Profession nuclear technician

Nuclear technicians function as aids to physicists and engineers in nuclear laboratories and power plants. They monitor the procedures to ensure safety and quality control, and maintain equipment. They also handle and control radioactive equipment and measure radiation levels to ensure safety.

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Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Technical drawings

  Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

• Contamination exposure regulations

  The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.

• Fire prevention procedures

  The regulations concerning fire and explosion prevention, and the equipment, systems and methods used in it.

• Pneumatics

  The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.

• Metrology

  The methods and theory of measurement in a scientific context, including internationally accepted units of measurement, practical realisation of these units, and interpretation of measurements.

• Nuclear energy

  The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.

• Radioactive contamination

  The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants' concentration.

• Radiation protection

  The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

Skills

• Resolve equipment malfunctions

  Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.

• Calculate exposure to radiation

  Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

• Avoid contamination

  Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.

• Calibrate precision instrument

  Examine the precision instruments and assess whether the instrument meets the quality standards and production specifications. Correct and adjust the reliability by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results.

• Follow nuclear plant safety precautions

  Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.

• Monitor radiation levels

  Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.

• Maintain records of maintenance interventions

  Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.

• Maintain electromechanical equipment

  Diagnose and detect malfunctions in electromechanical components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing the components and machines in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.

• Maintain hydraulic systems

  Perform routine maintenance and repairs on systems which use pressurised fluids to provide power to machines and equipment.

• Use measurement instruments

  Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

• Use testing equipment

  Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

• Operate machine tools

  Program and operate numerically controlled machine tools.

• Maintain nuclear reactors

  Repair and perform routine maintenance on equipment which controls nuclear chain reactions to generate electricity, ensure that the equipment functions safely and compliant with legislation.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation

  Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

• Respond to nuclear emergencies

  Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.

• Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations

  Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

• Ensure equipment cooling

  Make sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.

• Use hand tools

  Utilize tools that are powered by hand, such as screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, drills and knives to manipulate materials and help create and assemble various products.

• Monitor nuclear power plant systems

  Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.

• Investigate contamination

  Perform tests to investigate the properties of contamination in an area, or on surfaces and materials, in order to identify the cause, its nature, and the extent of the risk and damage.

• Liaise with engineers

  Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB