ML20059A240

Advises That Operator & Senior Operator Licensing Exams Scheduled for Wk of 901203.Preliminary License Applications Should Be Submitted at Least 30 Days Before First Exam Dates in Order to Review Training & Experience of Candidates

ML20059A240
Person / Time
Site:	Byron
Issue date:	08/14/1990
From:	Wright G NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION III)
To:	Reed C COMMONWEALTH EDISON CO.
References
NUDOCS 9008220173
Download: ML20059A240 (11)

Text

. _

=

y - r

.ti m ,

l f,  ;

AUG 1 ! 1993 i L

(-

1 E i

. Docket No. 50-454 Docket No.-50-455 Comonwealth Edison Company ATTN:' Mr. Cordell Reed ,. .!

Senior Vice President

% Licensing Department Suite 300 Opus West 111 1400 0 pus Place -

Downers Grove, IL 60515 L Gentlemen- i l

~

SUBJECT:

OPERATOR AND SENIOR OPERATOR LICENSING EXAMINATIONS l L In'a telephone conversation between Mr. Bob Lloyd and Mr. Tim Reidinger, l arrangements were made for the administration of licensing examinations at' a p the Byron Nuclear Power Station .  ;

l- ,

H The written and operating examinations are scheduled for the week of I December 3,'1990 .-

L In order for us to meet this schedule, it will be necessary for the facility j to furnish the approved reference material listed in Enclosure 1, " Reference Material' Requirements for Reactor / Senior Reactor Operator Licensing ~ Examinations" at least:60 days prior to the examination date. Any substandard or-incomplete' ]

material or delay in receiving approved properly bound and-. indexed reference material may ' result in a dely in administering the examinations. - Mr. 'Lloyd l

-has been advised of our reference material requirements, the number of reference- l

-material sets that.are required, and the examiners' names and addresses where each: set is.to be mailed.

The facility management is responsible for providing adequate space and ,

accommodations in order to properly conduct the written examinations.- J Enclosure-2, " Requirements-for Administration of Written Examinations," l describes our requirements for conducting these examinations. Mr. Lloyd

.has'also been informed of these requirements.

. Enclosure 3 contains the Ru and Guidelines that will be in effect during the administration of the wre an examination. The facility management is-responsible for ensuring that o11 applicants are' aware of these rules.

The facility staff review of the written examination will be conducted in accordance with requirements specified in Enclosure 4, " Requirements for Facility Review of Written Examinations." Mr. Lloyd has been informed of these' requirements.

n n nn n l' 9008220173 900814 PDR ADOCK 05000454

i. V PDC l l 1 '

L yt9L .

... . 1 Comonwealth Edison Company 2 AUG 141990 l To better document simulator examinations, the Chief Examiner will have the l

facility.simulatoroperatorrecordpredeterminedplantconditions(i.e., plant l pressure, temperature, pressurizer level,.etc.), for each simulator scenario.

The applicants will be responsible for providing this information with any appeal of a simulator operating examination. Therefore, the facility training staff should retain the sinolator examination scenario information until all applicants who took the examinations have eIther passed the

operating examination, accepted the denial of their license,-or filed an appeal.

l' i- Preliminary reactor operator and senior reactor operator license applications L should be submitted at least 30 days before the first examination dates so t

that we will be able to review the training and experience of the candidates, process the medical certifications, and prepare final examiner assignments af ter applicant eligibility has been determined. If the applications are not

! received at .least 30 days before the examination dates, it is likely that a i ' postponement will be necessary. Final signed applications certifying that all training has been completed shall be submitted at least 14 days before the 1 l first examination date. However, if processing of a license application is l l not completed in time to make a determination of applicant eligibility, the I L candidate shall not be permitted to sit for the examination. Therefore, it is l j' .recomended that license applications be provided as soon as possible to l ensure an appropriate level of review. J i

W s request is. covered Ly Office of Management and Budget Clearance Number

,. . -0101 which expires May 31,'1992. The estimated average burden is 7.7 hours8.101852e-5 days <br />0.00194 hours <br />1.157407e-5 weeks <br />2.6635e-6 months <br /> per response, including gatheing, xeroxing and mailing the required material.

Send coments regarding this berden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to ,

the Records and Reports Management Branch, Division of Information Support '

Services, Office of Information Resources Management, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory l Comission, Washington, D.C. 20555; and to the Paperwork Reduction Project

.(3150-0101), Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D.C. 20503.

l' Thank you for your consideration in this matter. If you have any questions.

regarding the examination procedures and requirements, please contact Mr. T. Reidinger at (708) 790-5551.

