Discussion - s1036cn10017

DOE-STD-1036-93

3. DISCUSSION

Independent verification compensates for the human element in facility operation. It

recognizes that any operator, no matter how proficient, can make a mistake. However, the

chance that two operators will independently make the same mistake is unlikely. Therefore,

independent verification provides an extra measure of safety and reliability to facility

operations. Industry experience shows that verifying, or double-checking, important

operating parameters and component alignments reduces the occurrence of unintended

operational events (shutdowns, environmental violations, etc.).

Independent verification is an activity designed to enhance the reliability of facility operations

and safety functions, and to aid in the control of equipment and system status. Its intent is

similar to the quality assurance and engineering checks that are performed during design and

installation of facility systems. However, independent verification is an ongoing process

performed by operations personnel during operations. Independent verification activities are

built on the two concepts portrayed through their name: verification and independence.

Verification is the act of checking that an operation, the status of equipment, a calculation, or

the position of a component conforms to established criteria. Verification only checks for

conformance with the criteria; it does not alter the status of equipment or the position of

components. The criteria used for verification are normally contained in operating

procedures or alignment checklists. All persons performing verification must receive specific

training and qualification on the systems they will verify, and on techniques for verifying

component position or status.

Independence means that the person performing the verification will not be influenced by

observation of, or involvement in, the activity that establishes the component position or

status. For most operating activities, independence can best be achieved by separating the

operation and the verification by time and distance. For example: