NRC Generic Letter 80-26, Qualifications of Reactor Operators

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GL80026

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555

March 28, 1980

ALL POWER REACTOR APPLICANTS AND LICENSEES

Gentlemen:

Subject: QUALIFICATIONS OF REACTOR OPERATORS

In a letter dated September 13, 1979, we informed you of NRR requirements established as of that date based on our review of the TMI-2 accident. Enclosure 9 to the letter outlined the staff recommendations concerning improvements in the area of operator training for your information. Since that time, the Commission has acted on the staff recommendations.

It is the purpose of this letter to set forth the revised criteria to be used by the staff in evaluating reactor operator training and licensing that can be implemented under the current regulations and to establish an effective date for their implementation. Other criteria that will be established require additional staff work are also addressed. However, implementation dates cannot be provided at this time. Commission review in the area of operator training and qualification is continuing and can be expected to result in additional criteria. Finally, requirements will be established through rule making proceedings.

Enclosure 1 details the revised criteria and the effective date for their implementation. Your attention is specifically directed to Sections A, B and C of Enclosure 1 since these call out new criteria that will be implemented in the near future;, therefore, your plans regarding training and licensing activities should be promptly revised to conform to these criteria.

Enclosures 2 and 3 provide guidance for establishing training programs in heat transfer, fluid flow and thermodynamics; and mitigating core damage. Enclosure 4 details control manipulations for requalification programs.

Based on our understanding of the industry's reasons for establishing the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and our review of the latest revision to applicable ANSI standards, we believe you share our desire to significantly upgrade the requirements for operations personnel.

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Therefore, we urge you to effect the implementation of the criteria as soon as practicable rather than wait for the stated implementation date. Also, we urge you to start planning for the long range requirements so that they may be rapidly implemented upon completion of the rule making procedure.

Harold R. Denton, Director Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Enclosures

1. Requirements for Reactor Operator Training and Licensing

2. Training in Heat Transfer, Fluid Flow and Thermodynamics

3. Training Criteria For Mitigating Core Damage

4. Control Manipulations