RPO: Competent Professionals We Critically Need (Part 2/2)

RPO: Competent Professionals We Critically Need (Part 2/2)

In the previous article, we briefly explained the types of RPO certifications in Malaysia by job scope for each category. However, this review will focus on the procedures and certification requirements for RPO Category 2 and Category 3 because these are most relevant to Malaysian industry (we will keep a constant update on any changes).  In this article, we outline key points based on the technical guidelines from the Atom Malaysia’s guidelines.

RPO Category 2 and Category 3

It is very important for anyone planning to enter this field to identify whether they will work in the medical area or the industrial area.
Note: For the document on this classification, please refer to the previous article.

Atom Malaysia has set several general requirements before allowing someone to be certified as an RPO. The factors considered include sufficient training. These must be strictly supervised to ensure candidates have the competence to carry out radiation protection principles and procedures.

For RPO Category 2 (Industrial Radiography), it is mandatory to be recognized as RT Level 2 SPKM-NDT Certificate holder (Operator) – awarded by Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran or RT Level 1 Operator. This is a strict Atom Malaysia requirement.

Before taking the RPO exam, candidates must attend a course organized by an Atom Malaysia-recognized training agency for RPO training. Only then can they register for the exam session (with a Certificate of Attendance as proof). The training must cover radiation safety and several other technical aspects (syllabus can be referred in LEM/TEK/44 Sem.7 document).

The general requirements also include a minimum age of 18 years to be appointed as an RPO.

Certification Flow — Category 3

For RPO Category 3, candidates must attend training and then, immediately after training, register in the Atom Malaysia exam system (choose an exam date) and attach the training attendance certificate in the system. A fee of RM200 is charged for the registration (fee may change). If the candidate passes the exam taken, they are immediately eligible to be appointed as an RPO for a company without prior experience.

Certification Flow — Category 2

For RPO Category 2, the process is longer because the person must first obtain SKM-NDT (RT) Certificate (ISO 9712) and be an Operator (RT Level 2).

On 20 Feb 2014, Atom Malaysia issued a letter giving guidance on recognition requirements for a trainee operator or trainee. Previously, those with RT SKM Level 1 were also eligible to be Operators. Since 2015, Atom Malaysia has tightened the operator qualification standard so that only RT SKM Level 2 holders are eligible to be Operators.

After being recognized as an Operator, the person is then eligible to be appointed as an RPO Category 2. The exam procedure up to passing the exam is the same as for RPO Category 3.

Why this matters

In today’s fast-moving technology era, many companies use radioactive materials and ionizing radiation to ensure product quality meets their industry standards. For example:

• Industrialized paper production use Krypton-85 to ensure the quality of the product is up to standard.
• In the F&B industry, they adopt x-ray technology to fulfil quality standards and at the same time ensure no harmful foreign materials inside the processed food.
• In Oil & Gas industry, pipelines are inspected using Iridium-192 to evaluate structural integrity of the welding structures.
• Research laboratories use XRF machine to analyze the product (chemical compound or physical specimen)

In Malaysia, thousands of companies are involved in activities using radioactive materials and ionizing radiation and yes, every one of these companies is required by Atom Malaysia to have an RPO to ensure worker safety and health risks are controlled.

The end.