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.
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)
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.
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.
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.