Decontaminate plant, structures and equipment for nuclear decommissioning
Overview
This standard covers the competence required for the preparation and decontamination, to the required levels, of items and areas which include: components for re-use, equipment, building floor, wall areas and decommissioned items en route for disposal, etc.
This standard deals with the following:
1. Undertake decontamination operations
Note: This unit does not relate to the preparation of purpose built decontamination facilities such as process plant.
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 obtain clear and complete instructions on the decontamination methods and levels to be achieved before work begins
P3 obtain the necessary materials, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment and make them ready for use
P4 clearly identify the handling and treatment requirements of secondary waste generated by the decontamination method
P5 correctly apply the specified decontamination method to achieve required results and minimise spread of contamination
P6 record correct measurements of radioactivity at appropriate intervals to check progress towards and achievement of required radioactivity levels
P7 promptly report and resolve difficulties with the specified work method and levels of secondary waste to and with the relevant people
P8 maintain containment in good condition throughout
P9 monitor the operation of support systems continuously and respond to any alarms safely and in line with specified procedures
P10 segregate and deal with secondary waste according to specified instructions and ensure that the decontamination area is cleared up to the required standard after use
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the internal documentation and control systems
K2 how to access and use material, tools and equipment
K3 the use of personal protective equipment for different types of activity and the fitness for purpose checks which are necessary
K4 the key points to consider when determining the handling and treatment requirements of secondary waste generated by different decontamination methods
K5 typical deficiencies in the information, equipment and tools obtained, and who should be involved in discussions to resolve them
K6 the principles of waste generation and avoidance
K7 radioactive waste types and their segregation
K8 the principles of radiation and contamination
K9 the principles of working area demarcation and control
K10 the principles of risk minimisation
K11 decontamination methods and techniques
K12 how to measure radioactivity and identify required radioactivity levels
K13 typical difficulties which may be encountered and who should resolve them
K14 how to maintain containment in good condition
K15 the aspects of personal and environmental support systems which are monitored
K16 the main points to consider when segregating secondary waste and clearing up decontamination sites
Scope/range
The following terms have a specific meaning in this unit:
Equipment
• Portable
• Hand tools
• Equipment needed to enable the control of radioactive waste
Decontamination methods
• Washing
• Mechanical abrasion
• Application of coatings
Support systems
• Personal support systems
• Alarms