Information Notice 1985-53, Performance of NRC-Licensed Individuals While on Duty

Performance of NRC-Licensed Individuals While on Duty

ML031180229
Person / Time
Site:	Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Mcguire, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Palo Verde, Perry, Indian Point, Fermi, Kewaunee, Catawba, Harris, Wolf Creek, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Watts Bar, Hope Creek, Grand Gulf, Cooper, Sequoyah, Byron, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Three Mile Island, Braidwood, Susquehanna, Summer, Prairie Island, Columbia, Seabrook, Brunswick, Surry, Limerick, North Anna, Turkey Point, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Diablo Canyon, Callaway, Vogtle, Waterford, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, Clinton, South Texas, San Onofre, Cook, Comanche Peak, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Midland, Bellefonte, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, McGuire, LaSalle, 05000000, Zimmer, Fort Saint Vrain, Shoreham, Satsop, Trojan, Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant, Skagit, Marble Hill
Issue date:	07/12/1985
From:	Taylor J NRC/OE, NRC/OI
To:
References
IN-85-053, NUDOCS 8507110094
Download: ML031180229 (7)

SSINS No.: 6835 IN 85-53 UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 July 12, 1985 IE INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 85-53: PERFORMANCE OF NRC-LICENSED INDIVIDUALS

WHILE ON DUTY

Addressees

All nuclear power reactor facilities holding an operating license (OL) or a

construction permit (CP).

Purpose

In February 1981, the attached IE Circular 81-02 was issued. This Circular, which was prompted by an NRC inspector's observation of two licensed reactor

operators who appeared to be asleep while on duty in the control room, provided

guidance on conditions and practices which the NRC believes to be necessary

for the maintenance of a professional atmosphere in the control room and through- out the facility. The purpose of this information notice is to reaffirm the

general principles of control room operations which were provided over four

years ago. While some of the regulatory references cited in the Circular may

have been modified or updated since that time, the basic standards of control

room professionalism remain valid as critical elements for continued safe

reactor operations.

Description of Circumstances

Continuing observation of control room operation by NRC inspectors indicates

that, in general, the high standards of control room professionalism described

in IE Circular 81-02 are being met at most facilities. Nevertheless, recent

NRC observations at some operating facilities indicate the need for further

management attention to one of the areas described in the Circular:

"Potentially distracting activities in the control room and other

watch stations must be prohibited (for example: radios, TV,

alcohol use or drug abuse, games, horseplay, hobbies, and

reading that is not directly job related)."

In some facility control rooms, NRC inspectors have observed that the playing

of music and operator occupation with reading material that is not job related

continues to be condoned by management. Many utilities have established and

are enforcing a policy which prohibits such activities by on-shift personnel.

Such activities can potentially distract the on-shift personnel from the

performance of their duties and from the monitoring of plant operations and

8507110094

IN 85-53 July 12, 1985 status. It is expected that recipients will review the information in this

notice and the attached Circular for applicability to their facilities and

consider action, if appropriate, to ensure the highest standards of control

room operations.

No specific action or written response is required by this information notice.

If there are any questions regarding this matter, please contact the Regional

Administrator of the appropriate NRC regional office or this office.

Director

ie of In ection and Enforcement

J. G. Partlow, IE

301-492-4614 Attachments:

1. IE Circular 81-02

2. List of Recently Issued IE Information Notices

Attachment 1

IN 85153 8 SSINS No.: 6830 Page of 48008220282 Accession No.:

IEC 81-02 UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 February 9, 1981 I

IE Circular No. 81-02: PERFORMANCE OF NRC-LICENSED INDIVIDUALS WHILE ON

DUTY

Description of Circumstances

Recently, an NRC inspector observed two licensed reactor operators who

appeared to be asleep while on duty in the control room. A subsequent NRC

investigation into the matter concluded that the operators were not fully

attentive to their licensed duties of monitoring reactor conditions, which

is a serious matter of safety significance. Furthermore, the investigation

concluded that management controls were inadequate to assure the alertness

of licensed operators while on duty. Enforcement action was taken after

it was determined that attentive operators were not present at the controls

as required by 10 CFR 50.54(k).

