DOE-HDBK-1122-2009 Chg Notice 1, Part 1, Radiological Control Technician Training
Functional areas: Radiological Control, Technician Training
This Handbook describes an implementation process for core training as recommended in chapter 14 to Implementation Guide G441.1-1C , Radiation Protection Programs for Use with Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection, and as outlined in the DOE standard, Radiological Control (RCS). The Handbook is meant to assist those individuals within the Department of Energy, Managing and Operating contractors, and Managing and Integrating contractors identified as having responsibility for implementing core training recommended by the RCS. While this Handbook addresses the training requirements of 10 CFR 835.103 for Radiological Control Technicians, it must be supplemented with facility specific information to achieve full compliance. Superseded by Change Notice 2, dated 3-11-2011.
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Section 1
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
February 2009_______
Change Notice 1
June 2009
DOE HANDBOOK
RADIOLOGICAL CONTROL
TECHNICIAN TRAINING
U.S. Department of Energy AREA TRNG
Washington, D.C. 20585
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Not Measurement
Sensitive
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
This document is available on the
Department of Energy
Technical Standards Program
Web Site at
http://www.hss.energy.gov/nuclearsafety/techstds/
Change 1
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
Original Change
Part 3
1.05-1
NCRP Report No. 93 "Ionizing Radiation
Exposure of the Population of the United
States".
NCRP Report No. 160 "Ionizing
Radiation Exposure of the Population
of the United States".
Part 3
1.05-9
4) U.S. national average from diagnostic
X-rays is 39 mrem/yr
Deleted
Part 3
1.05-9
3) NCRP report 93 gives the dose
equivalent for medical radionuclides as
14 mrem/yr
c. Both contributors to Medical Exposures
combine for 53 mrem/yr major types of
medical exposures (a recent draft report
states it may be increased to 600 mrem
equivalent dose)
3) NCRP Report No. 160 gives the
dose equivalent for medical
radionuclides as ~ 300 mrem/yr
1) computed tomography (total
average dose ~ 150 mrem/yr)
2) nuclear medicine (total average
dose ~ 75 mrem/yr)
3) radiography/fluroscopy (total
average dose ~ 75 mrem/yr)
Part 3
1.05-10
C. Total Background Radiation
The average annual total effective
dose to the general population (non-
smokers) from naturally occurring and
manmade sources is about 620 mrem.
Part 4
1.05-10
The NCRP Report No. 93 lists the average
annual effective dose equivalent in the U.S.
for diagnostic X-rays and nuclear
medicine as 39 mrem (390 µSv) and 14
mrem (140 µSv), respectively. This gives a
combined average annual effective dose
equivalent from medical exposures of 53
mrem (530 µSv). A recent draft report
states it may be increased to 600 mrem
equivalent dose.
NCRP Report No. 160 gives the dose
equivalent for medical radionuclides as
~ 300 mrem/yr
1) computed tomography (total
average dose ~ 150 mrem/yr)
2) nuclear medicine (total average
dose ~ 75 mrem/yr)
3) radiography/fluroscopy (total
average dose ~ 75 mrem/yr)
Part 4
1.05-15
Table 1 summary of radiation exposures
Deleted
Total Background Radiation
The average annual total effective dose
to the general population (non-
smokers) from naturally occurring and
manmade sources is about 620 mrem.
ii
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
Foreword
This Handbook describes an implementation process for core training as recommended in chapter
14 to Implementation Guide G441.1-1C , Radiation Protection Programs for Use with Title 10,
Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835, Occupational Radiation Protection, and as outlined in the
DOE standard, Radiological Control (RCS). The Handbook is meant to assist those individuals
within the Department of Energy, Managing and Operating contractors, and Managing and
Integrating contractors identified as having responsibility for implementing core training
recommended by the RCS. While this Handbook addresses the training requirements of 10 CFR
835.103 for Radiological Control Technicians, it must be supplemented with facility specific
information to achieve full compliance.
