Conducting Drills by Alternative Methods

DOE-HDBK-1099-96

11. CONDUCTING DRILLS BY ALTERNATIVE METHODS

A facility is not limited in the method used to conduct drills. The preferred method of conducting

drills is to perform them during normal facility operations and with actual facility equipment.

However, if facility conditions will not allow performance of a drill, alternative methods may be

necessary. Alternative methods include table-top discussions, facility walkthroughs, simulator

exercises (if available), and/or use of mock-ups.

Realism is more difficult to create during facility simulations or table-top discussions than during

in-plant drills. Therefore, during simulations or table-top discussions personnel being evaluated

should describe their activities and actions. Their descriptions will provide the prompts for the

drill team members to supply cues and props. Careful coordination of cues and props by drill

team members, with the descriptions of activities supplied by the facility operating personnel, can

ensure that facility operating personnel receive valuable training without direct interaction with

the facility. During conduct types of drills using alternative techniques, the drill team members

should be careful not to lead the facility operating personnel to the correct response action.

During in-plant simulations or table-top discussions, the initiation will have to be stated or

supplied by a cue or prop. Since cues or props cannot be heard, the drill team will have to

ensure that cues and props are seen by the facility operating personnel. All materials that facility

operating personnel would normally have available to them in the facility should also be available

to them when conducting a table-top discussion if practical.