Preparing to Assess Operations Procedures

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Step-by-step execution required. "in hand," "reader-worker routine," or "step sign offs" are

all methods that ensure step-by-step use of a procedure. This method is used for complex

tasks, tasks which have significant consequences of error, infrequently performed tasks, or

when the worker is training or has not performed the task for a period of time and is not very

familiar with it.

Open for reference. The written procedure is still intended to be followed, but step-by-step

referral by the operator is not required. The procedure could be open on a workbench or

posted on a wall for operator reference. This method is used for routine evolutions and

frequently performed evolutions by fully trained individuals who perform the evolution often.

For training only. Procedures exist but are of such a nature that they are not needed for the

actual operation. These procedures are used only to train new operators.

Another type of operations procedure is an emergency procedure. These procedures are normally

divided into two sections: (1) immediate actions and (2) supplementary actions. When using

these procedures during actual emergencies, management might expect operators to have the

immediate actions for each postulated problem memorized and then refer to the emergency

procedure to conduct supplementary actions.

Another type of procedure is the alarm response or annunciator response procedure which

provides in a few steps, the actions to be taken when the annunciator or alarm is initiated.

6.16.2 Preparing to Assess Operations Procedures. To develop an assessment plan for

Operations Procedures, assessors should first review the activity-specific graded-approach

document for conduct of operations and determine which guidelines are applicable at the

activity. This will allow them to determine the scope of the assessment and which applicable

activity policies and procedures to review when developing the assessment plan. Sections 5.4

and 5.8 provide a detailed explanation of assessment planning and the use of assessment

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