This Handbook contains recommended training materials consistent with other DOE core
radiological training materials. The training material consists of the following documents:
Section 2
Program Management Guide - This document contains detailed information on how to
use the Handbook material.
Qualification Standard
Fundamental Academic Lesson Plans
Fundamental Academic Study Guides
Site Academic Lesson Plans
Site Academic Study Guides
Site Practical Training Manual
Oral Examination Board Manual
Facility Practical Training Attachment
This Handbook was produced in Word and has been formatted for printing on an HP 4M (or
higher) LaserJet printer. Copies of this Handbook may be obtained from either the DOE
Radiation Safety Training Home Page Internet site
(http://www.hss.energy.gov/HealthSafety/WSHP/radiation/RST/rst.htm) or the DOE Technical
Standards Program Internet site
(http://www.hss.energy.gov/NuclearSafety/techstds/standard/standard.html).
Documents downloaded from the DOE Radiation Safety Training Home Page Internet site may
be manipulated using the software noted above.
iii
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
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iv
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
Part 1 of 9
Radiological Control Technician Training
Program Management Guide
Coordinated and Conducted
for the
Office of Health, Safety and Security
U.S. Department of Energy
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
ii
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DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
iii
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 5
Training and Qualification Program Description ................................................................. 6
Site Training Program Development .................................................................................... 14
Evaluations .............................................................................................................................. 16
Administration ........................................................................................................................ 20
References ................................................................................................................................ 23
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
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DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
5
Introduction
Purpose and Scope of Guide
This guide defines and describes the DOE Radiological Control
Technician (RCT) Core Training & Qualification Program, material
development requirements, standards and policies, and
administration. The guide applies to RCT Training & Qualification
Programs at all DOE sites.
Compliance with 10 CFR 835
The DOE core training materials for RCT Training reflect the
requirements identified in 10 CFR 835, recommendations identified
in chapter 14, Radiation Safety Training, of DOE Implementation
Guide G441.1-1C, Radiation Protection Programs for Use with
Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835, Occupational
Radiation Protection Radiation Safety Training, and in DOE’s
Radiological Control Standard (RCS). When implemented in its
entirety and supplemented as noted with appropriate facility-
specific information, this handbook will generally meet the
requirements of 10 CFR 835.103 as they pertain to RCT training.
However, it is incumbent on management of each facility to review
the content of this course to ensure that the training content is
sufficient to ensure the RCT can fulfill his or her responsibilities for
developing and implementing radiation protection measures.
Section 3
The core training described in this guide does not eliminate or
reduce the need for additional site-specific training identified in the
program and/or through a job evaluation. Site-specific learning
objectives are flagged by a "→" in the left margin of the lesson
plan. Sites should develop and implement the materials for flagged
objectives as they apply to their sites. Each site is responsible for
developing site- specific training as identified through a site-
specific job evaluation.
Purpose of RCT Core Training
The purpose of this program is to provide guidance concerning
DOE’s expectations for proficiency of RCTs across the DOE
complex consistent with the requirements of 10 CFR 835 and the
guidance in the RCS.
Organizational Relationships
and Reporting Structure
DOE/HS-11 is responsible for approving and maintaining the core
course training materials associated with the RCT training program.
The establishment of a comprehensive and effective site RCT
Training & Qualification program is the responsibility of line
management and their subordinates. The training function can be
performed by a separate training organization but the responsibility
for quality and effectiveness rests with the line management.
Training and Qualification Program Description Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
6
Training and Qualification Program Description
Overview of RCT Program
Final approval of RCT qualification should be the responsibility of
the Radiological Control Manager. RCT qualification should be
granted only after assuring that all the requirements of training,
examinations and work performance have been satisfied. By RCT
qualification, Radiological Control management assures that the
individual is capable of performing aspects of the tasks for which
qualification was given.
