Application
This unit describes the skills required to prepare an item containing radioactive material for shipment, and arrange for its transport and/or interim storage. This involves packaging, labelling, certifying and documenting an item in order to ensure its safe carriage and prompt delivery. These tasks may be performed with the authorisation of the competent authority in the Australian state or territory in which the transport originates.
This unit applies to personnel who prepare material, articles, instruments and/or containers that emit ionising radiation for transport by road, rail, waterways, sea or air within Australia or overseas.
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, 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. Prepare shipping documentation | 1.1 Define the item to be consigned using relevant code or organisation’s radiation protection and safety procedures. 1.2 Determine consignment type, applicable schedule and carriage provisions that apply to the item. 1.3 Prepare required transport documents. |
2. Prepare item for shipment | 2.1 Determine appropriate package design. 2.2 Use organisation’s radiation protection and safety procedures and equipment if personally packing the item. 2.3 Confirm that packaging used for the item meets requirements of relevant code, radiation protection and safety procedures and, if required, that package approval certificate is current and valid for intended use. 2.4 Ensure that packaging is in good condition and that any seals are intact. 2.5 Ensure that external contamination does not exceed the specified limit. 2.6 Ensure that radiation above any surface does not exceed the specified limit. 2.7 Ensure that required labelling information is accurate, complete and attached in specified positions on the package. 2.8 Arrange for safe and secure interim storage of item. 2.9 Seek advice to deal with any atypical situation. |
3. Confirm transport arrangements with the carriers | 3.1 Confirm that carrier meets requirements for transporting the item. 3.2 Confirm that relevant competent authorities have been notified prior to shipment. 3.3 Specify requirements for loading, segregation, stowage, carriage, handling and unloading of the package, overpack or freight container. 3.4 Specify any necessary route instructions and restrictions on the mode of transport and conveyance. 3.5 Specify relevant emergency arrangements for consignment. 3.6 Provide required transport documents, including any approval certificates from the relevant competent authority. 3.7 Ensure that size, weight, contents, packaging and label information for consigned items match consignor’s declaration before shipment. 3.8 Ensure consigned items are stowed and secured and that vehicle is placarded if necessary. |
4. Respond to potential or actual radiation incidents | 4.1 Recognise unusual situations, unexpected hazards, and potential or actual emergency radiation incidents. 4.2 Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice. 4.3 Initiate workplace emergency first response. |
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.
using relevant information sources to locate and interpret information about the safe transport of radioactive materials
interpreting radiation labels, placards and safety signs
completing documentation accurately with close attention to detail
seeking advice or further directions when faced with unexpected situations that may require decisions or actions beyond own technical competence
using monitoring equipment to measure radiation
using and caring for personal monitoring equipment
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.
guidelines for consignors, carriers and consignees defined in local regulations and relevant codes
radioactivity, radioactive material, ionising radiation, contamination, contamination controls, shielding, half-life, transport index, and safe distance
types and properties of ionising radiation
relevant dose limits
information on radiation labels, placards, emergency information sheets and safety signs and in transport documents relevant to job role
internal and external exposure pathways and protective measures
radiation health effects
layers of protection, including:
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
where other means of controlling exposure are not practicable, using approved personal protective equipment
health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures, safe working rules, personal hygiene requirements and safe operating procedures for equipment relevant to job role
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