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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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    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.