Conduct of Operations - doe-std-1128-98

DOE-STD-1128-98

3.9

CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS

The organization and administration of operations should ensure that a high level of

performance in DOE facility operations is achieved through effective implementation and

control activities. Administration of operations activities should recognize that protection of

the environment, maintaining high-quality safety, and productivity are compatible goals.

The DOE policies should describe the standards of excellence under which the facility is

expected to operate. Clear lines of responsibility for normal and emergency conditions must

be established. Effective implementation and control of operating activities are achieved

primarily by having readily accessible written standards for operations, periodical

monitoring and assessment of performance, and personnel accountability for performance.

For a more detailed discussion, see DOE Order 5480.19, Ch. 2, Conduct of Operations

Requirements for DOE Facilities (DOE, 2001c).

A high level of performance in DOE operations is accomplished by management

establishing high operating standards and then by communicating the operating standards to

workers:

-- By providing sufficient resources to the operations department

-- by ensuring that personnel are well trained by closely monitoring performance in

operations

-- by holding workers and their supervisors accountable for their performance in

conducting activities.

Senior management establishes operating standards, considering input from workers when

appropriate. Working-level personnel will more strongly support the standards when they

have had appropriate input into their development. The standards should define operating

objectives, establish expected performance levels, and clearly define responsibilities in

plant operations. Standards for operating activities should be integrated into operations

department procedures and programs. Operating standards should also be communicated to

workers by training them in operating practices and by having supervisors monitor and

guide work involving facility operations. Sufficient staff, facilities, equipment, and funding

should be allocated to permit the operations department to effectively perform its functions.

Performance in operations should be closely monitored by facility management, preferably

using operating reports and goals, so that the performance of the operations department can

be effectively measured. Operations personnel should be held accountable for their

performance through supervisor counseling, performance appraisals, and, when necessary,

disciplinary measures. Remedial training should be provided when appropriate.

The health physics organization, as a support element, must ensure that all aspects of

radiation safety are considered in the establishment of operations standards and policy. A

well instituted cooperative relationship between operations and health physics is paramount

to the health and safety of workers and the public and to protection of the environment.

A plutonium facility should have a written policy on radiation protection, including an

ALARA policy. All radiation protection procedures and controls should have recognizable

or formal technical bases for limits, methods, and personnel protection standards.

Procedures should be adequately documented, updated periodically, and maintained in a

centralized historical file. A control system should be established to assure that all copies

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