Resetting Protective Devices

DOE-STD-1041-93

Changing flow rate on heat exchanging systems

Changing air flow rate on filtered air systems

Changing chemical injection rates

Starting up or shutting down large electrical equipment that would cause electrical

power surges and electrical power load changes.

However, personnel could decrease load or rate without approval, if necessary, to respond

to an emergency situation in accordance with the facility's emergency procedures.

4.1.7

Resetting Protective Devices

Protective devices are mechanisms (e.g., circuit breakers, fuses, facility protection channels

where multichannel logic exists) that protect a piece of equipment, a system, the facility,

personnel, and the environment. When an automatic protective action occurs, the cause

should be known, understood, and corrected before resetting the protective devices.

Resetting will require that the operator understand how the protective device works,

including trip setpoint(s), protective device operation, and current trip signal condition (e.g.,

signal present or signal absent).

Because the consequences of inappropriately resetting protective devices vary considerably,

good judgment and specific guidance are necessary when resetting protective devices.

Management should provide the appropriate guidance and procedures to deal with resetting

protective devices. Management should specify the types of protective devices that can be

reset without formal investigation and how many times a device can be reset before

investigating the problem. For example, if a protective device is reset and trips for a second

time for no apparent reason, the device should not be reset until the cause is known and

corrected.

If a protective device causes a facility trip or unplanned forced shutdown, a thorough

investigation is required in accordance with DOE Order 5480.19, Chapter VI,

"Investigation of Abnormal Events."

4.2 Safety Practices

4.2.1

Use of Safety Equipment

Personnel should be instructed on the importance of adhering to the facility's industrial

safety program. In addition, they should be informed of the potential safety hazards in their

work spaces. Proper hearing, eye, head, foot, and respiratory protection should be worn

in designated areas to prevent injury. Similarly, ladders or other approved means should

be used to access equipment located in the overhead when permanent steps or catwalks are