Minimise and package radioactive waste in a nuclear decommissioning environment
Overview
This standard deals with the following:
1. Minimise radioactive waste – this covers the competence required to ensure that radioactive waste arising are minimised as required by nuclear site licences and local rules
2. Package radioactive waste – this covers the competence required to ensure efficient use of packaging materials according to formally approved operating instructions
During this work you must take account of the relevant worksite operational requirements, procedures and safe working practices AS THEY APPLY TO YOU.
The activity is likely to be undertaken by someone working in a Nuclear Decommissioning environment.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations and guidelines
P2 leave non-essential items outside active areas
P3 follow work sequences that minimise the amount of waste generated
P4 use tools, protective equipment, working methods and the containment process as specified for the job
P5 use working techniques that minimise cross-contamination and airborne activity
P6 use appropriate size reduction techniques according to waste characteristics
P7 keep radioactive and non-radioactive waste separate
P8 identify opportunities to re-use contaminated equipment and bring them to the attention of the relevant people
P9 discuss and resolve difficulties encountered and possible improvements to specified methods with the relevant people
P10 use the correct containment for the level of contamination involved and the physical size and scale of the waste
P11 segregate waste correctly to the appropriate waste streams, according to its type
P12 use packaging material that is compatible with the waste concerned and is confirmed as fit for purpose before use
P13 achieve a high packing factor and use low force compaction techniques where specified
P14 fully meet specified requirements on the movement of waste
P15 use safe lifting and moving techniques to transfer waste
P16 clearly and accurately identify packages using the required identification system
P17 promptly and accurately report packaging and equipment defects and abnormalities and other difficulties you encounter to the relevant people
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 why it is important to leave non essential items outside active areas
K2 how to determine the most appropriate work sequences to follow to minimise waste
K3 the tools, protective equipment, working methods and containment processes to be used for different types of job
K4 the techniques which minimise cross-contamination and airborne activity
K5 the size reduction techniques used for different waste characteristics
K6 factors which determine whether or not contaminated equipment may be re-used
K7 the typical difficulties which may be encountered and who should be involved in discussions to overcome them
K8 the key factors to consider when determining the correct method to be used for different levels of contamination and waste dimensions
K9 radioactive waste types, their segregation and identification
K10 the use of packaging materials (primary and secondary) with different wastes
K11 the main reasons for achieving a high packing factor and using low force compaction techniques
K12 waste movement requirements
K13 safe lifting and moving techniques used in waste transfer
K14 reporting and documentation procedures
K15 the principles and practice of waste generation and avoidance
K16 the principles of radiation and contamination
K17 the principles of working area demarcation and control
K18 the principles and techniques of risk minimisation
K19 radioactive waste packaging methods
Scope/range
The following terms have a specific meaning in this unit:
Waste Hierarchy
Waste characteristics
That which is compactable; non-compactable; sharp edged; hazardous other than radioactive
Packaging
• Primary
• Secondary
Identification system
That which is organisation-specific and will identify origin, destination and radiation level
Other types of non radioactive waste