Sincerely, Original signed by T. M. Burdick (for) 1 Geoffrey C. Wright, Chief Operations Branch See Attached for Enclosures and Distribution Rlli Rlll RIl

.S

~

l Rei nger/jk Burdick Wr 08/02/90 08/lW90 08/ /90 1

r

' .i I . ,

4 f

. Commonwealth Edison Company 3' AUG 141990 L

ii

Enclosures:

1.. Reference Material Requirements for Reactor / Senior Reactor Operator Licensing Examinations

' 2. . Requirements for Administration of Written Examinations

3. NRC Rules and Guidelines For

. Written Examinations

'4. . Requirements for Facility Review of Written Examinations cc w/ enclosures:

T. J. Maiman, Vice President,

, PWR Operations T. Kovach, Nuclear Licensing Manager R.,Pleniewicz, Station Manager r A..Chernick, Plant Training

, Manager.

l DCD/DCB(RIDS) l.icensing Fee Management Branch

- Resident inspectors, Byron,  ;

Braidwood, Zion j D.- W. Cassel, Jr. , Esq.  ;)

Richard Hubbard J. W. McCaffrey.. Chief, Public .

Utilities. Division' .

Diane Chavez, DAAR' T i

? H. S. Taylor, Quality Assurance Division

,, Robert Newmann,-Office of Public l Counsel, State of 1111nois Center cc-w/o enclosures:

? P. Shemanski, NRR l

. K. Perkins; NRR M. Farber, RIII 1

1 t

3

-l

=

(

3 i

i 4 .

ENCLOSURE 1 1 REFERENCE MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REACTOR / SENIOR REACTOR OPERATOR LICENSING EXAMINATIONS

- 1. Existing learning objectives, Job Performance Measures and lesson plans (including training manuals, plant orientation manual, system descriptions, reactor theory, thermodynamics, etc.)

o .

)

1 A copy of the facility Job and Task Analysis (JTA), specifying the knowledges and abilities required of an operator at the facility. Each t particular . knowledge and/or ability will include an importance rating  !

correlating it to ensuring the' health and the safety of the public'. If- ,

a JTA is not furnished, the Knowled  ;

Power Plant Operators, NUREG-1122 (ges 1123) willand be Abilities used to Catalog establishfor Nuclear content validity for the examination.

All Job Performance Measures (JPMs) used to ascertain the competence of '

the operators in performing tasks within the control room complex and, as identified in the facility JTAs, outside of the control room, i.e.,' local ,i operations.

t Training materials should include all substantive written material used for. preparing applicants for initial R0 and SR0 licensing. The written-material should include learning objectives and the: details presented durit;g lectures, rather than outlines. Training materials should be identified by plant and unit, bound, and indexed. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE, PROPERLY B0UND AND INDEXED PLANT REFERENCE MATERIAL MAY RESULT IN THE RETURN OF THE MATERIAL TO THE PERSON WHO IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF-CORPORATE MANAGEMENT WHO IS RESPONSI E FOR PLANT OPERATIONS (E.G., VICE PRESIDENT OF' NUCLEAR OPERATIONS). ACCOMPANYING THE MATERIAL WILL BE A COVER LETTER EXPLAINING THE DEFICIENGIES IN THE REFERENCE MATERIAL AND ,

THE FACT THAT THIS WAS THE REA50M THi EXAMINATIONS WERE CANCELLED OR POSTP0NED. Training materials whici, include-the following s W 1d be '

provided:

System descriptions including descriptions of all operationally relevant flow paths, components, controls and instrumentation.

System training material should draw parallels to the actual y

procedures used for-operating the applicable system.

' Complete and operationally useful descriptions of all safety-system interactions and, where available, B0P system interactions under emergency and. abnormal conditions, including consequences of anticipated operator error, maintenance error, and equipment failure.

. Training material used to clarify and strengthen understanding of emergency operating procedures.

l l

p

=

Enclosure 1 2-

2. Complete _ProcedureIndex(includingsurveillance_ procedures,etc.).

3. All administrative procedures (as applicable to reactor operation or safe ty) . - t

,4 All integrated plant procedures (normal or general operating procedures). 1

5. All emergency procedures (emergency instructions, abnormal or special procedures).

6. Standing orders (important orders .that are safety-related and may

-supersede the regular procedures). "

7. Surveillance procedures (procedures that are run frequently, i.e., weekly orthatcanberunonthesimulator).

8. Fuel-handling and core-loading procedures, (initial' core-loading procedure,whenappropriate).

- 9.- All annunciator / alarm procedures.

10. Radiation protection manual (radiation control manual or procedures)..

11. - Emergency plan implementing procedures.

12. Technical Specifications (and interpretations, if available) for all units for which licenses are sought. ,

13. System operating procedures.

14 .-- Piping and instrumentation diagrams,. electrical single-line diagrams, or flow diagrams.

'15. Technical Data Book, and/or plant curve information as used by operators and facility precautions, limitations,1and set points (PLS) for the facility.

16. Queetions and answers specific to the. facility training program which may be used in the written or operating examinations (voluntary by facility licensee).

