The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions

Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a range of clients, reflecting the diverse nature of those for whom service is provided in the workplace context

A diversity of assessment tasks is also essential for holistic assessment

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Resources essential for assessment include:

Radiation Safety Act 1999

Radiation safety and protection plan

X-ray machine operating manuals

Work health and safety (WHS) guidelines

procedures manuals

access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

Method of assessment may include:

Written examination to assess theoretical and applied knowledge

On-the-job or role play assessment of prescribed radiographic skills, in particular correct and appropriate use of the X-ray machine

Observation of work activities

Authenticated transcripts of relevant education / training courses

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently

However holistic assessment practice with other X-ray operation units of competency is encouraged

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

A basic understanding of the Radiation Safety Act 1999

Basic knowledge of the properties of X-rays

Clinical consequences of poor radiography for the client and legal consequences for the operator

Control factors affecting the X-ray beam

Duty of care

Exposure standardisation

Identification of the major bones and bony landmarks involved in the radiography of areas of the body allowable under radiography licensing requirements.

Operation of the types of equipment encountered in rural and remote areas

Radiation protection principles and personal monitoring

Radiographic radiation safety

Terminology used in radiography

The licensee's radiation safety and protection plan

Working knowledge of an X-ray beam collimator (construction, components, operation,)

Working knowledge of an X-ray generator (basic function, relationship to X-ray tube)

Working knowledge of an X-ray machine control panel (timer, relationship to generator and X-ray tube)

Working knowledge of an X-ray tube (construction, components, operation)

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Address client care requirements while in the care of an X-ray operator

Apply interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients

Apply problem solving skills to use available resources, prioritise workload and to communicate effectively in the range of client contact situations

Appropriately apply medical ethics

Communicate with referring medical practitioners and with clients and carers

Meet the licensing requirements for X-ray operators

Monitor and maintain X ray machine in accordance with organisation guidelines and manufacturer specifications

Operate an X-ray machine in accordance with organisation guidelines and legislative requirements

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Use manual skills to operate the X-ray machine

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording data

Use oral communication skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

literacy in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use reading and writing skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation at a level of skill that may range from the ability to understand symbols used in WHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets and procedure manuals, keeping maintenance records and following manufacturer specifications for equipment use and maintenance

Use literacy support available in the workplace that may range from having access to support or assistance from radiographer, to having no communication supports available

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Equipment may include:

Fixed irradiating apparatus (for diagnosis)

Mobile irradiating apparatus (for diagnosis)

Organisation and legislative guidelines may include:

X-ray operators licence (for use of irradiating apparatus for diagnosis)

Radiation Safety Act 1999

Possession by the licensee of a radiation safety and protection plan

X-ray machine operating manuals

WHS guidelines

Procedures manuals