ML19350A194
| ML19350A194 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Big Rock Point, Palisades File:Consumers Energy icon.png |
| Issue date: | 03/17/1977 |
| From: | Bixel D CONSUMERS ENERGY CO. (FORMERLY CONSUMERS POWER CO.) |
| To: | James Keppler NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III) |
| References | |
| IEC-76-07, IEC-76-7, NUDOCS 8103020761 | |
| Download: ML19350A194 (2) | |
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Mr James G Keppler l' y gi-L-
US Nuclear Regulatory Co H ssion 799 Roosevelt Road
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i DOCKETS 50-155 AND 50-255, LICE:ISES DPR-6 AND DPR BIG ROCK POINT AND PALISADES PLAUTS - RESPONSE TO CIRCULAR 76-07 The IE Circular No 76-07 cites numerous instances of inadequate perfor ance by reactor operating and support staff members at various licensed pcver reactor facilities.
In order to qualitatively assess Consumers Power Company's per-for=ance in this area, an in-depth stuty was conducted at both the Palisas s and Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plants and at the General Office. This study considered. established programs and processes designed to provide positive ensurance that members of our reactor operating and support staffs are cceplying with procedures in effect, and are aware of safety-related incidents that nave occurred at their specific facility and other similar facilities. The study focused on the specified areas of concern listed in Circular 76-07 The pur-pose of this letter is to provide the results of the study, specifically focusin6 on the three cited areas of concern:
I.
" Program for periodic shift and operator training whereT incidents which occur at your facility as well as at other licensed reactors, including all significant personnel areas, vill be reviewed with the objective of identifying 'the lessons to be learned'."
The formal training of active licensed operators and nonlicensed auxiliary operators is regularly maintained by requalification progra=s in effect at both nuclear plants operated by Consumers Power Company. At the Palisades and Big Rock Point Plants, the progran provides for formal training and/or testing.
These prograns ensure that a high degree of knowledge and proficiency is main-tained by the operating crews.
In addition to the for=alized training / testing program, the plant managements routinely review individual and industry-related safety and operational topics.
Plant-oriented areas include reviews of Plant Review Cc=mittee (PRC) meeting r
ninutes, facility operating incidents (Reportable Occurrences and Licensee Event Reports), and procedural and Technical Specifications changes.
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2 reviews are conducted, enco= passing plant generic areas including items taken frcs the ec=puter listing..f Licensee Event Reports received fro the Office of Management Infor=ation and Frogra: Control, URC Inspection Reports, letters, and circulars, and various vendor and consultant reports. These, coupled with infor=ation garnered fro = General Office support groups supplement the formalized training programs and ensure increased operator awareness of both internal and external events that i= pact directly on their perfor=ance.
II.
" Procedures routinely i=ple=ented by knowledgeable individuals to qualitatively assess the perfor=ance of the operating and support staff in such areas as adherence to operating procedures, use of syste= check lists, and i=ple=enta-tion of component and system tagouts.
This should include review of the degree to which operating procedures, tag out procedures and checklists require sign o ?f, ie, signature or initials to verify proper co=pletion and to identify the responsible individual."
e Individual performance is strictly =cnitored through formalized training / testing progra=3 and frequent supervisory reviews.
For=al technical and quality assurance audits are periodically conducted by various General Office Depart =ents enco=-
passing all areas of plant operations, maintenance and administration. The pur-pose of these reviews and audits is to ensure that for both the operator and the plant strict procedural co=pliance is =aintained and that deficiencies, when found, are rectified.
III.
" Procedures for random backshift and weekend visits by =anage=ent and super-vision to the facilities to =onitor and assess operations including crev manning and performance, equipment status and plant conditions."
Although no specific procedures exist for random backshift and weekend visits by Manage =ent, Management personnel do visit the site during the backshift and on the weeken:s.
Consu=ers Power Co=pany considers the Shift Supervisor as a = ember of the Manage =ent tea =.
Incumbent upon hi= are duties to =onitor and assess plant operations, including crev =anning and performance, equipment status, and plant conditions. Therefore, Consumers Power Cc=pany concludes that the qualificatient and duties of the Chift Supervisor negate the need for a strict for=at for pe-riodic backshift and weekend visits by other levels of Manage =ent and supervision.
David A Bixel (Signed)
David A Bixel Nuclear Licensing Administrator l
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