ML17306A518

Rev 0 to Nuclear Administrative & Technical Manual 01PR-0QQ02, Employee Concerns Program Policy.

ML17306A518
Person / Time
Site:	Palo Verde
Issue date:	10/22/1989
From:	Ballard B, Conway W, Russo C ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE CO. (FORMERLY ARIZONA NUCLEAR
To:
Shared Package
ML17306A515	List: ML17306A514 ML17306A516 ML17306A518
References
01PR-0QQ02, 1PR-QQ2, NUDOCS 9203090270
Download: ML17306A518 (20)

Text

ONTROLLED DOCUM T NUCLEAR ADMINISTRATIYEAND TECHNICAL MANUAL Page 1 of 6 Revision 01PR-OQQ02 EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAM POLICY RECORD OF REVISIONS REVISION DATE REASON 09/15/89 New Policy TECNNICA REVIEWSIG ATURE DA TE LEAD ANAGE VIE

/ -(o-9 DA TE APPROVED SIGNATURE BY'ffective PRB REV EW I NAT . IF RE UIRED j

DA TE DATE Date:

DDC DNL7 ASSIGNED COPY NUMBERS DH-6721E 0746E PV21648NK (~) 92030'70270 920225 PDR ADOCK 05000528 P PDR

L ONTROLLED DOCUM T NUCLEAR ADMINISTRATIVEAND TECHNICAL MANUAI >>se 2 o<<

Revision 01PR-OQQOZ 0 EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAM POLICY TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE NUMBER 1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1.1 Purpose 3 1.2 Scope 3 2.0 .RESPONSIBILITIES 3.0 POLICY 4.0 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

5.0 REFERENCES

6. 0 APPENDICES

l CONTROLLED DOCUMENT NUCLEAR ADMINISTRATIVEAND TECHNICAL MANUAL P'g' <<6 Revision 01PR-OQQ02 0 EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAM POLICY 1.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1.1 ~Per ose The purpose of this policy is to establish the Arizona Public Service Co., (APS) position and commitment for the Employee Concerns Program at Palo Verde and to identify organizations and responsibilities relating to fulfillment of policy objectives.

1~2 ~Sco 6 This policy encompasses activities related to any concern submitted to the program and applies to all personnel who work at, or in support of, the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS).

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Executive Vice President - Nuclear Ultimately responsible for the overall establishment, implementation, and effectiveness of the Employee Concerns Program at Palo Verde, and to assign a Senior Management Review Committee to provide advice and counsel regarding adverse trends or conditions identified by the program.

2.2 A/ C Director Assists the Executive Vice President - Nuclear in implementation and control of the Employee Concerns Program. Has the authority to cross organizational lines to identify and require effective resolution of problems which are presented in Employee Concerns or discovered during investigation of those concerns.

Acts as Chairman and utilizes a Senior Management Review Committee to evaluate and report on employee concerns indicating significant problems or adverse trends which may require Executive Management attention or action.

2.3 Em lo ee Concerns Mana er Responsible to provide for daily management and direction of the Employee Concerns Program in support of the Executive Vice President Nuclear, and the QA/QC Director.

Responsible to assure receipt, evaluation, classification, documentation and resolution of all concerns presented to the Program.

~ f0NTROLLED DOCUMENT NUCLEAR ADMlNlSTRATlVEAND TECHNlCALMANUAL Page 4 of 6 Revision 01PR-OQQ02 0 EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAM POLICY Assigns investigation of concerns to Employee Concerns Representatives or to line PVNGS Management. Has the responsibility and authority to assure timely and effective investigation, resolution and reporting from those assigned these investigations.

Promotes open and active management/employee communications, to the extent practicable, to assure early problem identification and resolution.

Provides periodic reports to Senior Management reflecting overall program status, significant problem identification, and any indicated adverse trends.

2.4 PVNGS Mana ement Perform assigned concern investigations in a timely manner, effect problem resolution, and report on these efforts in accordance with the Employee Concerns Program Procedure and as specified by the Employee Concerns Manager.

2.5 Em lo ee Concerns Senior Mana ement Revie~ Committee Meet quarterly, or more often if scheduled by the Chairman, to review concerns for significant conditions or negative trends which could have an adverse effect upon station operations or activities.

Provide counsel to the Executive Vice President - Nuclear in these matters and recommend actions to be taken if determined necessary.

3.0 POLICY APS personnel at all levels are encouraged"'and expected to communicate in an active and open manner such that known problems which may affect any aspect of our performance are quickly identified and satisfactorily resolved.

This Policy applies to all employees including management and supervision, contractors, and their employees.

