Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:42 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:42 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Consign radioactive material
Consign radioactive material
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPRAD302
PSPRAD302
State Code
WE673
WE673
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/07/2014
Field of Education
089901 - Purchasing, Warehousing And Distribution
Original Release Date
08/07/2014
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit covers the competencies required to prepare an item containing radioactive material for shipment, and arrange for its transport and/or interim storage. This involves packaging, labelling, certifying and documenting an item in order to ensure its safe carriage and prompt delivery.These tasks may be performed with the authorisation of the competent authority in the Australian state or territory in which the transport originates and in accordance with relevant radiation protection and safety codes, regulations and guidelines.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare shipping documentation
- 1.1. Define the item to be consigned using relevant code or organisation's radiation protection and safety procedures and refer to the radiation protection and safety codes, regulations and guidelines, if necessary.
- 1.2. Determine consignment type and applicable schedule using activity levels and material restrictions listed in relevant code or organisation's radiation protection and safety procedures.
- 1.3. Determine carriage provisions that apply to the item.
- 1.4. Prepare required transport documents and ensure they are complete and accurate.
2. Prepare item for shipment
- 2.1. Determine required package design appropriate for consignment type.
- 2.2. Use organisation's radiation protection and safety procedures and equipment if personally packing the item.
- 2.3. Confirm that packaging used for the item meets requirements of relevant code and organisation's radiation protection and safety procedures and, if required, that package approval certificate is current and valid for intended use.
- 2.4. Ensure that packaging is in good condition and that any seals are intact.
- 2.5. Ensure that external contamination does not exceed the specified limit.
- 2.6. Ensure that radiation above any surface does not exceed the specified limit.
- 2.7. Ensure that required labelling information is accurate, complete and attached in specified positions on the package.
- 2.8. If required, arrange for safe and secure interim storage of item in accordance with relevant code.
- 2.9. Seek advice to deal with any atypical situation.
3. Confirm transport arrangements with the carriers
- 3.1. Confirm that carrier meets requirements for transporting the item.
- 3.2. Confirm that relevant competent authorities have been notified prior to shipment, if required.
- 3.3. Specify requirements for loading, segregation, stowage, carriage, handling and unloading of the package, overpack or freight container.
- 3.4. Specify any necessary route instructions and restrictions on the mode of transport and conveyance.
- 3.5. Specify relevant emergency arrangements for consignment.
- 3.6. Provide required transport documents, including any approval certificates from the relevant competent authority.
- 3.7. Ensure that size, weight, contents, packaging and label information for consigned items match consignor's declaration before shipment.
- 3.8. Ensure consigned items are stowed and secured and that vehicle is placarded if necessary.
4. Respond to potential or actual radiation incidents
- 4.1. Recognise unusual situations, unexpected hazards, and potential or actual emergency radiation incidents.
- 4.2. Inform relevant personnel about the situation, hazard or incident and seek their advice.
- 4.3. Initiate workplace emergency first response in accordance with instructions, radiation management plans and organisation's response procedures.
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.
Definition of the item includes:
type of radioactive material (i.e. isotope or mixture of isotopes)
chemical and physical form
total activity for consignment
Radiation protection and safety codes, regulations and guidelines may include:
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) radiation protection series publications, such as:
RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.2.1 Safety Guide for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.11 Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (2007)
RPS No.14 Code of Practice for Radiation Protection in the Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiation (2008)
regulations governing the handling and carriage of radioactive materials in Australian ports for interstate and international transportation:
Navigation (Cargo-Hazards Prevention) Regulations and the Navigations (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1979
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
regulations governing the consigning and carriage of radioactive materials by air specified in:
s.23 (Dangerous Goods) of the Civil Aviation Act (1988)
Part 92 (Consignment and Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) 1988
ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (DOC9284)
requirements of commonwealth, state and territory legislation, such as Victorian Radiation Act (2005) and Radiation Regulations (2007) and associated licensing requirements
Australian Dangerous Goods Code, 7th Edition (ADG7)
definition of a responsible person
Consignment type includes:
excepted packages
low specific activity material (LSA-I, -II, -III)
surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, -II)
material in type A, B(U), B(M) and C packages
material transported under special arrangement
Carriage provisions may include:
external contamination limits
prescribed radiation levels at all surfaces of the package
containment requirements for radioactive liquids
specified package labelling
transport documentation, including approvals
vehicle placarding
Required transport documents may include:
multiple copies of the consignor's declaration with:
details of the consignment
information for carriers, such as instructions for storage and segregation, air waybill or consignment note
stated compliance with the relevant transport code
specific documentation may be required, such as:
shipment approval from the relevant competent authority (land, waterways, air, sea) in Australia or overseas country
package design approval certificate
special form source certificate
carrier's consignment note that describes the radionuclide and total activity
storage and packing instructions
notification to relevant competent authorities along the route, as prescribed in RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
consignors may also have to provide evidence of a:
source transport security plan if a security enhanced source is being transported
transport emergency (response) plan
Required labelling information includes:
all packages require legible and durable markings with:
name of consignor, consignee, or both
appropriate United Nations (UN) classification number
for non-exempt or non-excepted materials, packages also require:
proper shipping name for the material
Category I-White, Category II-Yellow or Category III-Yellow labels
transport index for Category II-Yellow or Category III-Yellow labels
Safe and secure interim storage may include:
storage in a secure area with restricted access and well away from:
flammable or other dangerous material
foodstuffs
livestock
undeveloped film
restrictions on the number of items in one location to ensure that total transport index is less than 50
storage separate from other classes of dangerous goods as required by Australian Dangerous Goods Code, 7th Edition (ADG7)
storage of a security enhanced source that meets RPS No.11 Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (2007)
Radiation incidents may include:
exposure of unauthorised personnel entering a controlled or supervised area
spill of package contents into environment
exposure from an uncontrolled, high hazard radioactive material that:
has loss or destruction of shielding
is involved in a transport accident
is lost, missing or stolen
has been dropped during removal from its container
exposure from equipment that emits ionising radiation and has:
loss or destruction of shielding
malfunction of its shutter or interlocks
exposure from dispersed radioactive material caused by:
leakage or radioactive contamination
dispersion of contaminants following destruction of a high activity sealed source.
Response procedures will include instructions for:
keeping exposures to a minimum, consistent with essential operations through evacuation or otherwise
notifying relevant competent authority if required.
Definition of the item includes:
type of radioactive material (i.e. isotope or mixture of isotopes)
chemical and physical form
total activity for consignment
Radiation protection and safety codes, regulations and guidelines may include:
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) radiation protection series publications, such as:
RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.2.1 Safety Guide for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.11 Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (2007)
RPS No.14 Code of Practice for Radiation Protection in the Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiation (2008)
regulations governing the handling and carriage of radioactive materials in Australian ports for interstate and international transportation:
Navigation (Cargo-Hazards Prevention) Regulations and the Navigations (Dangerous Goods) Regulations 1979
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
regulations governing the consigning and carriage of radioactive materials by air specified in:
s.23 (Dangerous Goods) of the Civil Aviation Act (1988)
Part 92 (Consignment and Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) 1988
ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (DOC9284)
requirements of commonwealth, state and territory legislation, such as Victorian Radiation Act (2005) and Radiation Regulations (2007) and associated licensing requirements
Australian Dangerous Goods Code, 7th Edition (ADG7)
definition of a responsible person
Consignment type includes:
excepted packages
low specific activity material (LSA-I, -II, -III)
surface contaminated objects (SCO-I, -II)
material in type A, B(U), B(M) and C packages
material transported under special arrangement
Carriage provisions may include:
external contamination limits
prescribed radiation levels at all surfaces of the package
containment requirements for radioactive liquids
specified package labelling
transport documentation, including approvals
vehicle placarding
Required transport documents may include:
multiple copies of the consignor's declaration with:
details of the consignment
information for carriers, such as instructions for storage and segregation, air waybill or consignment note
stated compliance with the relevant transport code
specific documentation may be required, such as:
shipment approval from the relevant competent authority (land, waterways, air, sea) in Australia or overseas country
package design approval certificate
special form source certificate
carrier's consignment note that describes the radionuclide and total activity
storage and packing instructions
notification to relevant competent authorities along the route, as prescribed in RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
consignors may also have to provide evidence of a:
source transport security plan if a security enhanced source is being transported
transport emergency (response) plan
Required labelling information includes:
all packages require legible and durable markings with:
name of consignor, consignee, or both
appropriate United Nations (UN) classification number
for non-exempt or non-excepted materials, packages also require:
proper shipping name for the material
Category I-White, Category II-Yellow or Category III-Yellow labels
transport index for Category II-Yellow or Category III-Yellow labels
Safe and secure interim storage may include:
storage in a secure area with restricted access and well away from:
flammable or other dangerous material
foodstuffs
livestock
undeveloped film
restrictions on the number of items in one location to ensure that total transport index is less than 50
storage separate from other classes of dangerous goods as required by Australian Dangerous Goods Code, 7th Edition (ADG7)
storage of a security enhanced source that meets RPS No.11 Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources (2007)
Radiation incidents may include:
exposure of unauthorised personnel entering a controlled or supervised area
spill of package contents into environment
exposure from an uncontrolled, high hazard radioactive material that:
has loss or destruction of shielding
is involved in a transport accident
is lost, missing or stolen
has been dropped during removal from its container
exposure from equipment that emits ionising radiation and has:
loss or destruction of shielding
malfunction of its shutter or interlocks
exposure from dispersed radioactive material caused by:
leakage or radioactive contamination
dispersion of contaminants following destruction of a high activity sealed source.
Response procedures will include instructions for:
keeping exposures to a minimum, consistent with essential operations through evacuation or otherwise
notifying relevant competent authority if required.
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
Competency must be demonstrated in preparing an item containing radioactive material for shipment, and arranging for its transport and/or interim storage.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
prepare accurate shipping documentation
prepare items containing radioactive material for shipment
arrange for the transport and/or interim storage of items containing radioactive material in accordance with organisational procedures, based on relevant safe transport regulations, codes and guidelines
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by consigning a variety of items containing radioactive material.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment must comply with:
organisation's radiation management/transport plan and health and safety procedures
commonwealth regulations and codes, such as:
RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.2.1 Safety Guide for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
local, state and territory regulations
Access may be required to:
relevant organisational procedures, local regulations and codes, forms, packages and labels
supervision by an experienced consignor
radiation protection and safety procedures and required monitoring equipment
dummy sources at a simulated workplace
actual sources at a registered operator's premises.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
review of transport documents prepared by candidate for a variety of radioactive materials
feedback from peers and supervisor that the candidate is able to consistently consign radioactive material in accordance with relevant organisational procedures, regulations and codes
oral questioning about:
radiation terms
principles of radiation protection and safety
requirements for the safe transport of radioactive materials encountered in job role
workplace emergency procedures
observation of the candidate preparing an item for shipment
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
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
PSPRAD703A Perform basic radiation measurements
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in preparing an item containing radioactive material for shipment, and arranging for its transport and/or interim storage.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
prepare accurate shipping documentation
prepare items containing radioactive material for shipment
arrange for the transport and/or interim storage of items containing radioactive material in accordance with organisational procedures, based on relevant safe transport regulations, codes and guidelines
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by consigning a variety of items containing radioactive material.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment must comply with:
organisation's radiation management/transport plan and health and safety procedures
commonwealth regulations and codes, such as:
RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.2.1 Safety Guide for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
local, state and territory regulations
Access may be required to:
relevant organisational procedures, local regulations and codes, forms, packages and labels
supervision by an experienced consignor
radiation protection and safety procedures and required monitoring equipment
dummy sources at a simulated workplace
actual sources at a registered operator's premises.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
review of transport documents prepared by candidate for a variety of radioactive materials
feedback from peers and supervisor that the candidate is able to consistently consign radioactive material in accordance with relevant organisational procedures, regulations and codes
oral questioning about:
radiation terms
principles of radiation protection and safety
requirements for the safe transport of radioactive materials encountered in job role
workplace emergency procedures
observation of the candidate preparing an item for shipment
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
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
PSPRAD703A Perform basic radiation measurements
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3755 | PSPRAD704A | Consign radioactive material | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWU05 | PSPRAD004 | Consign radioactive material | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J334 | PSP80212 | Graduate Certificate In Radiation Safety | Qualification |