The initial qualification process should require:
• successful completion of academic lesson examinations
• successful completion of required job performance
measures
• successful completion of final comprehensive written
examination
• successful completion of an oral examination
• final approval by Radiological Control Manager
• compliance with experience requirements as identified in
DOE Order 5480.20A, Ch. 1
The biennial requalification process should require:
• participation in continuing training
• successful completion of a final comprehensive written
examination
• successful completion of selected practical training
• successful completion of an oral examination
Description of Program
The training program is based on RCS recommendations, industry
guidelines, and the Guide to Good Practices in Radiation
Protection Training. Entry-level prerequisites should be established
by each site to ensure that RCTs meet standards for physical
condition and education. At a minimum, these standards should
include:
• high school education or equivalency
• fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and
science
• systems and fundamentals of process, operations, and
maintenance
• reading and comprehension level sufficient to follow
procedures, write permits, prepare survey maps, write
reports, and prepare shipping and transfer permits
• ability to work in the support role including communicating
verbal instructions to others
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
7
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Description of Program
(continued)
• physical requirements to handle personal protective
Section 4
equipment, other equipment, and assist others in work
location commensurate with assignment
Initial Training
The initial training program ensures that trainees are trained to meet
performance requirements using a systematic approach to training.
The initial training program contains four segments: Phase I, Phase
II, Phase III, and Phase IV. Classroom instruction times may vary
based on technician entry level qualifications and are not mandated.
Phase I - Academic Training:
Phase I is divided into two sections: Fundamental Academics and
Site Academics. The lessons in these sections may be taught in any
order provided that prerequisite lessons are completed first.
Typically, the academic phase is approximately 240 hours in length.
a. The Fundamental Academics section includes the following 13
lessons:
1.01 Basic Mathematics and Algebra
1.02 Unit Analysis and Conversion
1.03 Physical Sciences
1.04 Nuclear Physics
1.05 Sources of Radiation
1.06 Radioactivity and Radioactive Decay
1.07 Interaction of Radiation with Matter
1.08 Biological Effects of Radiation
1.09 Radiological Protection Standards
1.10 ALARA
1.11 External Exposure Control
1.12 Internal Exposure Control
1.13 Radiation Detector Theory
These 13 lessons contain generic fundamental theory and do not
contain any site-specific information. They represent the
minimal standard information recommended to be taught to an
RCT. These lessons should be taught by all DOE sites.
b. The Site Academics section contains the following 19 lessons:
2.01 Radiological Documentation
2.02 Communication Systems
2.03 Counting Errors and Statistics
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
8
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Initial Training (continued)
2.04 Dosimetry
2.05 Contamination Control
2.06 Airborne Sampling Program/Methods
2.07 Respiratory Protection
2.08 Radioactive Source Control
2.09 Environmental Monitoring
2.10 Access Control and Work Area Setup
2.11 Radiological Work Coverage
2.12 Shipment and Receipt of Radioactive Material
2.13 Radiological Incidents and Emergencies
2.14 Personnel Decontamination
2.15 Radiological Considerations for First Aid
2.16 Radiation Survey Instrumentation
2.17 Contamination Monitoring Instrumentation
2.18 Air Sampling Equipment
2.19 Counting Room Equipment
These lessons include objectives covering general information
relative to the topic and common to all DOE sites, and
objectives where the information may vary with the site
(identified by "→").
Each DOE site should determine appropriate site academic
lessons and objectives based on job responsibilities and
requirements as identified through a site-specific job evaluation.
Facilities that have not conducted a job evaluation should teach all
Phase I lessons and objectives.
The standardized academics training is designed to be delivered in a
classroom setting. Examples of alternate delivery methods are:
• Self-study of Phase I academic materials in support of
comprehensive challenge exams for personnel who exceed
entry-level pre-requisites
• Self-study for initial and continuing training
• Computer-based training
In all cases, regardless of the setting or delivery methods,
examination requirements should be consistent with those specified
in Chapter 6 of the RCS.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
9
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Initial Training (continued)
Phase II - Practical Training:
Section 5
Phase I academic objectives provide the bases for skills and tasks to
be performed in Phase II. Practical training utilizes a mixture of
classroom and hands-on training. RCTs are taught to apply
academic knowledge to the site-specific tasks.