APS is committed to quality and safety in the operation of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and throughout the APS nuclear generating program. APS as a whole, and each employee, is responsible for assuring that this commitment is met. Concerns which could have an adverse impact on the safe and reliable operation of the station or which may adversely affect our nuclear operations must be reported promptly and be adequately resolved.

ONTROLLED DOCUM 'T NUCLEAR ADMINlSTRATlVEAND TECHNlCAL MANUAL Page 5 of 6 Revision 01PR-OQQ02 0 EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAM POLICY Each employee is expected to bring their safety concerns and problems to the attention of their immediate supervisor. Should employees have a reason to feel that their safety concerns or problems have not been or will not be adequately addressed through the use of these normal channels, they should report their concern or problem to the Employee Concerns program. There are several ways to do this:

1. Call the Employee Concerns Office - Extension 6701;

2. Visit the Employee Concerns Office - North Annex (Room 227);

3 ~ Call the Employee Concerns Direct Line - 944-5444;

4. Complete an Employee Concern Disclosure Form when exiting; or,

5. Have a personal interview when exiting.

When reporting a concern to the Employee Concerns Program, employees may request confidentiality. Every effort will be made not to disclose their identity outside the Employee Concerns Program.

.Concerns reported under the Employee Concerns Program will be investigated, resolved, and documented. In cases where action is required to correct a reported condition, the completion of the will be verified. A description of the actions taken to address action the concern will be available to the employee who raised the concern.

Although employees have a duty to report their concerns to APS, concerns may also he identified directly to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Region V (415) 943-3700, or Site Resident (602) 393-3737, Employees are protected by law against harassment, intimidation or retaliation for identifying nuclear safety concerns. Their rights in this regard as well as other relevant information are summarized in NRC Form 3 which is posted widely throughout PVNGS and other facilities supporting our nuclear operations.

Moreover, APS will not tolerate harassment, intimidation, discrimination or other acts of retaliation against any employee for identifying any concern to either Supervision, Management, Employee Concerns Program, or the HRC. If an employee believes they have been, or are being, discriminated against because of identifying a concern, they should immediately report this directly to the Employee Concerns Program on site.

4.0 DEFINITIOHS AND ABBREVIATIONS 4.1 PVHGS - Palo Verde Huclear Generating Station 4.2 QA/QC - Quality Assurance/Quality Control 4.3 APS Arizona Public Service Company

r CONTROLLED DOCUMENT NUCLEAR ADMINISTRATIVEAND TECHNICAL MANUAL Revision 01PR-OQQ02 EMPLOYEE CONCERNS PROGRAM POLICY

5.0 REFERENCES

5.1 Implementing References 5.1.1 60DP-OQQ06 - Employee Concerns Program 5.2 Developmental References 5.2.1 Letter k'022-01266IWFC/BEBITCSICWJ-WF Conway to all Palo Verde Employees, dated September 21, 1989 - "Palo Verde Employee Concerns" 6.0 APPENDICES NONE

C t

I

~ $ 124QQA ttev a ag ~ 190 tX01?I IBXidtNI RECON ZD Arizona PubOc Service Company FEB 26 199(l COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE J M. Qgp(Np tDr 268-00034 JNB/WFC DATE February 22, l990 TO Sta a Palo Verde Employees Ext FROM.

Sta, a 9012 Exl

/

FILETS 90-003-493 SUBJECT PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION A recent event prompts me to remind you that employees at Palo Verde have a personal responsibility to report problems or abnormal conditions that may come to their attention. This is in line with our corporate policy and my own expectations for employee performance. We work in a very demanding technology and each of us can serve as an extra pair of "eyes and ears" to assure that things are done properly at Palo Verde.

I understand that during a recent incident investigation, some individuals who were in a position to help pinpoint the exact cause of a problem were reluctant to cooperate, possibly due to fear of retaliation by management. That is completely wrong We.~de end on you to report such problems so that we can take prompt corrective action. People sometimes make mistakes or take inappropriate action; we are not interested in punishing people but rather in fixing the problem, preventing its reoccurrence and operating a safe plant.

If you report observe an unsafe or abnormal situation, regardless of to your supervisor immediately. If you have it about fault, any reservations talking to your supervisor, contact our Employee Concerns staff (Telephone No. 944-5444 or Ext. 6701) who will assure that your confidentiality is protected. Under no circumstances will an employee suffer embarrassment, discrimination or any other form of personnel action or penalty for making such a report or cooperating in an investigation; this is against the law. Problem identification and reporting is the duty and responsibility of every employee. Please help.

JNB/WFC/cs

k

'P A V E y R D E alo Verde's business practices are undergoing dramatic change

~ ~ ~ L ~

~

',] 4'gjf<efweg I a ~ ~ and improvement.

