Developing and Implementing Diagnostic Fundamentals Trainig

DOE-HDBK-1202-97

3. DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING DIAGNOSTIC FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING

3.1 Discussion

The skills and knowledge developed or improved during diagnostic training should enhance

the ability of facility personnel to operate more effectively. A team's ability to integrate

technical knowledge and skills using a systematic application of diagnostics is necessary for

continued smooth operation.

An environment may exist in a work space that requires team members to make highly

complex technical decisions. Along with this responsibility is the need to actively follow up

and revise decisions as conditions warrant. Occasionally, limitations inherent in procedures

make it necessary for personnel to apply diagnostics to handle events or conditions not

addressed in procedures.

The goal of diagnostic training should be to develop basic skills in monitoring, interpreting,

and intervening. If team personnel have not developed basic diagnostic skills, they may be

ineffective in addressing problems. Diagnostic training should be integrated into both initial

and continuing training programs.

Training on diagnostic fundamentals should enable the trainee to:

Recognize the importance of attention to detail and recognize problems early

Monitor data, and detect impending problems

Differentiate between expected conditions and problem conditions

Identify conditions requiring action

Determine the expected response, and identify deviations in that response

Identify potential causes of problems

Analyze potential causes of problems to identify a most probable cause

Prioritize problems using a systematic process

Determine and initiate appropriate corrective actions based on a systematic

prioritization

Evaluate success of corrective action, and respond accordingly.