulation signage in accordance with state or territory requirements to indicate that radioactive sources are being carried

2.3. Ensure that instruments are properly located and fixed securely in place

2.4. Ensure security of instruments when the vehicle is unattended

3. Use instruments safely and maintain security

3.1. Follow safe working practices to minimise own exposure to radiation

3.2. Use radiation dosimeter to monitor own exposure to radiation

3.3. Follow safe work practices to minimise exposure of others to radiation

3.4. Follow safe work practices to protect the instrument from damage

3.5. Maintain instrument security

4. Monitor radiation levels

4.1. Check operation and calibration status of radiation survey meter

4.2. Perform radiation survey following documented procedure

4.3. Report atypical conditions and/or problems to appropriate personnel

5. Maintain records

5.1. Record observations, data and results in accordance with enterprise procedures

5.2. Maintain confidentiality of enterprise information

6. Perform emergency procedures

6.1. Identify potential emergency situations

6.2. Respond to emergencies in accordance with documented procedures

6.3. Report emergency situations to appropriate personnel

Required skills

Required skills include:

demonstrating emergency procedures

performing and documenting radiation surveys using radiation monitors

using a radiation dosimeter

placing the instrument into storage safely and securely

transporting the instrument in a motor vehicle safely

safely handling and maintaining the instrument and keeping other personnel clear of radiation sources

observing, interpreting and reporting atypical situations

promptly communicating problems to appropriate personnel

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

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

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

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

Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

perform operations in accordance with standards, codes, procedures and enterprise requirements

safely handle, store and transport instruments keeping other people clear of radiation sources

perform and document radiation surveys

recognise, interpret and report problems to appropriate personnel promptly.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924001A Process and interpret data

MSL943002A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

MAL974010A Perform mechanical tests.

Resources may include:

appropriate tools, instruments, equipment and materials

enterprise procedures, test methods, equipment and manuals.

Method of assessment

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.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment.

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case study below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and show its relevance in a workplace setting.

Construction materials testing

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/territory 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 hand-held radiation meter is used, and the results recorded.

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.

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS 2243.4-1998 Safety in laboratories - Ionising radiations

AS/NZS 2243.5:2004 Safety in laboratories - Non-ionising radiations - Electromagnetic, sound and ultrasound

Australian Dangerous Goods Code

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Codes of Practice

calibration and maintenance schedules

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

equipment manuals

equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures

licensing requirements

material, production and product specifications

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Accreditation programs requirements

national environment protection measures

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines

occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice

production and laboratory schedules

quality manuals

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Instruments and equipment used

Instruments and equipment used may include:

soil moisture/density gauges

borehole logging probes

fluid density/level detectors

battery chargers

radiation monitors/dosimeters

motor vehicles

storage areas for nuclear sources

documentation, including user manuals and enterprise safety manuals

radiation warning signs

Hazards and problems

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

Critical elements for radiation safety

Critical elements for radiation safety include:

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)

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

Unit sector

Occupational health and safety

This unit contains employability skills.