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. Analyse the requirements for a radiation management plan

1.1 Confirm radiation protection and safety requirements detailed in radiation management plan 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 of the organisation.

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

1.4 Procure radiation instruments and monitoring equipment and locate measuring or survey procedures to quantify hazards.

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

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

1.7 Undertake organisational risk assessment in relation to ionising radiation safety.

2. Develop and/or revise organisational radiation protection program

2.1 Identify organisational compliance against radiation safety requirements, including organisational policy and approach, and review organisation’s procedures for developing or revising radiation protection policy, procedures and plans.

2.2 Identify critical groups potentially affected by radiation practices conducted by whole of organisation, including workers, the public and the environment.

2.3 Undertake critical group analysis and cost-benefit analysis component of radiation management plan to identify key performance indicators.

2.4 Design or amend radiation management plans to control and monitor radiation-related work activities conducted by the organisation and comply with regulator requirements.

2.5 Submit radiation management plans to the responsible person for approval.

2.6 Design a strategy for implementing the new/revised organisational radiation management plans that identifies key people, recommended approaches and resources available.

2.7 Distribute plans to relevant personnel and confirm they understand their roles and responsibilities.

2.8 Identify organisational key performance indicators for radiation safety performance measurement and negotiate targets for these indicators.

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

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

3.1 Ensure all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities under the new or revised authorised radiation management plans.

3.2 Ensure information about radiation protection and monitoring equipment and procedures is provided to relevant personnel.

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

3.4 Approve appropriate audit plans and audit tools.

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

3.6 Analyse audit information to identify non-conformances and opportunities for improvements and provide recommendations to the licensee or responsible person on non-compliance and opportunities for improvement.

3.7 Ensure all findings, actions and outcomes are documented in accordance with regulator requirements and organisational procedures.

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

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

4.2 Examine any defect or changes in work practice, equipment or hazards that could increase exposure of personnel or present an environmental risk at organisational or systemic level and determine appropriate controls.

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

4.4 Approve and implement changes in work practices to further improve the organisation’s radiation protection and monitoring systems.

4.5 Maintain records of all actions and outcomes.

5. Inform the licensee about radiation protection and safety

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

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

5.3 Procure significant equipment purchases.

5.4 Authorise corrective and preventative actions in accordance with organisational procedures and regulator requirements.

5.5 Engage external radiation specialists.

6. Promote a radiation safety culture

6.1 Implement mechanisms to ensure the competency of personnel to safely undertake specific radiation-related work activities, and make recommendations to the responsible person.

6.2 Review organisation’s learning and development strategies and needs regularly to ensure they meet organisational and regulator requirements.

6.3 Actively promote the need to make doses as low as reasonably achievable consistent with legislation, and organisational policy and procedures.

7. Establish information management systems about radiation protection and safety

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

7.2 Maintain required records that are complete, accurate and legible.

7.3 Control access to records in accordance with organisational procedures.

7.4 Provide reports in accordance with regulator requirements and organisational procedures.

7.5 Maintain and secure records, and resolve problems in record management promptly.

7.6 Regularly review the organisation’s training requirements in radiation protection/safety, workplace emergency response and environmental protection, taking into account the needs of stakeholders.

8. Respond to potential or actual radiation incidents or accidents

8.1 Respond to potential radiation incidents, which may include unusual situations, unexpected hazards, or potential or actual emergency incidents.

8.2 Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident.

8.3 Assist emergency response personnel to control the situation.