Discussion - s1041cn0015

DOE-STD-1041-93

3. DISCUSSION

"Shift Routines and Operating Practices" addresses the professional conduct and good work station

practices that result in appropriate attention to facility conditions. It discusses the authority to

operate equipment and the status control that is essential to controlling and coordinating facility

activities. Emphasis is also placed on effective equipment monitoring and data recording, including

notifying supervisors promptly of unusual or unexpected situations. This notification process ensures

proper attention is given to changing and off-normal conditions. Industrial safety practices, including

radiological and hazardous material protection, are also addressed.

Industrial, military, and commercial utility operating experience has shown that professional conduct

and sound operating practices result in a safer, more efficiently run facility. Two key principles to

professional conduct and sound operating practices are formality and ownership. Formality is

performing all duties according to approved practices and procedures. It ensures a more alert work

force and business-like atmosphere. Ownership is an attitude whereby individuals accept total

responsibility for maintaining their assigned work station in the best possible operating condition.

The responsibility for safely operating a DOE facility rests with the on-shift personnel. Safe operation

is accomplished through adherence to procedures, technical safety requirements (formerly technical

specifications or operational safety requirements), and sound operating practices. The authority and

responsibility for facility operations should be vested in the cognizant supervisor or manager and be

transferred only through formal turnover to a qualified relief.

Establishing clear lines of authority and responsibility for controlling facility operations, including

equipment and systems, will enhance facility operations. The authority for operating certain

equipment and systems may be given to specific work stations, however the supervisor maintaining

ultimate responsibility for the equipment must be notified prior to changes in status. During

emergencies, operators should be authorized to take the necessary actions to place the facility in a

safe operating or shutdown condition. In this case, the change in status would be reported to the

supervisor after the fact.

During special tests, evolutions, or abnormal conditions, personnel should be aware that the

responsibility and authority to decide corresponding operating conditions, system alignments, or

equipment manipulations rests fully with the on-duty supervisor. This supervisor should not permit

any individual to bypass or overrule his/her operational judgment without bringing the matter to the

attention of a higher operational authority.

An effective equipment and area monitoring program will help ensure that abnormal conditions and

adverse trends are detected in a timely manner. The program should address the equipment and areas

to be monitored and the monitoring frequency. This monitoring or inspecting can be accomplished

through operator inspection tours (inspection tours). A list of areas and associated equipment under

an operator's control should be used to assist personnel in performing inspection tours.

Round inspection sheets (round sheets) can also be used to record equipment parameters during

inspection tours. Recording these parameters will assist personnel in detecting trends and serve as