Conduct of Operations - doe-std-1136-20040069

DOE-STD-1136-2004

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Uranium Facilities

3.3.2 Conduct of Operations

The organization and administration of operations should ensure 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 a

high-quality safety program and productivity are compatible goals. DOE policies and standards 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 2001a).

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, ensuring personnel are well trained by closely

monitoring performance in operations, and 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. 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 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 radiological control 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 radiological control is paramount to the health and safety of workers

and the public and to protection of the environment.

A uranium 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 all copies are accounted for and all new procedures are included in the historical files. A

designated period of time for holding the historical files should be established. ANSI N13.6-1989 (ANSI,

1966) provides guidance on historical files. In addition, radiological control procedures should have a

documented approval system and established intervals for review and/or revision. A tracking system

should be developed to ensure the required reviews and revisions occur.

3-23