Discussion cont'd - s1042cn10016

DOE-STD-1042-93

these professional practices embody high standards of technical and ethical performance and

help build a foundation for safe and reliable facility operation. Professional behavior during

normal operations carries over to handling off-normal and emergency situations safely and

efficiently. Maintaining a clean, quiet, neat and orderly environment enhances control area

professionalism. Also, this type of environment makes it easier to operate and makes a

positive statement about the personnel working there.

Monitoring the instrumentation and control panels in the control area provides personnel

with current facility operating information and a means of detecting abnormal conditions

before they become problem situations. Although some of the parameters displayed in the

control area may also be displayed locally, the control area provides a central area for

displaying and monitoring these parameters.

Besides providing an area for consolidating remote indications, the control area may have

controls for operating facility equipment. These controls could be used to operate remote

equipment in areas with high personnel hazards (e.g., radiation areas, toxic environments) or

emergency equipment. In either case, unauthorized operation of controls may hinder facility

operation, stop facility operation, or create an adverse environmental, safety, or health

situation. These situations can be avoided by identifying who has the authority and

responsibility to operate control area equipment.

Monitoring and operating the instrumentation and control panels are the primary

responsibilities of control area personnel. When ancillary responsibilities are assigned, they

compete with the primary responsibilities for the time and attention of control area

personnel. Overburdening control area personnel with ancillary responsibilities will distract

them from properly monitoring facility parameters. A structured program for assigning

ancillary duties will prevent this situation.