The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.
Critical aspects of competency
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. In particular, assessors should look to see that the candidate:
keeps other personnel clear of radiation sources
demonstrates emergency procedures
performs and documents radiation surveys
places the instrument into storage
safely transports the instrument in a motor vehicle
safely handles and uses the instrument
observes, interprets and reports atypical situations
communicates problems to appropriate personnel promptly.
Underpinning knowledge
Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:
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.
Assessment context and methods
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.
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. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
Interdependent assessment of unit
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
PMLOHS302A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety
PMLTEST411A Perform mechanical tests
PMLDATA400A Process and interpret data.
Resource implications
Resources may include:
appropriate tools, instruments, equipment and materials
enterprise procedures, test methods, equipment manuals.
This competency in practice
Construction materials
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 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 handheld radiation meter is used, and the results recorded.
Key Competencies
The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively
Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks
Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
Collecting, analysing and organising information | Communicating ideas and information | Planning and organising activities | Working with others and in teams | Using mathematical ideas and techniques | Solving problems | Using technology |
Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 2 |