Application
This unit describes the skills required to apply radiation protection and work safety measures when working in an environment where sources of ionising radiation are present. This involves recognising the hazards and risks associated with working near sources of ionising radiation, interpreting and following site safety information, using specified radiation protection and safety measures, applying required operational safety measures, and responding appropriately to actual or potential emergencies.
This unit applies to those 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, laboratory workers, operating theatre staff, contractors, sales and service engineers, who may:
undertake exploration surveys of radioactive ore bodies
extract, mill, process or pack radioactive ores, concentrates or mineral products
manage radioactive by-products, contaminants and/or waste
rehabilitate mine sites
undertake laboratory testing
undertake cabinet x-rays
service ionising radiation equipment
work in a nuclear facility
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 under direct supervision performing routine tasks, in a familiar context.
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. Complete site safety induction | 1.1 Participate in required radiation protection and site safety training. 1.2 Confirm contact details for personnel who can provide emergency and radiation protection and safety information. |
2. Recognise site radiation hazards and degree of risk | 2.1 Apply information about the nature and magnitude of radiation hazards and degree of risk associated with work activities at the site. 2.2 Apply information about exposure pathways and health effects of radiation exposure. 2.3 Apply information about occupational dose limits. 2.4 Recognise possible sources of personal contamination and implement recommended decontamination procedures. 2.5 Identify hazards and risks in work area prior to starting work, at regular intervals during work, and in response to changes in working conditions. 2.6 Recognise and report non-routine hazards, unusual situations, and potential or actual emergency incidents. |
3. Follow procedures for controlling radiation hazards | 3.1 Implement instructions based on radiation protection principles during assigned work. 3.2 Apply specified safe working rules, and use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal monitoring during assigned work tasks. 3.3 Comply with all site safety signs. 3.4 Observe required standards of personal hygiene and behaviour while on site. 3.5 Seek advice or instructions to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence. 3.6 Apply specified procedures to decontaminate work surfaces and/or personnel as necessary. 3.7 Implement instructions for managing contaminated waste produced during assigned tasks. 3.8 Advise employer of previous employment involving occupational exposure to radiation and cooperate in obtaining records of previous exposure. 3.9 Complete required records and reporting. |
4. Follow workplace emergency response procedures | 4.1 Review information about workplace emergency response procedures and personal responsibilities in the event of a radiation incident. 4.2 Recognise emergency alarms, move to the designated muster point, and follow instructions. |
5. Report problems | 5.1 Recognise and report defects in plant equipment and procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety or radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines. |
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.
following required radiation protection and safety procedures
following radiation safety signs
regularly assessing and reassessing risks and hazards and applying required control measures
recognising dose limits
using and caring for PPE and personal monitoring equipment that has been issued for assigned work tasks
responding correctly when encountering contaminated work surfaces and personnel
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.
responsibilities of employers and employees under:
relevant Commonwealth guidelines, including RPS No.1
state or territory legislation and local regulations and by-laws
duty of care obligations
radioactive decay, radioactive material, ionising radiation, shielding, safe distance, contamination, contamination controls, decontamination
types and properties of ionising radiation
relevant occupational dose limits
sources of hazardous radiation around the site and degree of risk of exposure or contamination
internal and external exposure pathways and protective measures
radiation health effects
location of controlled or supervised areas within the site
layers of protection:
avoiding exposure, where practicable
isolating sources of radiation where practicable through shielding, containment and remote handling techniques
engineering controls
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 requirements, and effects and implications of risky behaviours
safe working rules and safe operating procedures for equipment
safety signs relevant to assigned tasks
use and care of PPE and personal monitors for assigned tasks
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Radiation Safety