Discussion:

NRC believes that a relationship exists between the professional attitude of

a nuclear plant's operating and management personnel and the degree to which

the health and safety of the public is protected. NRC believes that

professional attitude is reflected in high standards of performance including

pride in the facility as demonstrated by the nuclear power plant staff.

Factors making up this professional attitude include knowledge of all aspects

of plant status by licensed control room operators, maintaining an orderly and

clean working environment, aggressiveness of the operating staff to prevent

operational problems, and correcting observed deficiencies. NRC believes that

clarification of its position on this subject is necessary because several

recent events involving licensed operators indicate a lack of a professional

attitude at some nuclear power plants.

The following conditions and practices are among those the NRC believes to

be necessary for the maintenance of a professional atmosphere in the

control room and throughout the facility.

1. All on-duty NRC-licensed operators and operating supervisors must be

aware of and responsible for the plant status at all times. This

includes supervisors being responsible for the performance of all

personnel assigned to their shift who could affect plant safety, regardless' of specialty affiliation. Knowledge of the plant's

status must be assured during shift changes by a formal watch

turnover and relief.

Attachment:

Recently issued IE circulars

Attachment 1 IEC 81-02 IN 85-53 February 9, 1981 July 12, 1985 2. All on-duty NRC-licensed operators must be alert, remain within their

immediate areas of responsibility until properly relieved, and be

particularly attentive to the instrumentation and controls located

within these areas at all times.

3. Potentially distracting activities in the control room and other watch

stations must be prohibited (for example: radios, TV, alcohol use or

drug abuse, games, horseplay, hobbies, and reading that is not directly

job related).

4. Control room access must be limited to those persons on official

business only and loitering in this area must be prohibited.

5. All necessary plant-related technical/administrative control room

business must be conducted at a location and in such a manner that

neither licensed control room operator attentiveness nor the professional

atmosphere will be compromised. This includes activities associated with

the use of special eating and training facilities for on-shift personnel.

Additional Information:

NRC inspectors will be particularly mindful of those conditions and practices

described above during future inspections of licensed nuclear facilities.

For more specific information, you are referred to the following NRC documents:

1. 10 CFR 50, "Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities,"

Paragraph 50.54

2. 10 CFR 55, "Operators' Licenses," Paragraph 55.31 and 55.40

3. Regulatory Guide 1.114, "Guidance on Being Operator at the Controls

of a Nuclear Power Plant"

4. IE Information Notice 79-20, Revision 1, "NRC Enforcement Policy -

NRC-Licensed Individuals"

5. Letter from D. G. Eisenhut, NRC, to All Licensees and Applicants, dated July 31, 1980, Subject: Interim Criteria for Shift Staffing

The following excerpts are taken from some of these documents and are

provided for your information:

1. Only licensed operators are permitted to manipulate the controls

that directly affect the reactivity or power level of a reactor

[10 CFR 50.54(i)].

2. Licensed operators are required to be present at the controls at all

times during the operation of the facility [10 CFR 50.54(k)].

3. Operation of mechanisms and apparatus other than controls that may

indirectly affect the power level or reactivity of a reactor shall

oKly be accomplished with the knowledge and consent of an operator

licensed in accordance with Part 55 [10 CFR 50.54(j)].

Attachment 1 IEC 81-02 IN 85-53 February 9, 1981 July 12, 1985 4. The NRC-licensed individual shall observe all applicable rules, regulations and orders of the Commission, whether or not stated

in the license [10 CFR 55.31(d)].

5. The operating test, to the extent applicable to the facility, requires the applicant to demonstrate an understanding of:

The necessity for a careful approach to the responsibility

associated with the safe operation of the facility

[10 CFR 55.23(1)).

6. In order for the operator at the controls of a nuclear power plant

to be able to carry out these and other responsibilities in a timely

fashion, he must give his attention to the condition of the plant

at all times. He must be alert to ensure that the plant is operating

safely aid must be capable of taking action to prevent any progress

toward a condition that might be unsafe (Regulatory Guide 1.114.B).

NRC policy regarding responsibility for safe operation of NRC-licensed

facilities as stated in IE Information Notice 79-20, Revision 1, continues

to be as follows:

1. "The facility licensee is responsible for assuring that the facility

is operated safely and within the requirements of the license, technical specifications, rules, regulations, and Orders of the NRC,

and for the actions of their on-duty employees while on site."

