Introduction - std55050015

DOE-EM-STD-5505-96

1. INTRODUCTION

Conduct of operations includes those attitudes, processes, and precautions taken in the interest of

safety. The exact features of a system of conduct of operations may be different at different

activities. The common feature is a formality of operations which will vary in form and degree

depending on the conditions and hazards of the activity. The most intensive application of

conduct of operations would be found at the most hazardous activities subject to repetitive types

of evolutions.

Operational formality is a structured and systematic way of performing work. It is not simply a

listing of functional areas, but rather a mind set, or way of doing business. A comprehensive

program of operational formality should provide detailed guidance for performing essential

elements of operations, such as: shift routines, communications, control of equipment, lockouts

and tagouts, logkeeping, operations procedures, and equipment labeling.

DOE Directives which require implementation of conduct of operations throughout the DOE

complex are based on well-developed industrial operations practices. The guidelines in those

DOE Directives were written to be flexible so that conduct of operations could be implemented at

any Environmental Management (EM) activity. To ensure that DOE contractors have

appropriately implemented conduct of operations, contractor operations must be assessed

periodically.

The purpose of this Department of Energy (DOE) limited technical standard is to (1) provide

DOE Field Element assessors with a guide for conducting operations assessments, and (2) provide

DOE Field Element managers with the criteria of the EM Operations Assessment Program.