a. The practical phase consists of two parts: training and
evaluation. Further guidance on the development and conduct
of practical training and evaluation is given in the "Practical
Training Guide" section of this training program.
b. Tasks should be demonstrated to the trainee with emphasis on
the critical elements of the task. Explanations should be given
to the importance of the tasks and the adverse effects if not
performed properly. Training of tasks may occur at any time
or any order provided the prerequisite learning objectives
(academics) of the task have been taught and the proficiency
of those objectives documented. All training should be
conducted without placing either personnel or facilities at
unnecessary risk. RCTs who are not qualified should be under
the direct supervision of a qualified RCT. Direct supervision
requires a qualified RCT to accompany the trainee and be
capable of intervening, if necessary.
c. Trainees who have demonstrated the ability to perform a task
should be evaluated using the Job Performance Measures
(JPMs). The JPMs identify the knowledge and skills needed to
accomplish the task. The trainees should be evaluated on a
satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis for each task. Once a trainee
demonstrates task qualification, and has obtained the
appropriate signatures, he/she may perform that task without
direct supervision.
Phase III - Oral Examination Boards:
a. Oral examination boards should be used to validate the training
of candidates for RCT positions. The board should assess the
individual's response to normal and emergency situations.
Questioning should not be of the type that could be covered in
a written examination.
b. The Radiological Control Manager should designate the board
members and appoint a chairperson. The board should be
comprised of at least three persons to include a Radiological
Control Supervisor, Radiological Control staff, and line
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
10
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Initial Training (continued)
management operations department supervisors and staff personnel,
as applicable.
c. Further guidance on the development and conduct of oral
examinations is given in the "Oral Examination Boards"
section of this training program.
Phase IV - Facility Practical Training:
a. At DOE sites with more than one facility and where RCT tasks
at each facility may differ, site and facility tasks should be
separated. The tasks that are common to all the facilities on
the site should be included in Phase II training with the core
tasks. Tasks unique to a facility should be added to the
training program qualification standard as an attachment, as
Phase IV training.
b. Not all DOE sites will include Phase IV training in their
programs. Phase IV training allows each site to qualify
technicians to a select facility. The transfer of technicians
between facilities requires that facility tasks be taught and
RCT core qualification is current.
c. Further guidance on the development and conduct of facility
practical training is given in the "Facility Practical Training
Guide" section of this training program.
Additional Training
Section 6
Personnel entering the initial RCT training program should receive
Radiological Worker II training if they are required to perform
unescorted duties as a Radiological Worker or enter radiological
areas prior to receiving the core academic instruction.
Qualified RCTs satisfy the requirements of Radiological Worker
(RW) training. Since RCTs perform radiological workers’ tasks
(don/doff PCs, self-survey, comply with RWPs, etc.), radiological
worker practical skills should be taught. Each site has the option of
including RW training in their RCT program or to have RCTs go
through the practical factors portion of RW training. The advantage
of going through the RW practical factors is the resulting
consistency of the program, where RCTs become refreshed on RW
practices being taught and are thus less likely to direct different
practices in the field.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
11
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Additional Training
(continued)
RCTs may require additional training to enhance their overall
performance and skills. These courses may include specialized
training in CPR, first aid, hazardous material training, as well as
human resources training in communication skills and
assertiveness. Each contractor site should determine these
requirements and ensure that they are met as applicable to RCTs at
that site
Continuing Training
Continuing training programs should be designed and implemented
to maintain and enhance the proficiency of RCTs. This training
provides the RCTs with review of required knowledge/skills,
introductions to new knowledge/skills, lessons learned from others,
and verifies by examination minimum levels of proficiency. Topics
addressed in continuing training should include:
• selected topics from Phase I and Phase II training
• new procedures and changes to existing procedures that have
an impact on radiological controls
• new equipment and changes or modifications to existing
equipment or facilities
• lessons learned from site operating experiences
• lessons learned from industry operating experiences
• identified deficiencies or poor task performance
• items identified as requiring repetitive training because of high
degree of difficulty and/or criticality or infrequent
performance
• annual retraining on emergency preparedness, including drills
Experience has shown that effective continuing training programs
incorporate the following features of technical training:
• Lessons learned training that is embedded in lesson plans and
emphasizes important points.
