Application
Work will usually be performed within a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures Note: This unit of competency applies in Queensland only to health sector employees who do not have formal qualifications in diagnostic radiography and who are seeking, or have obtained, a licence under the Radiation Safety Act as approved by the Chief Executive, Queensland Health The licence applies to rural and remote areas as determined by the Chief Executive, Queensland Health, and is limited to the use of radiation apparatus for plain film radiography of the chest and extremities This unit of competency does not apply to dental radiography |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Operate the X-ray film processor | 1.1 Ensure the processor is situated in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisation requirements 1.2 Use the processor in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisation requirements |
2. Process X-ray film in the darkroom | 2.1 Ensure the film is stored in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisation requirements 2.2 Process the film in accordance with the manufacturer specifications and organisation requirements 2.3 Use and maintain darkroom equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisation requirements |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
Essential knowledge: The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role This includes knowledge of: Basic knowledge of OHS guidelines, especially in relation to handling of hazardous chemicals Radiographic radiation safety The Radiation Safety Act 1999 Working knowledge of the X-ray film processor (construction, components, operation, troubleshooting) Working knowledge of the ancillary darkroom equipment relative to the production of accurate diagnostic radiographs and darkroom safety i.e. ventilation, lighting, safelight, storage, bench space, plumbing requirement, radiation protection Working knowledge of X-ray film (construction, function) |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role This includes the ability to: Apply manual skills to correctly use the X-ray processor and X-ray film Apply problem solving skills to use available resources, prioritise workload and to communicate effectively in the range of client contact situations Carry light and safelight tests Clean the processor correctly Identify darkroom problems and faults Operate correctly and safely an X-ray film processor, X-ray darkroom and film in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements Order and rotate stocks of X-ray film and processing chemicals Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources Use correct film processing techniques Use correct storage, handling, use and processing of X-ray film Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording data Use oral communication skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in: asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions clarifying workplace instructions when necessary literacy in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements Use reading and writing skills as required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation at a level of skill that may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets and procedure manuals, keeping maintenance records and following manufacturer specifications for equipment use and maintenance Use literacy support available in the workplace that may range from having access to support or assistance from radiographer, to having no communication supports available |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit: | The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace setting under the normal range of workplace conditions Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a range of clients, reflecting the diverse nature of those for whom service is provided in the workplace context A diversity of assessment tasks is also essential for holistic assessment |
Context of and specific resources for assessment: | Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible Resources essential for assessment include: Radiation Safety Act 1999 Radiation safety and protection plan X-ray machine operating manuals Occupational health and safety guidelines Procedures manuals Access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place |
Method of assessment may include: | Written examination to assess theoretical and applied knowledge On-the-job or role play assessment of prescribed radiographic skills, in particular correct and appropriate use of the X-ray processor Observation of work activities Authenticated transcripts of relevant education / training courses |
Access and equity considerations: | All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities |
Related units: | This unit can be assessed independently However holistic assessment practice with other X-ray operation units of competency is encouraged |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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. | |
Equipment and consumables may include: | Automatic X-ray film processor Safelight X-ray processing chemicals (developer and fixer) X-ray film (various sizes) |
Manufacturers' specifications, organisation requirements and radiation safety guidelines may include: | X-ray operators licence (for use of irradiating apparatus for diagnosis) X-ray processor operators manual Radiation Safety Act 1999 The possession by the licensee of a Radiation Safety and Protection Plan OHS guidelines (in particular relative to exposure to hazardous chemicals) Procedures manuals Infection control guidelines |
X-ray film processing requirements include: | Ventilation Safe lighting Storage Bench space Radiation protection |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable