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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Select radiation or contaminant measurement instruments 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119495  Select 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 select the correct instruments for radiation and contaminant measurements. Selected instruments must be appropriate for the type of radiation or contaminant to be measured, and the expected level of radiation or contaminant to be measured. The learner is required to explain the logic of instrument selection and to assess instrument suitability for specific contexts.

Credited learners are capable of:
  • Gathering accurate information regarding measurement areas according to specified procedures
  • Determining type and level of radiation or contaminant to be measured within specific contexts
  • Assessing the suitability of instruments for specific measurements
  • Identifying instruments appropriate for specific measurements and contexts 
    		•

    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 
    Instruments also include equipment. Radiation and contaminants include airborne (including radon), or surface contaminants, and radioactive waste. Type of radiation can be alpha, beta, gamma or neutron. 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 
    Gather accurate information regarding measurement areas according to specified procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All relevant sources of information are located within specified time frames. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sources can include instrument manuals, historical data
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information regarding measurement is accessed according to specified procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area/environment to be surveyed is described in terms of relevant characteristics that impact on measurement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Description of methods of radiation and contaminant detection and instruments are given which meet specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Internal and external hazards are identified according to specified procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Radiological concepts and units are accurately described for specific contexts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Determine type and level of radiation or contaminant to be measured within specific contexts. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Contaminants can be airborne or surface contaminants; type of radiation can be alpha, beta, gamma or neutron 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Definitions are given of radioactivity, types of radiation and their features/characteristics which meet specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Definition of radioactivity includes human-made vs. natural sources of radioactivity
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Descriptions are given of the interaction of radiation with matter, and the biological effects which meet specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Differences between radiation and contamination are described according to given specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Types of samples are described according to given specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of samples can be radiation, contaminant or air samples
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Type of radiation or contaminant is determined which is relevant for specific contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Expected level of radiation or contaminant is determined so as to be relevant for specific contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Occupational exposure hazards are accurately identified within specific contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Conversions related to dose limits and derived levels, and the relationship between them are accurately determined and defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Efficiency and activity calculations are performed accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Source handling procedures are adhered to at all times. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assess the suitability of instruments for specific measurements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Assessment is not for purposes of purchasing 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Application, purpose, use, operation and limitations, and instrument behaviour in specific environments are accurately described in terms of manufacturer specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Instrument behaviour includes emergency/abnormal situations
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of instruments are appropriately chosen for specific response characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Response characteristics include energy response, dose range, and radiation type
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Assessment of instrument suitability is justified in terms of historical data. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify instruments appropriate for specific measurements and contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Instruments are selected which are appropriate for specific response characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Instruments are selected which are appropriate for location of, type of and reason/purpose for measurement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Instruments are selected which are correct for specific response characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Instruments are selected which are appropriate based on historical data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Personal protective equipment, and dosimetry are used to meet specified requirements. 


    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:
  • Types of samples
  • Dose limits and derived levels, and the relationship between them, and conversions
  • Response characteristics
  • Efficiency and activity calculations
  • Radiological concepts and units
  • Personal protective equipment, and dosimetry
  • Source handling procedures
  • Relevant sources of information regarding measurement areas
  • The area/environment to be surveyed, and relevant characteristics that impact on measurement
  • The structure of matter (micro, sub atomic, atomic structure)
  • 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
  • Type and levels of radiation or contaminants
  • Definition of radioactivity, types of radiation and their features/characteristics
  • Differences between radiation and contamination 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when all relevant sources of information are located within specified time frame and Information regarding measurement is accessed according to specified procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information regarding measurement, to determine type and level of radiation or contaminant to be measured within specific contexts and to assess the suitability of instruments for specific measurements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when expected level of radiation or contaminant determined is relevant for specific contexts, and to assess the suitability of instruments for specific measurements. 

    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 the area/environment to be surveyed is described in terms of relevant characteristics that impact on measurement and the type of radiation or contaminant determined is relevant for specific contexts. 

    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.