2. "NRC-licensed individuals are responsible for taking timely and proper

actions that will not create or cause a hazard to 'safe operation of

the facility' (i.e., actions or activities, including failure to take

action, related to the facility that could have an adverse effect on

the health and safety of the public, plant workers, or the individuals)."

Recommended Action for Licensee's Consideration:

Each power reactor licensee should review and revise, as necessary, their

administrative controls regarding operator performance to ensure the guidance

contained or referenced herein is incorporated. These administrative controls

should prescribe performance requirements for licensed personnel and specify

types of activities that are prohibited while licensed personnel are on duty.

These administrative controls should be considered for applicability to other

plant personnel whose actions, while on duty, may affect plant safety or the

orderly conduct of facility operation. Licensees should assure dissemination

of these administrative requirements to affected personnel.* It is also

requested that licensees have their licensed personnel review this Circular

and IE Information Notice 79-20, Revision 1, as well as Regulatory Guide 1.114.

No written response to this Circular is required. If you require additional

information regarding this matter, contact the Director of the appropriate

NRC Regional Office.

"A copy of this Circular was mailed directly to each licensed reactor operator

and senior reactor operator.

Attachment 1 Attachment

IN 85-53 IEC 81-02 July 12, 1985 February 9, 1981 RECENTLY ISSUED

IE CIRCULARS

Circular Date of

No. Subject Issue Issued to

81-01 Design Problems Involving 1/23/81 All power reactor

Indicating Pushbutton facilities with

Switches Manufactured by an OL or CP

Honeywell Incorporated

80-25 Case Histories of 12/5/80 All radiography

Radiography Events licensees

80-24 AECL Teletherapy Unit 12/2/80 All teletherapy

Malfunction licensees

80-23 Potential Defects in Beloit 10/31/80 All power reactor

Power Systems Emergency facilities with

Generators OL or a CP

80-22 Confirmation of Employee 10/2/80 All holders of a

Qualifications power reactor OL or CP

architect-engineering

companies and nuclear

steam system suppliers

80-21 Regulation of Refueling 9/10/80 All holders of a

Crews power reactor OL or CP

80-20 Changes in.Safe-Slab Tank 8/21/80 All Part 50 and Part

Dimensions 70 fuel facility

licensees

80-19 Noncompliance with 8/26/80 All medical licensees

License Requirements for

Medical Licensees

80-18 10 CFR 50.59 Safety 8/22/80 All power reactor

Evaluations for Changes to facilities with an

Radioactive Waste Treatment OL or CP

Systems

80-17 Fuel Pin Damage Due to Water 7/23/80 All holders of PWR

Jet from Baffle Plate Corner OLs and PWR CPs

OL = Operating Licenses

CP = Construction Permit

Attachment 2 IN 85-53 July 12, 1985 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED

IE INFORMATION NOTICES

Information Date of

Notice No. Subject Issue Issued to

85-52 Errors In Dose Assessment 7/10/85 All power reactor

Computer Codes And Reporting facilities holding

Requirements Under 10 CFR an OL or CP

Part 21

85-51 Inadvertent Loss Or Improper 7/10/85 All power reactor

Actuation Of Safety-Related facilities holding

Equipment an OL or CP

85-50 Complete Loss Of Main And 7/8/85 All power reactor

Auxiliary Feedwater At A PWR facilities holding

-Designed By Babcock & Wilcox an OL or CP

85-49 Relay Calibration Problem 7/1/85 All power reactor

facilities holding

an OL or CP

85-48 Respirator Users Notice: 6/19/85 All power reactor

Defective Self-Contained facilities holding

Breathing Apparatus Air an OL or CP, research, Cylinders and test reactor, fuel cycle and

Priority 1 material

licensees

85-47 Potential Effect Of Line- 6/18/85 All power reactor

Induced Vibration On Certain facilities holding

Target Rock Solenoid-Operated an OL or CP

Valves

85-46 Clarification Of Several 6/10/85 All power reactor

Aspects Of Removable Radio- facilities holding

active Surface Contamination an OL

Limits For Transport Packages

85-45 Potential Seismic Interaction 6/6/85 All power reactor

Involving The Movable In-Core facilities holding

Flux Mapping System Used In an OL or CP

Westinghouse Designed Plants

OL = Operating License

CP = Construction Permit