Observation - std55050080

DOE-EM-STD-5505-96

operations. The following situations are good candidates for conducting observations:

Maintenance operations that require interface or coordination with other shift positions and

the use of lockouts and tagouts

Startup and shutdown of systems and equipment that require component alignment

Process or rate change operations

Installation of temporary equipment or system modifications

Equipment and system testing and return to service

Equipment reported and placed out of commission

There are several aspects of the program that can be assessed during these operations. For

example, while observing the shutdown of a system or a component to conduct preventive

maintenance, the following items might be observed:

Performance and documentation of a system alignment upon shutdown, prior to testing, and

before return to service

Authorization, communication, and documentation of status changes from system shutdown

to return to service

Preparation, review, and approval of maintenance and testing documentation

The preparation, review, approval, documentation, and placement of locks and tags

Independent verification of locks and tags, and system alignments

Observing the activities and operations discussed above should be supplemented with several

activity walkthroughs and tours with operators, maintenance personnel, and shift supervisors.

During walkthroughs, the following additional aspects of equipment control can normally be

evaluated:

Documentation of and compliance with operational limits for equipment and systems

Control of alarm status and actions taken to monitor equipment parameters when alarms are

deenergized

Administrative control systems used to review, approve, document, and audit the installation