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. Assess radiation protection and safety requirements

1.1 Confirm radiation protection and safety requirements for site by reviewing relevant radiation protection and safety legislation, standards, codes and guidelines.

1.2 Review relevant available records and information about hazards due to radioactive materials, equipment and work activities conducted at the site.

1.3 Identify known and potential hazards associated with current and future radiation-related work activities.

1.4 Identify appropriate radiation instruments, monitoring equipment and measuring/survey procedures to quantify hazards.

1.5 Quantify ionising radiation hazards and anticipated exposure/dose, and compare results with relevant limits.

1.6 Review available information about relevant radiation control measures, safety procedures, radiation monitoring programs and personal protective equipment (PPE).

1.7 Determine if specific work areas need to be controlled more effectively.

1.8 Undertake risk analysis for local site specific to radiation related activity.

2. Develop or revise local radiation management plans

2.1 Review the local procedures for developing or revising radiation protection policy, procedures and plans.

2.2 Identify local compliance against radiation safety requirements.

2.3 Design or amend local radiation management plans to control and monitor all radiation-related work activities to comply with regulator requirements.

2.4 Identify possible impacts of new or revised local radiation management plans on relevant organisational policies, procedures and systems, and advise relevant personnel.

2.5 Forward draft local radiation management plans for feedback and approval.

2.6 Distribute authorised local radiation management plans to relevant personnel and confirm they understand their roles and responsibilities.

2.7 Design key performance indicators for radiation safety performance measurement.

2.8 Negotiate targets for radiation safety key performance indicators in line with organisational plan.

2.9 Develop and implement quantitative risk management and risk assessment tools for radiation.

3. Ensure local radiation protection and monitoring systems are implemented effectively

3.1 Design a strategy for implementing the new or revised local radiation management plans that identifies key people, recommended approaches and available resources.

3.2 Provide information about radiation protection and monitoring equipment and procedures to relevant personnel and confirm they understand their responsibilities.

3.3 Confirm that prescribed radiation signs and safety communication systems, including noticeboards, are maintained in good condition and are readily visible.

3.4 Design appropriate audit tools and audit plans.

3.5 Conduct audits of radiation protection and monitoring systems, equipment and safety performance in accordance with agreed audit plans.

3.6 Analyse audit information to identify non-conformances and opportunities for improvements.

3.7 Produce audit reports that clearly define actions required to correct non-conformances.

3.8 Record findings, actions and outcomes.

4. Investigate and rectify local safety, quality and non-compliance issues

4.1 Investigate atypical dose results with reference to radiation safety key performance indicators.

4.2 Examine defects or changes in work practices and equipment, and hazards that could increase exposure of personnel or present an environmental risk at local level, and determine appropriate controls.

4.3 Analyse instances of potential or actual non-compliance and re-design work practices and procedures to prevent recurrence.

4.4 Identify opportunities and strategies to further improve the organisation’s radiation protection and monitoring systems.

4.5 Implement authorised corrective and preventative actions.

4.6 Record recommendations, actions and outcomes.

5. Inform radiation safety officer management or licensee about radiation protection and safety

5.1 Provide regular status reports, including details of instances of potential or actual non-compliance, or incidents/accidents and the actions taken.

5.2 Provide regular information about the adequacy of radiation management plans and protection and monitoring systems, and recommend improvements.

5.3 Obtain authorisation for significant equipment purchases.

5.4 Obtain authorisation for corrective and preventative actions.

5.5 Advise the organisation when input from external radiation specialists is required.

6. Promote a radiation safety culture

6.1 Assess the competency of personnel to safely undertake specific radiation-related work activities and make appropriate recommendations to the responsible person.

6.2 Access or develop learning and development programs that meet organisational and regulator requirements.

6.3 Deliver, or arrange for the delivery of, training that meets the identified needs of personnel.

6.4 Communicate effectively the need to make doses as low as reasonably achievable.

7. Manage information about radiation protection and safety

7.1 Specify all information that must be recorded and secured and advise relevant personnel.

7.2 Control access to records.

7.3 Provide reports.

7.4 Maintain and secure records, and provide advice on improvements to record management.

8. Respond to potential or actual radiation incidents or accidents

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

8.2 Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice as necessary.

8.3 Assist emergency response personnel to control the situation.