Nuclear health physics monitor
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 2 -
Providing radiological monitoring services in the nuclear industry to protect people, plant and the environment from radioactive contamination.
Reference: OCC0290
Status:
SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 3111/03 Health physics monitors
- 3581/08 Nuclear safety inspectors
Technical Education Products
Employers involved in creating the standard:
Sellafield Ltd, EDF, Westinghouse, National Nuclear Laboratory, Nuclear Waste Services, Cavendish Nuclear, Nuvia, AWE, Babcock International, NSAN
Summary
This occupation is found in the nuclear sector on a range of sites including waste management, decommissioning, and operational nuclear facilities. Their working conditions are varied and may involve wearing specialist safety equipment, shift working and working on sites and facilities running 365-day operations. They are expected to work independently and as part of a team. They need to be able to work with minimum supervision, in a professional manner, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. People working on nuclear sites are required to undergo security clearance vetting.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide radiological monitoring services within the nuclear industry to protect people, plant, and the environment. It is to provide protection from the adverse effects of ionising radiation and contamination. They may work indoors or outdoors, work at height or in confined spaces. They may be required to work shifts and in hazardous areas.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other engineers, technicians and visiting staff present on a nuclear site. They work independently or as part of the larger team. They typically work under both supervised and unsupervised direction of an engineer, technician or health physics supervisor.
An employee in this occupation will comply with regulatory and organisational requirements. They must work within the specified health, safety, and environmental regulations. They must use the appropriate protective clothing, equipment and resources. They are responsible for the correct use and control of equipment. They must follow organisationally defined and approved procedures when carrying out monitoring of nuclear related systems and people. All work must be completed safely and efficiently as directed by supervisory staff.
Employers involved in creating the standard:
Sellafield Ltd, EDF, Westinghouse, National Nuclear Laboratory, Nuclear Waste Services, Cavendish Nuclear, Nuvia, AWE, Babcock International, NSAN
Typical job titles include:
Keywords:
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
Duties
Duty D1
Apply radiological and contamination control measures prior to, during and after commencing work.
Duty D2
Monitor surface and airborne contamination and radiation dose rates using radiological instruments.
Duty D3
Complete ionising radiation and contamination surveys in compliance with organisational requirements.
Duty D4
Undertake monitoring of personnel activities during radiologically implicated tasks and at barriers, entry and exit areas.
Duty D5
Carry out radiological barrier integrity checks.
Duty D6
Perform checks and testing of monitors and detectors against radioactive sealed sources.
Duty D7
Monitor waste, used personal protective equipment (PPE) and equipment leaving the site. Ensure compliance to conditions for acceptance at receiving sites.
Duty D8
Document radiation and contamination monitoring survey results. Use written reports and digital systems as required.
Duty D9
Support decontamination of personnel in the event of becoming contaminated. For example, emergency showers.
Duty D10
Ensure radioactive sources and materials are accounted for in line with local arrangements and location.
Duty D11
Monitor radiation and contamination levels during radiation incidents and events.
Duty D12
Support facility and site contingency plans including emergency arrangements for protection of personnel, plant and the environment.
Duty D13
Produce radiological protection monitoring information.
Duty D14
Provide information of radiological hazards and risks in routine and incident situations. For example, appropriate guidance to personnel involved in incidents or events.
Duty D15
Direct colleagues on appropriate actions relating to radiation protection.
Occupational Progression
This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.
In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.
It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.
Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.
Engineering and manufacturing
Protective services