ML20238E793
| ML20238E793 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 08/19/1998 |
| From: | Diaz N NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| To: | Hoyle J NRC OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY (SECY) |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20238E788 | List: |
| References | |
| SECY-98-176-C, NUDOCS 9809020202 | |
| Download: ML20238E793 (2) | |
Text
.cn
.:.z m o ov e,
P.01/02
- m. cx ggy NOTATION VOTE RESPQNSE_ SHEET TO:
John C. Hoyle, Secretary FROM:
COMMISSIONER DIAZ
SUBJECT:
SECY-98-176 - PROPOSED OPTIONS FOR ASSESSING A LICENSEE'S SAFETY CON 8ClOUS WORK ENVIRONMENT Approved Disapproved Ijm Abstain Not PaiMAting COMMENTS:
s
.c.d.e4 camer.ts.
h
- J SIGNATOM W % M%_
DATE O
Entered on "AS" Yes __X No 9sj 90gogog g ot r
CORRESPONDENCE PDR
COMMISSIONER DIAZ' COMMENTS ON SECY-98-176 I do not approve the staff's recommendation of Option 1. Instead, I prefer that the NRC discontinue agency efforts to independently assess licensee's SCWE and utilize the resource savings to more urgent licensing obligations. The staff should use the existing regulatory tools to ensure that licensees maintain a SCWE and, only when necessary - upon receipt of an allegation related to this matter - take immediate actions consistent with the NRC Policy Statement and regulations related to SCWE.
I reached this conclusion based on statements made in this paper and in SECY-97-260 that "...the staff agreed that the Commission already had in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure that licensees maintain a safety conscience work environment..." These mechanisms included the 1996 Policy Statement providing the Commission's expectations on achieving SCWE, the regulations in 10 CFR 50.7 prohibiting discrimination against licensee employees and providing the basis for enforcement actions, and the authority of the Commission to issue orders to licensees and individuals involved in discriminations associated with SCWE. Particularly, the staff noted that the current guidance is sufficient to identify the possibility of a problem in SCWE. No additional efforts are needed at this time; on the contrary, learn and use what is known and reduce unnecessary activities.
The industry's recent safety records demonstrate that most licensees have maintained an adequate SCWE and employees have brought safety concerns to their management for effective corrective actions. In the few cases where the SCWE was questioned (e.g., Millstone), the agency has taken immediate and strong actions to ensure that the licensee restored a work environment where employees were encouraged to raise safety issues. I would like to reaffirm my strong support for the maintenance of a SCWE by licensees. While the NRC staff continues to be vigilant in ensuring public health and safety in licensed facilities, including usinF ie available tools to ensure a SCWE, we should let the licensees be primarily respcasible for maintaining plant safety, including a work environment where safety concerns can be raised and corrected expeditiously.
- - _ _ _ _ _ _