Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICTWHS2081A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Work safely in a radio frequency electromagnetic radiation environment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICTWHS2081A - Work safely in a radio frequency electromagnetic radiation environment
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use organisational risk-control procedures when working with a risk of exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) hazards.Note: In certain environments EMR may be referred to as electromagnetic emissions (EME). Users should confirm EMR regulatory requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application The unit applies to site maintenance staff, technicians and installers who install or maintain equipment at installations that are sources of RF EMR.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare to work in an RF EMR environment
  • Identify characteristics of RF EMR and situations that can lead to exposure to RF EMR hazards
  • Identify potential effects of RF EMR on the human body and contributing factors that affect it
  • Identify relevant regulations and standards that apply to working with and controlling RF EMR hazards
  • Obtain and review RF EMR information required for work environment
       
Element: Assess RF EMR risks
  • Assess potential RF EMR hazards in the telecommunications work environment
  • Estimate the likely field strength pattern of a potential RF EMR hazard
       
Element: Control RF EMR risks
  • Identify typical organisational controls to manage and control identified RF EMR hazards
  • Choose and apply appropriate RF EMR controls
  • Report EMR exposure that exceeds acceptable levels according to organisational work health and safety (WHS) requirements
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

Evidence of the ability to:

apply knowledge of the effect of RF EMR on the body

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications for working safely with RF EMR

identify organisational controls for exposure to RF EMR, including lock-out procedures and the use of personal protective equipment

carry out two risk assessments demonstrating:

correct identification of risks and safety requirements recorded in a job safety analysis (JSA) sheet or safe work method statement (SWMS) or similar record sheet

correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment to minimise RF EMR risk

compliance with regulations, standards and organisational procedures and processes

communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

induction procedures and requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

relevant regulations, standards, specifications and manuals, including industry-related systems information.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess awareness of RF EMR hazards. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate preparing and carrying out work close to sources of RF EMR

oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess awareness of RF EMR hazards

review of JSAs and documentation prepared by the candidate.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

This assessment may be carried out in a simulated environment to minimise risks of injury or loss.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

access information on organisational control measures for RF EMR hazards

determine response requirements

enable clear and direct communication to identify and confirm requirements and share information

follow instructions

report EMR exposure over acceptable levels

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

literacy skills to:

complete workplace documentation

document scope of work and work practices

read and interpret:

documentation from a variety of sources

drawings and specifications relating to the work to be done

numeracy skills to estimate and calculate measurements of ambient RF signals

planning and organising skills to plan and set out work

technical skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use communications equipment.

Required knowledge

characteristics of RF EMR and sources of RF EMR

nature of work undertaken close to sources of RF EMR

relevant statutory and regulatory requirements relating to working safely with RF EMR

control processes for managing safe exposure to RF EMR.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Characteristics of RF EMR include:

electrical fields

electromagnetic spectrum

energy

frequency

magnetic fields

non-ionising radiation

radiation

wavelength.

RF EMR hazards include:

air navigation aids

amateur and ham radio

broadcast radio and television

business services for voice and data

cordless phones

emergency services

marine safety and operations

mobile phones and associated towers

radar.

Potential effects relate to:

brain cancer

dysaesthesia (abnormal sensation)

eye damage

infertility

risk to pregnancy

tissue heating.

Relevant regulations and standards may include:

appropriate Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) technical standard requirements relating to RF EMR and sources of RF EMR

Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Radiation Protection Standard - Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields - 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

Typical organisational controls may include:

appropriate signage

commitment to the exposure limits set out in the ARPANSA Standard

controlled access and sign-in at each site for employees, contractors and visitors

creation of locked out procedures and areas

identification of areas where equipment generates RF EMR

identification of the boundaries of RF EMR hazard areas

induction processes

placement assessments

prohibition of workers from any site where RF EMR hazard exceeds the limit for occupational exposure

provision of appropriate testing equipment, such as personal monitor or radiation meter

restricted access to the general public

secure barrier around the RF EMR hazard areas

training for staff and contractors.

Organisational WHS requirements relate to:

Australian standards

construction industry WHS standards and guidelines

duty of care

health and safety representatives, committees and supervisors

industry WHS standards and guidelines

licences, tickets and certificates of competency

National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work

national safety standards

person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) or officer of the PCBU safety codes of practice

WHS and Welfare Acts and regulations.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify characteristics of RF EMR and situations that can lead to exposure to RF EMR hazards 
Identify potential effects of RF EMR on the human body and contributing factors that affect it 
Identify relevant regulations and standards that apply to working with and controlling RF EMR hazards 
Obtain and review RF EMR information required for work environment 
Assess potential RF EMR hazards in the telecommunications work environment 
Estimate the likely field strength pattern of a potential RF EMR hazard 
Identify typical organisational controls to manage and control identified RF EMR hazards 
Choose and apply appropriate RF EMR controls 
Report EMR exposure that exceeds acceptable levels according to organisational work health and safety (WHS) requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTWHS2081A - Work safely in a radio frequency electromagnetic radiation environment
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

ICTWHS2081A - Work safely in a radio frequency electromagnetic radiation environment

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: