Preparing work areas for radiographic testing activities

URN: SEMETS326
Business Sectors (Suites): Non Destructive Testing,Engineering Technical Support Suite 3
Developed by: Enginuity
Approved on: 2021

Overview

This standard identifies the competencies you need to prepare work areas in readiness for radiography testing activities, in accordance with approved procedures and techniques. The work area for radiography is a Controlled Test Zone, because of the emission of ionising radiation, and must be prepared in compliance with statutory regulations, local rules and instructions. You will ensure that the working environment is suitable for radiography, and that all essential services in the Test Zone are operating correctly.  The term radiography is used in this standard and can include real time radiography or computed tomography (CT scanning) methods.  Also the term radiographic testing can mean using either photographic film or digital detectors.

You will be required to establish the Controlled Test Zone with a clearly identified boundary and ensure that all required safety equipment is in place and working, to protect both the testing personal and others working in the vicinity. All radioactive materials and devices must be correctly stored and transported. Your role will include checking that the radiographic equipment is fit for purpose and safe to use, and preparing the image processing area.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the radiographic preparation activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the work area preparations, or equipment in use, that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with a minimum of supervision, taking personal responsibility for your actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

Your underpinning knowledge will show a good understanding of all the factors involved in establishing a safe working site for radiography. You will have a good understanding of the principles of X-ray and gamma radiography and the nature of the ionising radiation, and you will have a detailed knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and practice. A sound knowledge of radiographic and associated equipment is essential, and you will be expected to have a working knowledge of radiographic practice and image processing using both photographic film and digital detectors.

Your knowledge will include an appreciation of hazards and safe working practice, and you will understand the safety precautions required when preparing the Controlled Test Zone and radiography equipment. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
  2. ensure that the work environment is suitable for the work activities to be undertaken
  3. ensure that all necessary service supplies are connected and ready for use
  4. prepare the work areas so that they are ready for the radiographic testing activities to be carried out
  5. make sure that required safety arrangements are in place to protect other workers from activities likely to disrupt normal working
  6. report completion of preparations in line with organisational procedures
  7. deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the specific safety precautions to be taken when preparing radiographic Controlled Test Zones
  2. the hazards associated with radiographic testing activities (such as electrical contact, moving mechanical parts, radiation, toxic chemicals), and how they can be minimised
  3. the regulations and codes of practice that are required to be followed when preparing radiographic areas for testing activities (such as Ionising Radiation Regulations; COSHH Regulations; local rules; the role of the Radiation Protection Supervisor; the use of the Radioactive Source Movement Register and HASS regulations/directives)
  4. the type(s) of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used, and how to obtain it (such as protective clothing, personal dosimeters, radiation survey meters, barriers and screens)
  5. procedures to be adopted in the case of accident and emergency/incidents involving radioactive sources
  6. the basic principles of radiographic testing (including the use of X ray and gamma radiation as a penetrating agent; shadow effect and the projection and capture of the image; developing, accruement, fixing, storing and the equipment used to view the images)
  7. the sources of radiation used in radiographic testing activities to include the X-ray tube (generator) and the use of radioactive isotopes
  8. how to obtain the necessary job instructions, Controlled Test Zone setting-up procedures and other relevant specifications and regulations, and how to interpret their information
  9. the basic principles of real time radiography, computed tomography and digital processing of X-rays
  10. how to set up a Controlled Test Zone (including the identification and marking of boundary exclusion zones, the erection of physical barriers, warning lights and visual signs to restrict unauthorised entrance, the sighting of radiation survey meters, the positioning of appropriate radiation screens)
  11. how to transport radioactive materials safely and correctly, and the safe storage of the radioactive source containers
  12. the setting up/maintenance of storage/archive facilities for unexposed film/detectors, exposed images and images which have been developed or digitised
  13. the preparations required for processing or digitising the image (to include providing adequate preparation facilities/lighting conditions, ensuring essential services are connected and that sufficient supplies of processing consumables are available and stored safely)
  14. the preparation requirements of the X-ray tube generator and how to set up the tube or radiation source (including equipment controls, focal spot size and safety devices)
  15. the use of manipulators to help position the product to aid radiography
  16. care and control of the equipment (to include checking the condition of all electrical cables and connections, all mechanical functions and safety devices)
  17. care of gamma-ray source containers, and storage procedures for radioactive sources
  18. the extent of your own responsibility, and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve

Scope/range

  1. Carry out all of the following during the radiographic work area preparation activities:
    1. comply with Ionising Radiation Regulations/Directives, testing techniques, Controlled Test Zone preparation documentation and procedures, and relevant COSHH and risk assessment documentation
    2. use appropriate personal protective equipment
    3. follow the defined preparation technique procedures, and apply safe working practices and procedures at all times
    4. leave the work area in a safe condition on completion of the activities
  2. Establish the controlled test zone, in accordance with regulations, to include covering all of the following:
    1. take account of specified risk assessments
    2. set up a clearly identified boundary marking the exclusion zone
    3. place prepared and calibrated radiation survey meters at specified locations
    4. position appropriate radiation shielding screens
    5. obtain appropriate exposure warning devices
    6. prepare/maintain an emergency escape route
    7. ensure appropriate staging is in place and is safe and secure
    8. maintain an authorised secure store for gamma-ray equipment
    9. ensure that an approved means of transporting the gamma-ray containers is used
    10. ensure that essential services are connected (electricity, water/fluids, compressed air/gases) as appropriate
  3. Check that all of the following are fit for purpose and fully functional:
    1. the radiographic equipment, and its mounting facilities
    2. safety devices and interlocks
    3. exposure control equipment
  4. Prepare for image processing, to include carrying out all of the following:
    1. despatch/receipt of exposed/developed films/digital detectors
    2. ensuring safe storage for unexposed film/digital detectors, images awaiting processing and processed film/digital media
    3. process film using an automatic processor (as appropriate)
    4. maintaining adequate, clean facilities for processing and drying the film or processing the digital image
    5. checking correct operation of viewers, optical or digital (for checking the image quality)

Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

Discontinuity – Any imperfection in the material / component / structure

Flaw – A significant discontinuity to be recorded but within specified limits and tolerances

Defect – A flaw outside specified limits and tolerances causing the material / component / structure to be non-compliant and rejected


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Enginuity

Original URN

SEMETS326

Relevant Occupations

Engineering, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, Engineering Technicians

SOC Code

3113

Keywords

engineering; technical; support; preparing; work area; radiographic; testing; safety; requirements; statutory regulations; test zone