Required skills

recognising

types of measuring instruments such as air proportional gas proportional gas ionisation GeigerMuller GM compensated GM scintillation neutron monitors solid state and personal dosimeters badge and electronic

advantages and limitations of their use

locating interpreting and comparing information about measuring instruments used by organisation

selecting suitable instruments by analysing factors such as intended use fixedportable laboratoryfield range of radiation types intensities and energies accuracy sensitivity response time robustness serviceability and limitations

conducting preuse and calibration checks troubleshooting common faults conducting basic repairs of and maintaining radiation measuring instruments used in job role

safely operating radiation measuring instruments used in job role to obtain reliable data

processing and analysing radiation measurement data and applying established corrections

interpreting manuals and writing operating instructions for radiation measuring instruments used in organisation

seeking advice and further directions when faced with unforseen circumstances or situations that may require decisions or response actions beyond technical competence

Required knowledge

terms and concepts such as

ionising radiation radioactivity radioactive material activity dose contamination contamination controls shielding halflife and radionuclide

operating voltage accuracy response time sensitivity detection limit linearity sourcedetector geometry and distance corrections compensation

types energies and properties of ionising radiation eg alpha beta gamma neutron xray electron sources and shielding methods

definitions of radiation quantities such as exposure dose tissue weighting factor effective dose dose rate radiation weighting factor dose equivalent and dose limits

international system SI of units for radiation quantities multiples and submultiples

techniques for conducting measurements and monitoring surveys used in organisation

characteristics capabilities limitations function of key components and operating principles of radiation measuring instruments used in organisation

role and importance of regular calibration and preuse checks and maintenance

common instrument faults troubleshooting and recommended remedial actions and repairs

common instrument operator errors

techniques for assessing radiation hazards likely to be encountered in job role

guidelines and safety procedures for working with radiation sources based on principles of

reducing exposure time

maintaining greatest distance

using as much shielding as possible

health safety and workplace emergency response procedures relevant to job role

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to

select radiation measuring instruments that will enable the organisation to successfully implement its radiation management plan

maintain sufficient numbers of fully functioning instruments to satisfy the organisations predictable requirements

train instrument operators to use radiation measuring instruments safely and reliably

keep accurate and complete records relevant to job role

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by the candidate selecting commissioning and maintaining the radiation measuring instruments relevant to his or her job role

Pathway

Determining competency for this unit may require checking the candidates skills against PSPRADA Perform basic radiation measurements

Determining competency for this unit may require checking the candidate's skills against PSPRAD003A Perform basic radiation measurements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment

Assessment must comply with

local regulations regarding the registration of operators premises and sources at workplaces where radioactive materials andor ionising radiation equipment are present

organisations radiation management plan

manufacturers instructions for operating radiation measuring instruments

Access may be required to

registered premises and sources

supervision by a radiation safety professional

radiation measuring instruments and monitoring equipment

appropriate personal protective equipment

radiation management plan or procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

oral and written tests and calculations involving

radiation quantities

setup calibration and basic maintenance of radiation measuring instruments

review of records of instrument selection use and maintenance generated by the candidate

review of instrument training materials and records generated by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisor that working instruments are available when required

observation of the candidate checking using and maintaining radiation measuring instruments

In all cases practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly

Guidance information for assessment

Ionising radiation may include:

Radiation measuring instruments may involve:

Programs to monitor hazards may include: surveys and measurements for:

Radiation-related work activities may include:

Radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines may include:

Specifications and features of instruments may include:

Adult learning principles may include:

Regular instrument checks and minor maintenance may include:

Radiation management plan should include details of:

Required records may include details of: