Training activity information
Details
Make measurements and estimate occupational exposure of non-ionising radiation for at least one of the following:
- Lasers
- Phototherapy
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Risks associated with exposure to non-ionising radiation
- Relevant legislation and dose limits
- Adherence to minimal exposure times and dose limits
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What practical skills in making measurements and estimating occupational exposure to laser or phototherapy radiation are you aiming to develop?
- How does this build upon the practical non-ionising radiation safety content?
- What are the appropriate measurement techniques and equipment for assessing occupational exposure to the chosen type of non-ionising radiation?
- How can you estimate the potential exposure levels for staff working with this equipment?
- What factors influence the level of occupational exposure to lasers or phototherapy?
- How do you interpret the measurement results in the context of relevant exposure limits and safety guidelines?
- Will you review the sections on laser safety or UV safety, including radiometric terms and units, and exposure limits?
- What specific measurement protocols or guidance are available for the chosen type of non-ionising radiation?
- Will you ensure you are familiar with the operation of any measurement instruments you will be using?
- What considerations will you take into account when estimating occupational exposure based on your measurements?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the task of making measurements and estimating occupational exposure for the chosen non-ionising radiation source?
- What instruments are you using and how are you positioning them?
- What decisions are you making regarding measurement locations, durations, and the application of estimation techniques?
- What aspects of non-ionising radiation measurement and exposure estimation feel more understood based on your learning, and what requires more careful application of formulas or reference to guidance on measurement protocols?
- How effective are your measurement techniques in capturing representative levels of occupational exposure? Are you obtaining consistent and reliable data?
- What challenges are you facing during the measurement process (e.g., equipment limitations, environmental factors, variability in source output)?
- What can you learn about the practicalities of measuring and estimating occupational exposure to non-ionising radiation and the factors that influence exposure levels as you undertake this training activity?
- How do these measurements and estimations relate to your understanding of exposure limits, risk assessments for non-ionising radiation, and the principles of protecting workers from potential hazards?
- Are there alternative measurement locations or techniques you could consider if your initial approach is not providing the necessary data or if you encounter unexpected variations?
- What support or guidance might you need in the moment regarding the correct use of measurement equipment, the interpretation of readings, or the application of appropriate estimation methods?
- Are you ensuring your measurements are conducted safely and that your estimations are based on sound principles and acknowledge any inherent uncertainties?
On action
- What type of non-ionising radiation (laser or phototherapy) did you make measurements and estimate occupational exposure for?
- What equipment did you use to make the measurements?
- What parameters did you measure?
- How did you estimate the occupational exposure based on your measurements?
- What factors influenced the level of occupational exposure?
- What did you learn about the practical methods for measuring non-ionising radiation and estimating occupational exposure?
- Did you develop or improve your skills in using relevant measurement equipment and techniques?
- What did you learn about the typical levels of occupational exposure for the type of equipment you assessed?
- How does this activity relate to protecting staff from the hazards of non-ionising radiation?
- What areas for continued development have been identified in your ability to measure and estimate occupational exposure to non-ionising radiation?
- How will you apply this knowledge to inform risk assessments and the implementation of control measures?
- What actions or ‘next steps’ will you take to further develop your expertise in this area?
- What support or resources might you need to enhance your skills in non-ionising radiation measurement and exposure assessment?
Beyond action
- Consider evaluating and re-evaluating the measurements you took and your estimation of occupational exposure to non-ionising radiation.
- What instruments did you use, what were the measurement parameters, and how did you estimate exposure?
- Have you encountered further information or techniques that could refine your measurement and estimation methods?
- Compare this experience with undertaking dose surveys and/or measurements of radiation dose around an ionising radiation installation. While the type of radiation and units differ, what are the underlying principles and practical challenges involved in measuring and estimating occupational exposure in both scenarios? What observable measurement practices have you assimilated by comparing these experiences?
- Revisit your measurements, calculations, and any reflections made at the time. Has your understanding of the relevant radiometric terms and units, accessible emission limits, or exposure limits for lasers or UV radiation improved through subsequent learning? What would you do differently now?
- Discuss your measurement techniques and exposure estimates with your training officer or colleagues. Have they offered guidance on best practices for measuring non-ionising radiation or insights into typical occupational exposure levels?
- Recognise that understanding and quantifying occupational exposure to non-ionising radiation is essential for ensuring staff safety and compliance with regulations.
- How has this activity enhanced your ability to select appropriate measurement techniques and interpret the results in the context of occupational exposure limits?
- How has this experience contributed to your understanding of the practical application of concepts such as Nominal Optical Hazard Distance (NOHD) for lasers or the hazards of UV radiation?
- Identify the transferable skills you developed, such as the use of measurement instrumentation, data analysis, and the application of safety standards and limits.
- How will these skills be valuable in future roles involving the assessment and control of occupational exposure to various forms of radiation?
- Identify clear actions for continued development in the area of measuring and estimating occupational exposure to non-ionising radiation.
- Are there specific types of non-ionising radiation or measurement equipment you would like to gain more experience with?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Critically appraise the risks and safety requirements associated with ionising and non-ionising radiation. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Perform and interpret measurements of radiation, draw conclusions on adequacy of control measures and advise on further action. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Calculate estimated radiation doses, evaluating the limitations and uncertainties of the approach. |