The new Business Plan, developed eC earlier this year, was issued last month by senior management. Executive Vice President I '

Bill Conway explained the basis of the plan to NEW ERA. He says he wants employees to become familiar with the Business Plan and to

.Ql ~1 CMkkllw,~SR44V use it effectively in their jobs.

The five-year Business Plan was formu-

• At% al lated using the plant's mission: To generate

~

electricity in a safe, reliable, economic and enuironmentally sound manner for the benefit of our customers, owners and employees.

"Allorganizafions musf work togefher."

"This or a similar mission has existed for many years," Conway said. "However, I believe we have not yet fully achieved our mission. We must manage and operate Palo Verde in a manner that serves the interest of our shareholders and customers as a business enterprise."

In May 1990, Conway assembled a small working group to develop a business plan tailored to specific Palo Verde needs. This group, along with senior management, designed the plan to communicate consistent Continued on page 2 SEPTEMBER 1990

I Pl i

~ i PV EMPLOYEE HELPS MOTORlST any Palo Verde employees have stopped to help dis-tressed or stranded motorists on the way to and from the plant. James Crews, Unit 1 Work Control, took his turn recently and received a note of thanks from the woman he assisted:

I should have written this sooner, but better late than never. About a month ago, I was on my way home to Mesa with my "If someone takes the time to write me a sister from California. I was so busy chit-xecutive Vice President Bill Conway chatting with my sister that I neglected to knows Palo Verde employees are letter and sign his or her name, I will in turn watch my gas gauge and, needless to say, interested and concerned about the take the time to compliment that person I ran out of gas.

plant. He talks to employees daily and then follow up on the issue. It takes a This very nice man who works for your ab~heir likes and dislikes, and listens to strong person to put his or her signature on a company stopped, took us to a gas sta-thug gestions and ideas. And he works letter containing concerns. I admire those employees who feel strongly enough about tion, brought us back to the car and put diligently to investigate and resolve the gasin. He would accept no money for employee complaints. certain issues to bring them to my attention.

assisting us.

He can do that most effectively when he However, I can only address concerns in let-I can't tell you how relieved we were to knows who is identifying a concern. He ters with signatures, because I need to follow have such a gentleman stop and help us cannot do that when he receives anony- up and tell the employee what has been done on such a warm day.

mous letters from "concerned employees." about the request."

Ifyou give Good Samaritan awards, he Conway says it is important to have a con- would get ours. His nameis James V tact person with whom he can follow up and Crews. He worksin the Unit 1 Work make further inquiries. "I can't deal with ghosts," Control Department at the Palo Verde "My door is always open," said Conway. "I Nuclear Generating Station.

am anxious to hear your concerns if they Thanks for having such caring haven't been dealt with properly in your work employees!

area. But I can't deal with ghosts. If you send Conway suggests the following steps in me a letter without signing your name, how addressing concerns to management:

Marlene Thompson will you know I received it? How can I let you 1. Bring your concern to the attention of your know I have investigated your concerns if I immediate supervisor and discuss it. Tell don't even know who you are? Please sign your supervisor how and when you would your name. There will be no retribution." like to see the concern resolved.

2. If, in your opinion, you do not receive an adequate response, address the concern with your manager.

"Mydooris always open." 3. If your concern is a Human Resources FIRE OR MEDICAL matter, contact your employee representative.

4. If you prefer to remain anonymous with EMERGENCY Conway told NEW ERA he respects those employees who come forward, either in per- your concern, call Employee Concerns at Dia/4444 ext. 82-6701.

so~y writing and signing a letter, to

5. If you have followed these steps and still Ide~ areas in their departments that need feel your concern has not been resolved, improvement. He also likes to hear positive news about what's going well at Palo Verde. write and sign a letter or stop by and see Mr. Conway. ~

I Arizona Public Service Company COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE ID: 288-01547-WFC Date: April 9, 1991 To: Palo Verde Employees, Contract Employees & Visitors Sta:

Ext:

From: W.F. Conway St:i: 9082 Ext: 81-3900 Fili.". 91-172-419

Subject:

Standards and Expectations Our goal continues to be the operation of the safest, most efficient nuclear power plant in the country. To help accomplish this, I am providing Standards;md Expectations for Palo Verde.

These Standards and Expectations are based upon those issued in May 1989; however, this issue broadens the scope to include the responsibilities of contract employees and visitors as well as PVNGS direct employees. In addition, the PVNGS Business Plan and Long Range Pl;m are incorporated into this new edition.

Each PVNGS organization has developed more specific programs for their employees. Division Standards &

Expectations expand upon, and support this document.

It is my desire and intent that each and every member of the Palo Verde organization coinmit to these standards and expectations.

WFC/ntte Enclosure

0