• MEM13013B - Work safely with ionizing radiation

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

MEM13013B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Work safely with ionizing radiation

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MEM13013B - Work safely with ionizing radiation
Description This unit covers working safely with ionizing radiation when performing radiographic testing in a range of industrial applications.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to safely working with ionizing radiation in open or closed sites: on fabrications, structures and components across a wide range of industries. It is a prerequisite to undertaking any other radiographic competency standards unit. The work can relate to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities, using general tools, specific radiographic testing equipment as specified in maintenance documentation, testing procedures or operator instructions.All testing must be completed with particular attention to personal and OH&S regulations. Certification against Australian standards may be achieved where assessment in this unit of competency is carried out in conjunction with an examining authority as described in ISO 9712.Materials and chemicals which are subject to codes and regulations - for example, chemicals, explosives, solvents, dangerous materials, acids, or noxious waste products - must be subject to safe work habits must be stored and used in accordance with safe work practices.Band: AUnit Weight: 4
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Occupational health and safety
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: Identify the hazards and effects of ionizing radiation in the workplace
  • The source of ionizing radiation is identified in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.
  • Production of X-rays and gamma rays is explained in relation to radiographic testing activities.
  • Attenuation factors of ionizing radiation and the biological effects on living tissue are outlined.
  • The biological effects of radiation are identified.
       
Element: Apply radiation safety procedures/plans
  • Appropriate ionizing radiation protective measures are employed in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.
  • SI units of radiation are explained as per the National Health and Medical Research Council/ statutory requirements.
  • Exposure limits for personnel as laid down by the radiation authorities in Australia are stated and adhered to.
  • Minimum exposure rates/distances are determined from calculations and charts.
  • Ionizing radiation sources are operated in accordance with legislation, standards and/or organisational policy, procedures or guidelines.
       
Element: Select and use radiation monitoring equipment
  • The tools and equipment necessary to monitor radiation are selected and used as required.
  • Techniques and system verification checks necessary to monitor radiation are selected and applied.
  • Safety breaches are documented and/or reported in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
       
Element: Respond to emergency situations
  • Procedures for dealing with both X-ray and gamma ray emergency situations are demonstrated.
       


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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to safely work with ionizing radiation when performing radiographic testing.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with radiographic testing or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment


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

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

calculating and numerical operations within the scope of this unit

reading and interpreting charts, written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

planning and sequencing operations

checking and clarifying task-related operations

checking for conformance to specifications

using monitoring equipment

calculating and monitoring radiation

handling emergencies

following safety requirements

assessing risk

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

properties of X-rays and gamma rays and principal radioactive sources used in industrial radiography

attenuation factors

known biological effects of radiation

general principles of gas ionisation, photographic effect, luminescence

use of film, film badges, ionisation chamber devices, quartz fibre, fluorescent, electronic devices accuracy limits (energy/range)

different SI units of radiation including becquerel, sievert and gray

exposure limits for personnel as laid down by the radiation authorities in Australia

the three exposure reduction factors including: time, distance and shielding

procedures for establishing safe working barriers

relevant techniques and checks

emergency procedures

safety procedures including for:

types of X-ray equipment

types of isotope cameras

shielding materials

design and requirements for exposure areas

requirements for storage of radioisotopes

emergency situations, causes and appropriate responses

hazards and control measures associated with ionizing radiation, including housekeeping

storage requirements of equipment and materials

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe workplace practices and procedures

legal requirements including;

Australian/NSW regulations, code of practice (detail)

ICRP recommended limits for various persons and various parts of the body for short-term, long-term and accumulated exposure

background radiation

duties of RSO

requirements for transport

IATA regulations

obligations of the licensee

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.

Relevant organisational policy and procedures

Legislation

Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Australian or international standards

Risk assessments

Previous testing reports

Manufacturer specifications

Production of X-rays and gamma rays

Atomic structure, protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, mass number, isotopes

Electromagnetic radiation wavelength, frequency, energy relationships, intensity

Construction and operation of X-ray tube anode, cathode, target

Gas and coolidge tubes

Glass and ceramic tubes

X-ray spectrum

Characteristic and continuous spectra effect of voltage and current on continuous spectra

Efficiency

Natural and artificial radioisotopes

Production of radioisotopes

Decay mechanisms, alpha, beta-, beta+, and gamma

Concept of half life, decay constants

Selection of gamma ray sources

Units definition of curie, becquerel, conversion of units, multiple units (e.g. GBq), nuclide chart

Biological effects of radiation

Ionisation, absorption, scatter (Compton, Rayleigh, photo-electric, pair production)

Attenuation coefficient, absorption edges

Units roentgen, rad, coulomb/kg, gray conversions

Effects of varying doses on living tissue

Somatic effects, genetic effects, cell biology nucleus, cytoplasm

DNA, chromosome, mitosis; symptoms, effect of time, ICRP recommendations

Dose, dose equivalent, RBE, rem, seivert, conversions

Occupancy factor

Protective measures

Personal protective equipment (PPE) including for risks other than ionizing radiation

Safety protocols of workplace (e.g. flame limitations in refineries)

Signage, barriers/guards

Limitations on operation of specific equipment/machines

Minimum exposure

Time, distance, shielding effect of distance, inverse square law

Half and tenth value layers

Emergency procedures, company procedure codes

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
The source of ionizing radiation is identified in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures. 
Production of X-rays and gamma rays is explained in relation to radiographic testing activities. 
Attenuation factors of ionizing radiation and the biological effects on living tissue are outlined. 
The biological effects of radiation are identified. 
Appropriate ionizing radiation protective measures are employed in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures. 
SI units of radiation are explained as per the National Health and Medical Research Council/ statutory requirements. 
Exposure limits for personnel as laid down by the radiation authorities in Australia are stated and adhered to. 
Minimum exposure rates/distances are determined from calculations and charts. 
Ionizing radiation sources are operated in accordance with legislation, standards and/or organisational policy, procedures or guidelines. 
The tools and equipment necessary to monitor radiation are selected and used as required. 
Techniques and system verification checks necessary to monitor radiation are selected and applied. 
Safety breaches are documented and/or reported in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Procedures for dealing with both X-ray and gamma ray emergency situations are demonstrated. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEM13013B - Work safely with ionizing radiation
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

MEM13013B - Work safely with ionizing radiation

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: