Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Hazards due to radioactive materials and work activities may include:
internal exposure following inhalation and/or ingestion of radioactive dust
internal exposure to alpha radiation from inhaling radioactive gas (e.g. radon)
external exposure to radiation from radioactive materials (e.g. raw, intermediate or final products and waste).
Radiation-related work activities may include:
collecting, preparing or consigning radioactive ore samples
drilling ore bodies above or below ground
extracting radioactive ore above or below ground
milling and processing radioactive ore
packing and storing final product or concentrates containing radioactive material
decontaminating and servicing equipment that has been in contact with radioactive material
managing waste
undertaking mine rehabilitation activities.
Radiation protection safety standards, codes and guidelines may include:
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) radiation protection series publications, such as:
RPS No.1 Recommendations for Limiting Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (1995) and National Standard for Limiting Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation (republished 2002)
RPS No.2 Code of Practice for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (2008)
RPS No.9 Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005)
RPS No.15 Safety Guide for the Management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) (2008)
requirements of commonwealth, state and territory legislation, such as radiation protection legislation
definition of a responsible person.
Site radiation control measures may include:
hierarchy of control measures, including:
avoiding exposure, where practicable
isolating sources of radiation where practicable through shielding, containment and remote handling techniques
engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation to remove contaminants from work area, and dust suppression
adopting safe work practices, including work methods which make appropriate use of time, distance and shielding to minimise exposure
using approved PPE where other means of controlling exposure are not practicable
designation of controlled or supervised areas within workplaces with appropriate working rules for each, such as:
controlled exposure times
logging of personnel on entry and exit.
Monitoring may include:
observation of personnel conducting work activities in controlled radiation areas
personal radiation monitors
personal dust monitors.
Safe working rules will vary according to the organisation and assigned task and may include:
details of expected hazards and radiation levels in work area
radiation management plan
procedures and equipment for preventing or minimising occupational, environmental and public radiation exposure during assigned work tasks
standard operating procedures covering work tasks, equipment and decontamination
requirements for personal monitoring
steps to be taken in the event of an emergency.
Personal protective equipment may include:
safety helmets, safety goggles/face shields, gloves, overalls, safety boots and hearing protection
respirators or HEPA filter masks, and dust masks
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
totally encapsulated and certified (TEC) suit.
Using plant and equipment involves:
avoiding careless or reckless actions that may:
result in unnecessary personal radiation exposure or exposure of others
compromise management of radioactive waste.
Radiation incidents may include:
unauthorised personnel entering a controlled area
failure to follow required safe working rules and/or personal hygiene requirements
malfunction of ventilation or dust suppression equipment
malfunction of PPE
leakage or dispersion of contaminants following processing plant breakdown or damage to storage containers
contamination of vehicles, clothing, equipment, food or water
exposure to radiation, including:
dust and air
external.
Response procedures will include:
instructions for keeping exposures to a minimum, consistent with essential operations through evacuation or otherwise:
bringing the situation under control
providing access to necessary medical or counselling services
obtaining information for assessing cause of accident or emergency
obtaining information for assessing any doses received as a consequence of accident.
Required records may include:
work rosters and schedules
log in and log out of controlled areas
personal health records
previous work records involving radiation exposure
details of defects in plant, equipment or procedures that may compromise radiation protection and safety, or waste management
details of radiation incidents and accidents
personal monitoring results.

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
recognise radiation hazards associated with uranium/thorium ores, mineral sands or any other naturally occurring material and regularly assess and reassess risks associated with assigned tasks
apply the radiation control measures and safe working rules specified for assigned tasks
use and care of required PPE and monitoring equipment
provide workplace first emergency response consistent with incident, technical competence and job role.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated by safely undertaking a variety of assigned tasks that involve working with radioactive ores and minerals.
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 plan and health and safety procedures
commonwealth guidelines, such as RPS No.9 Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management in Mining and Mineral Processing (2005)
local, state and territory regulations.
Access is required to:
registered operator's site
supervision by a radiation safety professional
appropriate PPE and personal monitoring equipment
organisation's radiation management plan and standard operating procedures.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
oral questioning about the meaning of radiation terms, principles of radiation protection and safety, employee responsibilities, safe working rules, and the use and care of PPE and personal monitors
feedback from peers and supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant radiation protection and safety requirements
response to scenarios, case studies and reports of radiation incidents and exercises
observation of the candidate safely undertaking a variety of assigned tasks involving radioactive ores in a simulated or actual workplace environment.
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,