Communication between Operators and Process Personnel

DOE-STD-1037-93

4.4 Communication between Operators and Process Personnel

Open lines of communication must exist between operators and process support personnel.

Prior to beginning activities that could affect a unique process, an operator should contact

the appropriate process support personnel. This will enable work groups to coordinate

interrelated activities. For the same reason, supervisors should include personnel from all

affected activities in pre-job planning sessions and briefings.

During abnormal and emergency situations, it is essential that all work groups function as

a team to provide prompt corrective action. For groups of personnel to function effectively

as a team, the individuals must possess both technical and teamwork skills. Team

deficiencies, such as communications, considered insignificant during normal operations,

become major obstacles to making decisions and initiating appropriate corrective actions

during abnormal conditions. Effective communication between work groups, therefore, is

an essential aspect of teamwork, and is vitally important to safe and reliable operations.