Application

This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to work safely with X-ray equipment and gamma-ray sources in open and closed sites and undertake radiographic tests in a range of industrial applications. Personnel are required to select the most appropriate radiographic test techniques and test equipment for a specific material or application and set-up, check and optimise equipment for specific tasks. The unit also includes interpreting the test data, detecting and classifying defects using relevant standards, and reporting the results.

Radiographic tests are performed on critical components or structural zones. Personnel are required to consider actual and potential defects together with ongoing abnormalities in fabrications, critical components, structures or aircraft components.

This unit of competency applies to non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians who are performing radiographic tests as defined in Australian and international codes and standards working in manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, and associated industry sectors. The work is performed under the general supervision of personnel such as engineering associates, NDT technicians aligned to level 3 in technical standards; professional engineers and scientists; engineering technologists; and production, operations and maintenance managers. This unit does not cover digital and computed radiography. For these skills refer to MEM24034 Undertake digital and computed radiography.

Where reading and interpretation of technical drawings is required unit MEM09229 Read and interpret technical drawings should also be selected.

Where the selection and use of engineering measurement is required unit MEM12023 Perform engineering measurements should also be selected.

Where the selection and use of hand tools are required unit MEM18001 Use hand tools should also be selected.

Where the selection and use of power tools are required unit MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations should also be selected.

Where the application of materials technology principles is required unit MEM24039 Apply materials technology principles to non-destructive tests should also be selected.

Band: B

Unit Weight: 6

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. Each specimen tested radiographically shall be different in character, i.e. in product form, material specification, shape, size, or discontinuity type and be representative of products typically tested in the industrial sector. The testing process for one specimen must result in at least 10 film images for interpretation.

Evidence required includes:

preparing the area on at least two specimens for testing and identifying discontinuities in accordance with procedures

complying with workplace procedures, relevant regulations and WHS requirements during radiographic testing

identifying and interpreting specifications, relevant testing standards and other reference documentation for performing radiographic testing on at least two specimens

performing at least three of the following radiographic test techniques on one occasion each:

single wall, single image (plate)

double wall, single image (tube)

double wall, double image

double wall, double image, source superimposed

selecting the most appropriate radiographic test technique for the material or application

applying safe work practices and controls for minimising radiation exposure to self and others on at least two occasions:

ensuring security of radiation sources during storage, transport and use

using signs, barriers, shielding to minimise radiation exposure of public

reducing personal exposure time

maintaining greatest feasible distance between radiation source and equipment operator

using maximum feasible shielding between radiation source and equipment operator

using a dosimeter to monitor personal radiation exposure

maintaining statutory records of the use of radiation sources and/or instruments that emit ionising radiation

optimising the quality of radiographic test set-up for various geometries and specialised applications

calculating film illumination/exposure and producing optimum quality radiographs

interpreting and evaluating radiographs including confirming indicators and identifying all defects

classifying all defects in accordance with national and international codes and standards

reporting test results and completing job records in accordance with SOPs and customer service requirements

conducting testing with minimal environmental impact.

Note: Where a volume and/or frequency is not specified, demonstration must be provided at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) relevant to radiographic testing

nature and sources of radiation including:

principal types and sources of radiation including X-rays, Gamma rays, radioisotopes

production of X-rays and gamma rays, comparison on basis of energy and intensity, effect on radiographic sensitivity

absorption of ionizing radiation by matter, biological effects

exposure, shielding thickness

radiation safe work practices and controls including:

measures to ensure security of radiation sources during storage, transport and use

signs, barriers, and shielding used to minimise radiation exposure of public

measures to reduce personal exposure time

measures to maintain greatest feasible distance between radiation source and equipment operator

measures for maximum feasible shielding between radiation source and equipment operator

use of a dosimeter to monitor personal radiation exposure

procedures for maintaining statutory records of the use of radiation sources and/or instruments that emit ionising radiation

principles of radiographic image formation including:

exposure techniques, image formation, film and chemical properties and processing techniques

types of films and screens, their properties and effects on image quality

Reciprocity law – illumination and exposure

preparation and use of exposure charts, radiographic equivalence charts

requirements of all applicable national/Australian standards, Safe Work Australia guidelines, State/Territory regulatory codes of practice relevant to basic radiographic testing

applications and limitations of basic radiographic testing

types of materials commonly tested radiographically

radiographic tools and equipment types

equipment set-up procedures including:

system verification checks

common faults and damage

safety features of radioisotope cameras and X-ray equipment

procedures for carrying out each radiographic test

radiographic applications used in job role

film processing and storage

cleaning and preparation processes for a range of test surfaces

assessment procedures and techniques

types of discontinuities and defects and their consequences or implications for the material or application

standard recording and reporting formats and procedures for reporting test results, job records, routine reports

basic maintenance and storage procedures for testing equipment

relevant hazards; health, safety and environment requirements relevant to job role including WHS regulations, safe work procedures and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

have vocational competency in undertaking radiographic tests at least to the level being assessed with relevant industry knowledge and experience

satisfy the assessor requirements in the current vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Where possible, assessment must occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications.

Foundation Skills

• text: This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance. Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Prerequisite Units

• {'code': 'MEM13015', 'title': 'Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering'}
• {'code': 'MEM13018', 'title': 'Work safely with ionizing radiation'}
• {'code': 'MEM16006', 'title': 'Organise and communicate information'}

Parent Qualifications

• MEM40119 — Certificate IV in Engineering
  MEM

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