Face-to-Face Communication

DOE-STD-1031-92

review assignments to verify that the operators understand the information

presented, after completion of the briefings.

During facility operation, the briefings should be held before facility activities

such as surveillances, maintenance troubleshooting, or component

manipulations. Briefings should be conducted frequently, for abnormal or

emergency operating conditions, to confirm that operators understand

facility conditions and emergency operating procedures.

4.2

Face-to-Face Communication

Face-to-face communication is performed when the sender and the receiver are in

the presence of each other. The sender's title may be omitted from the message,

however, the sender should ensure that the intended receiver receives the

message when two or more people are in the immediate area. The use of sign

language in lieu of audible communications should only be performed in

accordance with prescribed guidelines (e.g., hand motions for crane operators).

Example: Face-to-face operator communications to increase Service Air Header

pressure:

Control Room Operator (CRO) to Facility Equipment Operator (FEO):

"Facility Equipment Operator, raise Service Air Header pressure to one five zero

pounds."

Response by FEO Operator:

"Raise Service Air Header pressure to one five zero pounds."

Acknowledgment by CRO:

"That's correct."

4.3

Communication Systems

Communications systems should be implemented to ensure that control areas can

quickly contact personnel throughout the facility. In addition, these systems should

allow contact between personnel outside of the control area.

4.3.1

Party-line Communication Systems

A party-line communication system allows more than two work stations to

communicate on the same communication line at the same time. If a party line

communication system is used, the sender should check the line to verify that the

line is clear prior to establishing communications. This should prevent "cutting in"

on other conversations. In addition, the sender and receiver identification should be

included in each message. To gain access to a party line in the event of an

emergency, the phrase "Silence on the line, this is an emergency" should be used

to clear the line for priority communications.