Observation - Continued

DOE-EM-STD-5505-96

Workers conducting a thorough tour of all areas within his/her responsibility, making

appropriate equipment inspections at designated times at least once per shift (inspected less

frequently because of adverse radiological or equivalent personnel safety conditions, or more

frequently if problems have been encountered.)

During walkthroughs and inspections by operators and supervisors, the following aspects of Shift

Routines and other related elements of conduct of operations can normally be evaluated:

The scope, detail, and periodicity of operator inspection tours

Adherence to personnel protection practices, postings, radiation and safe work permits, etc.

Response to instrument readings, indications, and abnormal conditions

Use and adequacy of the notification process regarding changes in status, abnormalities, and

difficulties encountered during operations

Communication between shift positions

The use of narrative operating logs and round/tour inspection sheets

The adequacy of shift turnover documentation and the process used

Workers checking components, such as electrical panels, alarm panels, auto-start standby

equipment, and breakers for unusual conditions.

Workers inspecting all areas for which they are responsible

Supervisory personnel periodically monitoring operator rounds.

Operators, maintenance personnel, and shift supervisors from each shift should be observed

during the assessment. If possible, the observation of a particular shift position should start at

shift turnover since vital information about the operating status of equipment and systems, and

operations and maintenance in progress, is passed between shifts at this time.

To observe an operator performing rounds the following methodology could be used:

Observe shift turnover conducted between the on-coming and off-going operators. Pay

attention to the information passed verbally between the operators concerning operations