Re: Technician Crosstrain

[Chasmig <Chasmig@aol.com>]

Well put Tony. I agree completely. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Charles Migliore
Chasmig@aol.com
(An ex-navy road tech with a lot to learn)

In a message dated 98-03-08 10:53:16 EST, you write:

<< Radsafers:
   Cross training is always a benefit to any organization but there is a
 danger when management believes cross trained technicians are "experts" in
 every aspect of radiation protection.  In the Navy we (ELTs) were trained
 mechanics and cross trained in electrical and electronics.  We were not the
 experts in those areas.  In fact after leaving the Navy as a LELT and
 prototype instructor and spending a number of years as an ANSI 3.1
 technician and RP instructor I find it very difficult to maintain my level
 of cross training (plant operations and radiation protection).
   In my present position as an RP Instructor I am tasked with providing
 training to RP, chemistry, dosimetry, rad waste, environmental, respiratory
 and instrument calibration technicians.  I can not provide the level of
 detail and experience each of these areas require.  Yes in the Navy the
 ELTs did all these "duties" but the instrumentation and radiological
 conditions were a factor of 10 easier.  NAVY ELTs have a learning curve to
 master in the civilian world when they leave the service to reach the same
 level of expertise.
   My point is what worked great in the Navy may not be possible in the
 civilian world. Don't get me wrong I firmly believe that an RP technician
 should learn as much as she can in radiation protection and plant
 operations.  In fact it should be something a technician does
 everyday...learn something new.  Being an "expert" is an attitude to excel
 as much as it is experience and knowledge.  You will need to have experts
 in each area of radiation protection and cross trained technicians to
 assist the experts. It is a balance of knowledge, experience and each
 technician's strengths that make an organization a top notch group.
 
 
     * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    * Tony Hedges               *
   *  RPT Instructor           *
  *   loui19@dreamscape.com   *
 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  >>