Applying Diagnostic to Procedure Use

DOE-HDBK-1202-97

4. APPLYING DIAGNOSTICS TO PROCEDURE USE

Procedures are developed and implemented to guide facility operations and maintenance

during both normal and abnormal conditions. Each procedure is developed using certain

assumptions to address a specific set of conditions, based on available technology and the

expected response.

Sometimes situations occur where a team perceives that procedures will not work for the

existing conditions. At this point, the team must select an alternate path to correct the

situation. The alternate path may consist of using sections of another procedure or

developing a new procedure to address the situation.

The team's ability to consistently apply facility policies and a logical diagnostic process

during periods of procedure deviation will improve its probability of success. Fundamentals

training should be implemented that will enable the trainee to:

Identify limitations in each type of procedure

Describe facility policies governing procedural compliance

List the actions to be taken when procedure problems are identified

Apply diagnostic skills when deviating from approved procedures

Discuss examples of situations when procedure deviation may be necessary

Identify assumptions made in the procedure.