• Exercises that utilize procedures in training materials, such as
procedure use exercises that are interesting and hold the RCTs
attention.
• Concept application techniques that link theoretical concepts
to practical applications.
Continuing training should include written examinations as
applicable, demonstrations of proficiency controlled by
qualification standards and written and oral examinations to prepare
for the comprehensive biennial requalification.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
12
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Additional Training
(continued)
Continuing training courses should be shared among DOE facilities
to reduce redundant development effort and to maintain
standardization.
All RCTs should complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing
training for each year of the biennial requalification cycle.
Requalification
Section 7
A 2-year cycle of continuing training is recommended for
requalification. Continuing training should serve as the basis for
requalification.
Biennial requalification should encompass a representative
crosssection of Phase I learning objectives, site-specific and
departmentwide changes in requirements, lessons learned from
operations and maintenance experience, and selected tasks.
A comprehensive written examination and oral examination board
are recommended within the last six months of the biennial
requalification cycle. Requalification should consist of participation
in continuing training, successful performance of tasks selected for
requalification, successful completion of a comprehensive written
examination and successful completion of an oral examination
board.
Instructor Training and
Qualifications
All classroom instruction should be provided by instructors
qualified in accordance with the site's instructor qualification
program. Training staff (contractor and subcontractor, if used) must
possess both technical knowledge and experience, and the
developmental and instructional skills required to fulfill their
assigned duties.
Training staff responsible for program management, supervision,
and development must have and maintain the education, experience,
and technical qualifications required for their jobs.
Instructors should have the technical qualifications, which include
adequate theory, practical knowledge, and experience, for the
subject matter that they are assigned to teach
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
13
Training and Qualification Program Description (continued)
Instructor Training and
Qualifications (continued)
Methods should be in place at each site to ensure that individual
instructors meet and maintain position qualification requirements.
Subject-matter experts without instructor qualification may provide
training in their area of expertise. However, these subject-matter
experts should be trained as instructors when this occurs routinely.
Requalification
Direct or first-level supervisors of RCTs should have qualified as
RCTs prior to entering the RCT Supervisor training & qualification
program.
RCT supervisors should have a greater depth of knowledge than
that expected of an RCT. RCT supervisors should have supervisory
and leadership capabilities to direct the work of RCTs; effectively
interact with crafts, line supervisors, professional staff and other
managers; and be able to respond and direct others in emergency
and abnormal situations.
RCT supervisors should participate in either RCT supervisor
continuing training or RCT continuing training.
RCT supervisors should be requalified every 2 years through
comprehensive oral examination boards. Oral examination boards
should focus on the ability to analyze radiological conditions and
unusual situations and supervise subordinates. The Board
constituted to evaluate RCT supervisor qualification should not
include peers or subordinates as voting members.
Site Training Program Development Next
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
14
Site Training Program Development
Job Evaluations
The core course training materials provide the minimum basis for
RCT training. However, in order to maintain the performance-based
philosophy, a job evaluation should be performed to assess the
needs of each individual DOE facility.
A job evaluation is a documented review of RCT job scope and
responsibilities. While a complete job/task analysis is desirable, a
job evaluation provides the minimum amount of analysis to
determine the tasks performed by an RCT.
Section 8
A job evaluation consists of:
• development of a list of tasks performed by RCTs at the site
• evaluation of the task list for training applicability and methods
• comparison of identified tasks and associated topics to the site
academic materials to determine which lessons and objectives
apply
• comparison of site task list to the core task list for applicability
Site Academics Objectives
The Site Academics section of Phase I training provides a broad
scope of topics associated with RCT tasks. Inclusion of Phase I site
training materials is dependent on the site-specific RCT duties.
The job evaluation should be used to provide the basis for exclusion
of site-specific learning objectives ("→") from the site program.
