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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Test radiation or contaminant measurement instruments

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119494	Test radiation or contaminant measurement instruments
ORIGINATOR
SGB Radiation Protection
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences			Physical Sciences
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 3	NQF Level 03	12
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard requires learners to test selected instruments for radiation and contaminant measurements before and after using such instruments, to ensure functionality. Tests must be appropriate for specific types of instruments. The learner is required to explain the logic of instrument testing.

Credited learners are capable of:

Identifying operational tests according to specified procedures

Handling instrument testing sources safely

Determining the functionality of instruments using specified techniques

Recording test results accurately and in required formats

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are competent in:

NQF Level 2 Mathematic Literacy

NQF Level 2 Communication

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

Testing includes pre and post operational testing. Existing procedures for testing must be used, and testing should adhere to given instructions. Other range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard with the relevant specific outcomes and/or assessment criteria.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Identify operational tests according to specified procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Test procedures are selected which are appropriate for specific contexts and instruments.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Preparation of testing areas meets specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

All relevant equipment is obtained for testing prior to commencing testing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Specified personal protective equipment requirements are adhered to at all times.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Handle instrument testing sources safely.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Health and safety requirements for source handling are adhered to at all times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Source control procedures are adhered to at all times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Source control procedures can include keeping a register, logbook, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Emergency procedures for source handling are adhered to at all times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Legal requirements for source handling are adhered to at all times.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Determine functionality of instruments using specified techniques.

OUTCOME RANGE

Techniques can include check source, flow rate, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

All specified aspects of functionality are tested.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Aspects can include batteries, cables, responses, calibration, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Functionality test data is accurately compared with previous data.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Techniques are employed to determine functionality of instruments that are appropriate for specific contexts and which adhere to testing procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Techniques to determine functionality of instruments are employed to meet specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Action taken based on comparison of current functionality test data with previous functionality test data is justified in terms of data and meets specified procedural requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Health and safety requirements for determining instrument functionality are adhered to at all times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

Emergency procedures while determining instrument functionality are adhered to at all times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

Legal requirements for determining instrument functionality are adhered to at all times.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Record test results accurately and in required formats.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Instrument efficiency is determined accurately against given criteria.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Efficiency can be calculated, or read off the instrument

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Efficiency is determined at the appropriate specified times and at intervals as specified.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Appropriate and specified times and intervals can be determined organisationally, or by manufacturers

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Test results are recorded in specified formats.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

All relevant test result data is recorded as specified.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Action taken based on test results adheres to specified operational procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Actions can include deciding whether the instrument is fit to use, should be fixed, or should be put aside

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by a relevant ETQA for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this unit standard.

Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with a relevant ETQA.

The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

Credited learners understand and can explain:

Preparation of testing areas

Relevant equipment for testing, and functionality requirements

Specified personal protective equipment requirements

Health and safety requirements for source handling and determining instrument functionality

Source control and handling procedures

Emergency procedures for source handling and determining instrument functionality

Legal requirements for source handling and determining instrument functionality

Functionality test data

Techniques employed to determine functionality of instruments

Instrument efficiency and calculation

Specified formats for recording test results

Specified operational procedures for action taken regarding instrument functionality

The structure of matter (micro, sub atomic, atomic structure)

Definition of radioactivity, types of radiation and their features/characteristics

Differences between radiation and contamination

Methods of radiation and contaminant detection and instruments

Application, purpose, use, operation and limitations of instruments

Internal and external hazards

Occupational exposure hazards

Interaction of radiation with matter, and the biological effects

Dose limits and derived levels, and the relationship between them, and conversions

Testing procedures and specified aspects for testing

Efficiency and activity calculations

Radiological concepts and units

Personal protective equipment, and dosimetry

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

N/A

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify and solve problems where responses to problems show that such critical and creative thinking has been used to make responsible decisions when action is taken based on test results, including deciding whether the instrument is fit to use, should be fixed, or should be put aside.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community when source control procedures are adhered to and emergency procedures for source handling are adhered to.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when preparation of testing area meets specified requirements, all relevant equipment is obtained for testing prior to commencing testing, legal requirements for source handling are adhered to, and instrument efficiency is determined at the appropriate specified times and at intervals as specified.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to determine functionality of instruments using specified techniques, comparing functionality test data with previous data.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematic and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to record test results accurately and in required formats.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when selected test procedures are appropriate for specific contexts and instruments, specified personal protective equipment requirements are adhered to, health and safety requirements for source handling are adhered to.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when instrument efficiency is determined accurately against given criteria, and comparison of functionality test data with previous data is accurate.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:

Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.

Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.

Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.

The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.

The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the learner can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.

All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

N/A

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	49596	National Certificate: Radiation Monitoring	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	EWSETA

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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