[

.17 . The following on the plant reference simulation facility.

a. List _of all preprogrammed initial conditions, j

b. List of all preset malfunctions with a clear identification number.

The list should include cause (...o effect information. Specifically, for each nm1 function a concise description of the expected result, i or range of results, that will occur upon implementation should be provided. Additionally, an indication of which annunciators are to be initially expected should be given.

11

c. ,.-

O . ..

m: LEnclosurel' 3 c.i A description of simulator failure capabilities for valves, breakers, indicators = and alarms.

d. Where the' capability exists, an explanation of the' ability to vary the severity of a particular malfunction shall be provided,- i.e...

E ability to vary the size of a given LOCA or steam leak, or the -

~. ability to cause a slow failure of a component.such as a feed pump, turbine generator or ma or valve (e.g., drifting shut of a main feedwater control valve .

~

e. An identification of modeling conditions / problems that may impact m the examination,

f. Identification of any known performance test discrepancies not yet m corrected,

g. Identification of differences between- the simulator and the reference plant's control room.

h. Copies-of facility generated scenarios that expose the_ applicants to.

situations of degraded pressure control-(PWR)~,' degraded heat removal capability (PG and BWR) and containment challenges (PWR and BWR)

, , may be provided (voluntary by licensee).

i. Simulator instructors manual (voluntary by licensee).

j. Description of the scenarios used for the training class =(volunt:.n by licensee).

18. - Additional material required by the examiners to develop examinations that meet the: requirements of these Standards and the regulations.

The above reference material shall be approved, final issues and'shall be so J marked, If_a plant has not finalized some of the material,lthe1 Chief Examiner

shall verify with the facility that the most complete, up-to-date material is

~

available and that agreement has been reached with the licensee for limiting-ichanges before' the administration of the examitation. All procedures and reference material shall be bound with appropriate indices on tables of contents so .that they can be used efficiently. Failure.to provide complete, properly. bound and indexed plant reference material could result in '

cancellation -or rescheduling of the examinations l

9

ENCLOSURE 2 REQUIREllENTS FOR ADMINISTRATION OF WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

'1. A' single room shall be provided for administration of the written examina-tion. The location of this room and supporting restroom facilities shall be-such as to prevent contact with all other facility and/or contractor personnel during the written examination. If necessary, the f acility should make arrangement for the use of a suitable room at a local school, motel, or other building. Obtaining this room is the responsibility of the licensee.

2. Minimum ~ spacing is required to ensure examinatior integrity as determined by the Chief Examiner. Minimum spacing should be one applicant per table, with a three-foot space between tables.

3. Suitable arrangements shall be made by the facility if the applicants are to have lunch, coffee or other refreshments. These arrangements shall comply with item 1 above and shall be reviewed by the examiner and/or proctor.

4. The facility licensee shall provide pads of 8-1/2 by 11 inch lined paper -

in unopened packages for each applicant's use in completing the

' examination. The examiner shall distribute these' pads to the applicants as needed.

5. Applicants may b' ring pens, pencils, calculators or slide rules into the examination room. Only black ink or dark pencils should be used for writing answers to questions.

6. The-licensee shall provide one set of steam tables for each applicant.

The examiner shall distribute the steam. tables to the applicants. No wall darts, models, and/or other training materials shall be present in the exawination room. No.other. equipment or reference material shall be allowed unless.provided by the examiner.

7. . The facility staff shall be provided-with a copy of the written examination and answer key after the last candidate-has handed in his written examination. The facility staff shall have five working days to provide formal written comments with supporting documentation regarding written examination questions and answers to the Chief Examiner.

_ _ _ _ _ . ~ . . .

.1 .

+ ~-

ENCLOSURE 3 PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS

1. - Check identification badges.

2. Pass out examinations and all handouts. Remind applicants not to review examination until instructed to do so.

- READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS VERBATIM:

During the administration of this examination the following rules apply:.

1. Cheating on the examination means an automatic denial of your application and could result in more severe penalties.

2. Af ter the examination has been completed, you must sign the statement -

on the cover sheet indicating that the work is your own and you have not received or_given assistance in completing the examination. This must-be done after you complete the examination.

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Restroom trips are to be limited and only one applicant at a. time may leave. You must avoid all contacts with anyone outside the examination room to avoid even the appearance or possibility of cheating.

2. Use black ink or dark pencil- only to f acilitate legible reproductions.

3. Print your name in the blank provided in the--upper right-hand corner of-the examination cover sheet and each answer sheet.

4. Mark your answers on the answer sheet provided. USE ONLY THE PAPER PROVIDED AND DO NOT WRITE' ON THE BACK. SIDE OF THE PAGE.

5. Before you turn in your examination,' consecutively num'oer each answer - ;

sheet.