The job evaluation should also be used to identify additional RCT
tasks which require training.
Some Site Academics objectives may be satisfied by other training
courses attended by RCTs.
Practical Training
Each site should determine tasks for initial practical training of
RCTs at that site. Below is a list of tasks that are performed by
RCTs at most DOE sites. This list should be considered for
inclusion in the site task list. In addition, each site may add other
site-specific tasks as appropriate. The core task list is as follows:
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
15
Site Training Program Development (continued)
Practical Training
(continued)
• Perform a contamination survey
• Perform a radiation survey
• Obtain air samples
• Perform a leak test on a radioactive source
• Complete a performance test on portable hand held
instruments
• Complete a performance test on health physics counting
• equipment
• Post a radiological area to reflect associated hazards
• Perform a radioactive material shipment survey
• Respond to a high airborne activity alarm
• Respond to an uncontrolled release of radioactive material
• Respond to a radiation alarm
• Respond to an injured person located in a radiological area
• Direct and monitor personnel decontamination
Job Performance Measures (JPMs) should be used to assess the
trainee's ability to perform identified tasks. Guidance on the
development of JPMs is given in the "Practical Training Guide"
section of this training program.
Qualification Standards
A qualification standard states the academic and practical
requirements necessary for the successful completion of the RCT
Program.
Signatures on the standards should document satisfactory
proficiency for the performance requirements. A list of personnel
authorized to sign qualification standards should be maintained at
each site.
Guidance on the development of Qualification Standards is given in
the Technician Qualification Standard section of this training
program.
Training Aids, Reference
Materials
Designated viewgraphs should be used. Site-specific training aids
may be developed.
Reference materials should be cited in each lesson plan.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
16
Evaluations
Academic Examinations
Written examinations should be used to demonstrate satisfactory
completion of academic training. Requirements for examinations
include:
• The minimum passing grade for examinations should be 80%.
• Questions should be randomly selected from the supplied
question bank.
• Each RCT should be tested on all learning objectives through
a combination of questions in the topic (Phase I) examinations
and final comprehensive examination (after Phase II) for
initial qualification.
Section 9
• One exam bank question may cover several learning
objectives. The trainee should acknowledge, by signature,
his/her participation in a post-examination review.
Each site should designate a single point of contact as an
examination bank custodian. DOE will provide a copy of a sample
exam bank to exam bank custodians.
An examination question bank should be maintained by the site
examination bank custodian. Recommendations for exam banks and
examinations include:
• The examination question bank should include at least three
(3) questions per learning objective
• Each question in the exam bank should be numbered in
accordance with the corresponding learning objective.
• The standardized core course examination question bank
should include Phase I academic material except for Site
Academics learning objectives flagged by "→" as site-
specific.
• Questions may consist of multiple choice, fill in the blank,
short answer, matching, and essay. In order to minimize test
items requiring rote memorization, short answer and essay
questions are the preferred method of testing. True/false
questions should not be used.
• Short answer and essay questions should have model answers
to reduce the subjectivity in grading.
All site-specific site exam-bank questions should be maintained by
the site and should be developed for the flagged ("→") learning
objectives.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
17
Evaluations (continued)
Academic Evaluations
(continued)
Written examinations which cover objectives from one or more
academic lessons should be administered at periodic intervals
during Phase I to assess trainee classroom progress.
Examinations generated by the site for academic lessons should use
questions from the DOE sample exam bank and each site's site
specific exam bank.
Remedial action for trainees who fail a topic examination should be
the responsibility of each site.
Final Comprehensive
Examinations Written
A final comprehensive written examination should be administered
following the completion of Phase II and within the last six months
of biennial re-qualification. It should cover a representative sample
of the learning objectives from Fundamental Academic and
appropriate Site Academic lesson plans.
Students who fail the final comprehensive written examination
should complete a formal remediation in the areas of weakness. The
remediation requirements should be documented in a formal written
plan and presented to the student. As a minimum, the remediation
should include:
• a review of the weaknesses noted by the final written
examination
• counseling to determine the depth and nature of the
weaknesses and appropriate action based on the counseling
• any retraining or self-study considered necessary to upgrade
the areas of weakness
Students failing three final comprehensive written examinations
should be considered for dis-enrollment from the RCT program.
Challenge Examinations
Challenge examinations should be administered after a review of
trainee records. The review should include:
• previous work history
• previous training and education
Challenge examinations should be utilized for individuals with prior
training, NRRPT registration, education, and experience. Study
materials may be provided to individuals prior to examination.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
18
Evaluations (continued)
Challenge Examinations
(continued)
Challenge examinations may be administered for a group of
academic lesson plans or for individual lesson plans.
Section 10
Challenge examinations should consist of questions from a
representative sample of learning objectives for the lessons being
challenged.
Challenge examinations should be composed of questions from the
academics examination question bank.
Identified weaknesses in performance on challenge examinations
should require formal remedial training and successful re-testing.
Practical Training
Qualification for each task should be achieved by actual task
performance. When the actual task cannot be performed but is
simulated, the conditions of the task performance, references, tools,
and equipment should reflect the actual task to the fullest extent
possible.
Trainees are evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis for
each on-the-job-training (OJT) task. Trainees should be given
sufficient time to practice the task before an evaluation is
conducted. Any practical training completed with less than 100%
proficiency on critical steps constitutes a failure. Failure of any task
will require remedial action, which may include a repeat
demonstration of the task by an OJT trainer/evaluator or allowing
the trainee to perform the task with direct supervision.
Candidates failing three evaluations on the same task should be
considered for dis-enrollment from the RCT program.
Further guidance on the conduct of practical training is given in the
"Practical Training Guide" section of this training program.
Oral Examination Boards
The oral examination board provides an opportunity to identify
areas of weakness related to performance of RCT duties.
Candidates who fail an oral examination should complete a formal
remediation in the areas of weakness. The remediation requirements
should be documented in a formal written plan and presented to the
candidate.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
19
Evaluations (continued)
Oral Examination Boards
(continued)
Candidates failing three final oral examinations should be
considered for dis-enrollment from the RCT program.
Guidance on the conduct of oral examination boards is given in the
"Oral Examination Board Manual" section of this training program.
Disqualification Procedures
and Policies
Any trainee who does not successfully complete a final
comprehensive examination or oral examination board should be
considered for disqualification. Disqualification means that an
individual cannot perform RCT tasks unless accompanied by and
under the direct supervision of a qualified RCT.
Any trainee who does not successfully complete an evaluated on
the- job task should be disqualified from further performance of that
task. Disqualification means that an individual cannot perform the
specific task(s) unless accompanied by and under the direct
supervision of a qualified RCT.
Disqualified individuals should receive a management review of
individual circumstances to determine appropriate actions.
An RCT who fails to complete continuing training requirements
during the requalification period should be disqualified. Site
generated exceptions may be made for continuing training based on
long- or short-term medical leaves, use of subcontractors, etc. These
exceptions may be necessary if an RCT is unable to attend
continuing training, and make-up of that cycle is not practical.
Administration Next
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
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Administration
Training and Qualification
Records
Training records and course documentation shall meet the
requirements of 10 CFR 835 Subpart H and should meet Chapter 7
of the DOE RCS.
Section 11
Examinations should clearly identify missed questions and scores.
Recommended signatures for RCT qualification are:
a. Completion of Phase I (Academic Training):
1) Instructor signature on qualification standard stating
trainee has met the requirements of the learning
objectives through examination. Following successful
completion of challenge examinations, the trainee should
receive credit for the academic material covered by the
challenge examination.
2) Trainee signature on the examination acknowledging
participation in a post-exam review
b. Completion of Phase II (Practical Training):
1) Trainee signature on the qualification standard verifying
performance of the task
2) OJT trainer/evaluator signature on the qualification
standard verifying satisfactory trainee performance of
the task
c. Completion of final comprehensive written examination:
1) Instructor signature on qualification standard stating
trainee has met the requirements of the learning
objectives through examination.
2) Trainee signature on the examination acknowledging
participation in a post-exam review
d. Completion of Phase III (Oral Examination Board):
1) Signature by the chairperson of the oral examination
board on the qualification standard verifying the trainee's
satisfactory performance, based on the assessment of all
voting members
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
21
Administration (continued)
Training and Qualification
Records (continued)
2) Trainee signature verifying successful completion of the
oral examination
e. Final Approval:
Radiological Control Manager (or designee) signature on
the qualification standard acknowledging final approval of
the standardized technician position qualification.
f. Completion of Phase IV (Facility-specific Practical
Training) - optional:
1) Trainee signature on the qualification standard verifying
performance of the task
2) OJT trainer/evaluator signature on the qualification
standard verifying successful trainee performance of the
Task
3) Radiological Control Manager (or designee) signature on
the qualification standard acknowledging approval of
facility qualification
Training Program
Development/Change
Requests
All requests for program changes and revisions should be submitted
through the appropriate DOE technical standards change process.
RCT Training Program
Evaluation
Verification of the effectiveness of Radiological Control training
should be accomplished by surveying a limited subset of former
students in the workplace. This evaluation should include
observation of practical applications and discussion of the course
material, and may include an associated written examination.
DOE/EH has issued guidelines for evaluating the effectiveness of
radiological training through the DOE Operations Offices and DOE
Field Offices. These guidelines are included as an attachment to the
program management guide to DOE Handbook, General Employee
Radiological Training, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Radiological
Training.
For additional guidance, refer to DOE-STD-1070-94, “Guide for
Evaluation of Nuclear Facility Training Programs.” The guidelines
contained in these documents are relevant for the establishment and
implementation of post-training evaluation and retention testing
programs.
Continued Next Page
DOE-HDBK-1122-2009
22
Administration (continued)
RCT Training Program
Evaluation (continued)
Section 12
In response to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
(DNFSB) Recommendation 91-6, DOE committed to develop an
implementation plan to upgrade radiation protection programs at
DOE defense nuclear facilities. The implementation plan detailed
DOE’s plans to develop and implement radiation protection
posttraining evaluation and retention testing programs. Post-training
evaluations will be used to identify opportunities for improving
course materials, upgrading instruction methods and techniques,
and determining the need for additional training. Retention testing
will indicate when individual performance or testing fails to meet
expectations. Corrective actions for deficiencies identified in
retention testing will be incorporated in the individual’s
development plan and the site’s training program on an appropriate
schedule. DOE provides guidance on retention testing programs for
radiological training in an attachment to the program management
guide to DOE Handbook, General Employee Radiological Training,
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Radiological Training.
In addition, Chapter 6 of the DOE RCS states that sites should
implement a training effectiveness verification program. This
program, which is in addition to performance evaluations routinely
performed by the site’s training department, is to verify the
effectiveness of radiological control training by surveying a limited
subset of former students in the workplace. This recommendation
applies to both DOE defense nuclear facilities and DOE facilities
not classified as defense nuclear facilities.
Per DOE’s commitment to DNFSB, it is expected that all defense
nuclear facilities will implement these or equivalent programs.
DOE facilities not classified as defense nuclear facilities should
also strive to implement such programs. Line management should
monitor progress of program implementation.
Training for Subcontracted
RCTs
Subcontracted RCTs should have the same knowledge and
qualifications required of site technicians performing the same
duties. Subcontracted RCTs should meet the requirements as
outlined in Chapter 6 of the DOE RCS.
References Next
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References
REFERENCES
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE-STD-1098-2008, “Radiological Control Standard.”
U.S. Department of Energy, “Occupational Radiation Protection,” 10 CFR 835, 2007.
U.S. Department of Energy, “Implementation Guidance for Use with 10 CFR 835, Occupational
Radiation Protection,” 2007.
U.S. Department of Energy, DOE Order 5480.2A, Ch 1, “Personnel Selection, Qualification, and
Training for DOE Nuclear Facilities,” 1994.
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