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RCT Cram Notes
Radwraith:
--- Quote from: etm on Oct 24, 2014, 06:55 ---My understanding is that the "Core" is limited to 1.1 - 1.13. Section 2 is still fundamental, but addresses site procedures, instruments and radiological conditions. For that reason, a tech usually has some more training after showing up the first day. For us, that is 6-8 weeks. I have heard for others, on the order of days. The format of the card is left to the discretion of the site. Ours only includes name, expiration date and certifying official. Whether or not, a site accepts even the "core" from another site is left to the discretion of the RPM for the site. Most do not allow for reciprocity of the core card much less RCT quals. There used to be consistency amongst the sites, but each has now deviated so far from the original expectations (going back to the DOE RadCon Manual in 1993) ...
--- End quote ---
I just took the Core test from a site and this is how they handled it. Your "Core card" is the test itself. The rest is kind of like "site specifics at a nuke plant.
Rennhack:
--- Quote from: Chimera on Oct 24, 2014, 06:29 ---Perhaps I should start a new thread for this but:
I've been digging through the various DOE Handbooks and Standards relative to RCT training and qualifications. Everything talks about the "core" materials but nothing seems to give a clear, concise definition of what the "core" materials are. While it's generally accepted that the "core" is the fundamental academic study guides (1.01 through 1.13), some sources imply that the general portions of the site academic study guides (2.01 through 2.19) should also be included in the "core" materials.
Also . . . where did the "core card" come from? I can't find any reference to the card or a template for what it should look like. I have a template that I use (the one I inherited) when I do RCT training but I've seen several variations on the theme from different sites.
--- End quote ---
Great question.
DOE Standardized Training Includes:
Qualification Standard (Time &GED, etc)
Phase I, Fundamental Academic Training "The Core portion of the Core materials"
Phase I, Site Academic Training
Phase II, Site Practical Training AKA Job Performance Measure's (JPM)
Phase III, Oral Examination Boards
Phase IV, Facility Practical Training (a subset of the site practical training)
--- Quote ---Phase I - Academic Training:
Phase I is divided into two sections: Fundamental Academics and Site Academics.
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.
--- End quote ---
--- Quote ---b. The Site Academics section contains the following 19 lessons:
2.01 Radiological Documentation
2.02 Communication Systems
2.03 Counting Errors and Statistics
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. 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.
--- End quote ---
The entire package is regulated by DOE-HDBK-1122-99 and distributed as a 'core group of material', the 'Phase I, Fundamental Academic Training' remains unchanged, while 'Phase I, Site Academic Training' is customized at each site as well as the Site Practical Training. So the entire package IS the core, but only 'Phase I, Fundamental Academic Training' is transferable. Thus it has come to be known as "The Core", because it is the only portion 'that matters' when it comes to accepting training from another source. Additional training is expected to be tailored and given on site.
So, SHOULD any training given consist of more than the basic 13 Fundamentals? Yes, it isn't considered the "Core" until you've done it all. However, only those 13 Fundamentals are transferable... so unless you are getting it at the site you are going, there is no reciprocity and no point to do more. (Other than... you know.... actually learning the stuff you are supposed know)
I hope this helps you.
Rennhack:
It was good for me to review the standards. I intend to make the Cram Notes, so I will need to include this info.
Chimera:
I'm glad to see you arrived at the same conclusions (or lack thereof) that I did. I did take the time and trouble to make the Site Specific Study Guides into true site specifics for the site where I'm working. I've been reluctant to hand out "Core Cards" until the candidates have passed the fundamental and site academic exams and completed the practical as described in the various DOE Handbooks and Standards. Because of the "should" statement, this site has decided to forego the oral board as part of the biennial training. Also, because of the way our procedures are worded, the "Core" and the "Site Specific" exams are separate. The "Site Specific" exam is treated more as a procedure exam since I've added our site's information to the generalized DOE material included in Study Guides 2.01 through 2.19.
Thank you, Mike, for taking the trouble to review some of the same materials I've been digging through. I appreciate your efforts.
Michael
old raddog:
That would be great for all. Anytime some one comes up with more good study material it is always a + for all.
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