6. Use abbreviations only if they are commonly used in facility literature.

Avoid using symbols such as % or 1 signs to avoid a simple transposition error resulting in an incorrect answer. Write it out.

- 7. The point value for each question is indicated in [ brackets] after the M question.

8. Show all calculations, methods, or assumptions used to obtain an answer to any short answer questions.

' 9. Partial credit may be given. Therefore, ANSWER ALL PARTS OF THE QUESTION 4

AND DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWER BLANK. Partial credit will NOT be given on multiple choice questions.

- Enclosure 3' 2

10. Proportional grading'will be applied. Any additional wrong information

. that is provided may count against you. For example, if a question is worth one point and asks for four responses, each of which'is worth 0.25 points, and you give five responses, each of your responses will be worth 0.20 points. If one of your five responses is incorrect, 0.20 will be deducted and your tota' credit for that question will be 0.80 instead of 1.00 even though you got the four correct answers.;

11. If the intent of a question;is unclear, ask questions of'the examiner .

only.-

=12. -When turning in your' examination, assemble the completed examination with examination questions, examination aids and answer sheets, in addition, turn in all scrap paper.

13. Ensure all information you wish to have evaluated as part vi rear answer is on your enswer ' sheet. Scrap paper will be disposed of immediately-following the' examination.

14. To pass the examination, you must achieve a grade of 80% or great'er.

15. There'is a time limit of four (4) hours for completion of the examination.

~

16 . - When you are done and have turned in your examination, leave the examination area (DEFINE THE AREA). If you are found in this area while-the examination is still in progress, your-license may be denied or revoked.

1 i

s. .

..- y ENCLOSURE 4 4

s REQUIREMENTS FOR FACILITY REVIEW 0F WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS l

1. At the option of the .Settion Chief, the facility-may review the written I examination:up to two weeks prior to its administration. This review may i I take place at the facility or in the Regional office. The Chief Examiner J l will coordin6te the details of the review with the facility._ An NRC p examiner will always be present during the review.

Whenever this option of examination review is utilized, the facility  ;

reviewers will sign the following statement prior to being allowed' access L to the examination. The exemination or written notes will NOT be ,

retained by the f acility.

a. Pre-Examination Security Agreement I- acknowledge that I have acquired specialized knowledge concerning the examination scheduled for

~

at ,

as.of the date of ray signature below. 1-agree that I will not knowingly-divulge any information concerning this examination to any unauthorized persons. . -l understand that l' am not to participate.in any instruction i involving those applicants scheduled to-be administered the above ,

examination from this'date until after the examination has been- i administered. I further understand that violation of the inditions  !

of this agreement may result in the examination being cancei; i and/or enforcement action against rayself or the facility licensee by 1 whom I am employed or represent.

Signature /Date In addition, the facility staff _ reviewers will sign the following q statement after the written examination has been administered.

b. Post-Examination Security Agreement I- did not, to the best of iay. knowledge, _l divulge any information concerning the examinations administered 1 l' f- during the week of at i to any unauthorized persons. I did not participate l in providing any instruction to those applicants who were administered  !

< the examination from the date I entered into this security agreement I y until the completion of examination administration, q

-l l

Signature /Date l l

l l

l

s b

~

14 Enclosure 4 2 L 2. - Regardless of whether_the above examination review option is exi cised,-

- immediately following the administration of the written examinatr;,n, the f acility_ staff shall be provided a marked-up copy of _ the examination and the answer key. The copy of the written examination shall include pen and ink changes made to questions during the examination administration.

If -the facility did not review the examination _ prior to its administration,-

they will have five (5) working days from the day of the written examination to submit formal comments. if the facility, reviewed the examination prior to its administration,- any additional comments must be given to an examiner prior-to his/her leaving the sitelat the end of the week of the written examination administration, in either case, the comments will be addressed to the responsible Regional Office by the highest onsite level of corporate management for plant operations, e.g.,

Vice President for Nuclear Operations. A copy of the submittal will be.

E forwarded to the Chief Examiner, as appropriate. Comments not. submitted within the required time frame will be considered for inclusion in the grading process on a case-by-case basis by the Regional Office Section Chief. Should the comment submittal deadline not be met, a long delay in grading the examinations may occur, i.

3 The_following format should be adhered to for submittal of specific comments:

"a. Listing of NRC Question, answer and reference,

b. Facility comment / recommendation,

c. Reference (to support f acility comment).

NOTES: 1. No change to the examination will- be nade without submittal of a reference to support the facility comment. Any supporting.

documentation that was not previously supplied, should be  ;

provided.

2. Comments made without a concise facility recommendation will not be addressed.

4. LA two-hour post examination review may be held at the discretion of the Chief Examiner. If this review is held, the f acility staff should be informed that only written comments that are properly supported will be

c considered in the grading of the examination.

g i l Y ,

lil? i