PSPRAD005
Handle and transport radioactive material


Application

This unit describes the skills required to safely pick up and deliver an item containing radioactive material. This involves checking the item and paperwork before transport; loading, segregating and unloading; safely and securely transporting; and handing the material over to the user or consignee. These tasks may be performed with the authorisation of the competent authority in the Australian states or territories in which the transport occurs.

This unit applies to personnel who handle and transport materials, articles, instruments and/or containers that emit ionising radiation within Australia by road, rail, waterways, sea or air.

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 for pick-up of items

1.1 Ensure compliance with licence, permit and vehicle requirements that apply to carrier of consigned items.

1.2 Confirm pick-up arrangements and specific requirements for loading, segregation, stowage, carriage, handling and unloading of the items.

1.3 Check that vehicle and communication devices are in good working order.

1.4 Ensure that required emergency response information is in vehicle cabin.

2. Check items prior to transport

2.1 Check that each item is intact.

2.2 Quarantine any item not safe for transport or with inconsistent paperwork, and promptly advise relevant personnel.

2.3 Check that size, weight, contents, packaging and label information for each item matches accompanying consignor’s declaration.

2.4 Check that carrier copies of required transport documents are present, accurate and complete.

2.5 Confirm that non-fixed external contamination of items does not exceed specified limit.

2.6 Confirm that maximum radiation level from any surface of items does not exceed specified limit.

3. Safely stow and transport items

3.1 Use radiation protection and safety procedures and manual safe-handling procedures when handling items.

3.2 Ensure that each item is securely stowed and segregated.

3.3 Record receipt of items.

3.4 Ensure that required dangerous goods signs/placards are attached to vehicle in correct positions.

3.5 Deliver items using agreed routes and schedules.

3.6 Ensure security of items when vehicle is unattended.

3.7 Arrange for safe, secure storage of items in accordance with the relevant code during extended stops or breaks in transit, during trans-shipment and if delivery cannot be completed.

4. Complete delivery of items

4.1 Check that each item is intact and matches consignor’s declaration before handover to user or consignee.

4.2 Quarantine any item that has visible damage or inconsistent paperwork and promptly advise relevant personnel.

4.3 Advise user or consignee of any specified requirements for the safe and secure interim storage of items.

4.4 Complete and file relevant transport documents.

5. Respond to potential or actual emergency incidents

5.1 Recognise unusual situations, unexpected hazards, and potential or actual emergency incidents.

5.2 Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice.

5.3 Initiate appropriate 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.

applying transport documents relevant to job role

recognising radiation labels, placards and safety signs relevant to job role

completing carrier’s 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 and caring for radiation monitoring equipment, if required in job role


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, 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 to minimise exposure

using approved personal protective equipment (PPE) where other means of controlling exposure are not practicable

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