Radiation Protection Practitioner

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Radiation Protection Practitioner. A Radiation Protection Practitioner (RPP) monitors radiation safety compliance by developing, implementing and evaluating a radiation protection programme within a facility. The RPP also conducts radiation-related investigations, develops and evaluates a radiological permit to work with radioactive materials, manages radioactive materials and radioactive waste, transports radioactive materials, performs monitoring activities and institutes radiological controls. The RPP implements and manages radiation protection tasks during an on-site and off-site nuclear or radiological emergency and during fire and medical emergencies involving a radiation casualty. In addition, the RPP liaises with management on matters pertaining to radiation protection. Qualifying learners will be able to: • Monitor radiation levels through conducting surveys by operating radiological instrumentation, and conduct decontamination activities. • Implement a radiation protection programme and intervene in situations of emergency and existing exposure. • Implement procedures related to the management of radioactive materials and transport radioactive materials. • Develop and review specific aspects of a radiation protection programme and supervise situations of emergency and exposure. • Manage radioactive sources, materials and waste.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and Science.

Radiation monitoring and protection is critical in any environment where radiation is present. This includes nuclear cycle environments or places where radioactive sources are present, stored, used or transported. This qualification will give learners the requisite knowledge and competencies to perform a range of high-level radiation protection activities. The part-qualification in this qualification allow learners to work is, as Radiation Protection Monitors. This qualification and its part-qualification will give learners the opportunity to apply for the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) designations at the RPO level for which the qualification prepares them. Typical learners will include those who have completed their schooling or who are currently working in a radiation environment or facility but have no qualification and wish to have their competencies recognised. Other learners could include medical professionals, waste disposal workers, etc. The benefits accruing to the learner who obtains this qualification include a nationally recognised qualification and part qualifications that will improve the current knowledge, skills and competencies of those performing radiation monitoring and radiation protection-related functions. It will also create access to other education and training opportunities for those who wish to pursue a career in radiation at a higher level. Employers will have the benefit of employing Radiation Protection Practitioners who have high-level technical skills in radiation protection and who will contribute towards achieving high-level productivity in their organisations. The benefit to the country includes the fact that this qualification will serve as a national benchmark for Radiation Protection Monitors, Technicians and Practitioners. As far as society is concerned, this occupational qualification and its part qualification will increase employment opportunities. In addition, those acquiring the qualification will protect the public against the dangerous effects of ionising radiation and contribute towards the establishment and maintenance of radiologically safe workplaces and environments.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and Science.

• Monitor radiation levels through conducting surveys by operating radiological instrumentation, and conduct decontamination activities.
• Implement a radiation protection programme and intervene in situations of emergency and existing exposure.
• Implement procedures related to the management of radioactive materials and transport radioactive materials.
• Develop and review specific aspects of a radiation protection programme and supervise situations of emergency and exposure.
• Manage radioactive sources, materials and waste