Department of Energy (DOE) Radiological Control Manual

Chapter 6. - Training And Qualification

Part 4 - Radiological Control Technician Qualification

Table of Contents (Articles 64x)

• 641 Requirements
• 642 Radiological Control Technician
• 643 Continuing Training
• 644 Radiological Control Technician Supervisors
• 645 Subcontracted Radiological Control Technicians

Article 641 - Requirements

Training and qualification of Radiological Control Technicians and their immediate supervisors shall address routine operations and also focus on recognizing and handling situations in both normal and changing radiological conditions. Newly qualified technicians and those still in training should be given the opportunity to work with qualified, experienced technicians to foster development.

Return to Chapter 6, Part 4 Table of Contents

Article 642 - Radiological Control Technician

1. Radiological Control Technician qualification consists of the standardized core course training material, on-the-job training per the Qualification Standards, and passing both a final comprehensive written examination and final Oral Examination Board.

2. Radiological Control Technician training shall use the standardized core course training materials and in addition should emphasize site-specific information.

3. Radiological Control Technician candidates who have prerequisite knowledge, such as college credit, operational experience or related qualifications, may satisfy individual sections of the standardized core course training requirements by passing comprehensive challenge examinations.

4. Entry-level prerequisites shall be established to ensure that Radiological Control Technicians meet standards for physical condition and education. At a minimum, these standards should include the following:

5. High school education or equivalency
6. Fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry and science
7. Systems and fundamentals of process, operations and maintenance
8. Reading and comprehension level sufficient to follow procedures, write permits, prepare survey maps, write reports and prepare shipping and transfer permits
9. Ability to work in a support role, including communicating verbal instructions to others
10. Physical requirements to handle Personal Protective Equipment, other equipment and assist others in work locations, commensurate with assignment.

• Radiological Control Technicians are encouraged to pursue registration by the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT).

• Sites are encouraged to give credit toward completion of standardized core training requirements for NRRPT registration. Return to Chapter 6, Part 4 Table of Contents

Article 643 - Continuing Training

1. Following successful completion of standardized core course requirements including practical training, the Radiological Control Technician shall pass both a comprehensive written examination and an Oral Examination Board for final qualification.

2. Following Oral Examination Board qualification, the Radiological Control Technician should begin a 2-year cycle of continuing training required for requalification. Every requalification requires completion of practical training, a comprehensive written examination and a final Oral Examination Board.

3. Continuing Training should provide continued improvement in the knowledge and skills of the Radiological Control Technician.

4. Continuing training should include site-specific and DOE- wide changes in requirements and updates of lessons learned from operating experience and industry events.

5. Continuing training shall include written examinations as applicable, demonstrations of proficiency controlled by qualification standards and written and oral examinations to prepare for the comprehensive biennial requalification.

6. Infrequently performed tasks, such as those for emergency response, may require annual training. Other tasks may require retraining prior to initiation of a task.

7. Personnel who maintain qualifications as a Radiological Control Technicians satisfy the requirements of Radiological Worker II training.

Article 644 - Radiological Control Technician Supervisors

1. Radiological Control Technician Supervisors shall have qualified as Radiological Control Technicians and should participate in continuing radiological training programs.

2. Radiological Control Technician Supervisors should have supervisory and leadership capabilities to direct the work of technicians; effectively interact with crafts, line supervisors, professional staff and other managers; and be able to respond and direct others in emergency and abnormal situations.

3. Radiological Control Technician Supervisors shall be requalified every 2 years through comprehensive Oral Examination Boards in accordance with Article 615.

4. Oral Examination Boards should focus on the ability to analyze situations and supervise subordinates. The Radiological Control Technician Supervisor's depth of knowledge should exceed that expected of a Radiological Control Technician.

Article 645 - Subcontracted Radiological Control Technicians

1. Subcontracted Radiological Control Technicians should have the same knowledge and qualifications required of facility technicians performing the same duties. At a minimum, the training and qualification program should include the following:

2. Review of resumes to identify technicians with experience in jobs similar to those for which they will be employed
3. Written examination and oral evaluation to verify appropriate knowledge level
4. Identification of the duties technicians will be authorized to perform
5. Training in facility procedures and equipment associated with the authorized duties
6. Training on recent operating experience
7. Observation of on-the-job performances by the Radiological Control Technician Supervisor.

• Subcontracted technicians who work at the facility for extended time periods (more than 6 months) should receive continuing training commensurate with their assigned duties. This should include successful completion of an oral examination. Return to Chapter 6, Part 4 Table of Contents