Good Practices - s1031cn0017

DOE-STD-1031-92

4. GOOD PRACTICES

4.1

Oral Instructions and Informational Communications

4.1.1

Attributes

Verbal instructions should be clear, concise, and correct. Before sending

instructions, a sender should plan what to say, then say it to him/herself to ensure

that it has all of the message attributes. Then the sender should say it to the

intended receiver.

4.1.1.1

Clear

Operational communications must be free from ambiguity. Messages that

contain words with multiple meanings or similar sounds may be confusing

(e.g., use "raise" and "lower" instead of "increase" and "decrease"). Slang

and expletives should not be used. Equipment noun names and numbers

should be used (e.g., "Open feedwater pump discharge valve one six.").

When communicating alphanumeric information, both sender and receiver

should use a phonetic alphabet to ensure clarity. Appendix A is a suggested

phonetic alphabet. An exception to this practice is the use of approved

standard abbreviations such as "ACW" for auxiliary cooling water.

Only facility-approved terminology, equipment identifications, and

abbreviations should be used. A list should be developed of standardized

and facility-specific terminology to be used during communications. This list

should include the terms, applicable written abbreviations, and verbal

acronyms.

4.1.1.2

Concise

Operational communications should be as brief as possible. The key is to

keep the message as short as possible while still effectively communicating

the information. Using approved verbal acronyms should keep messages

short. This is especially important during emergencies (e.g., when a work

station reports an emergency condition to the control area). However, when

using the public address system to announce emergencies (e.g.,

evacuation, fire, take cover) the use of acronyms should be avoided so that

all personnel, including new employees and visitors, clearly understand the

actions they are to take.

4.1.1.3

Correct

The message should be specific to ensure that the correct unit or

component (Alpha or Bravo; 1 or 2) is identified. Noun names and

equipment numbers should be used together to ensure that the message is

properly transmitted and received.