Information Notice No. 85-53: Performance of NRC-Licensed Individuals While on Duty
SSINS No.: 6835
IN 85-53
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
July 12, 1985
Information Notice No. 85-53: PERFORMANCE OF NRC-LICENSED INDIVIDUALS
WHILE ON DUTY
Addressees:
All nuclear power reactor facilities holding an operating license (OL) or a
construction permit (CP).
Purpose:
In February 1981, the attached IE Circular 81-02 was issued. This Circular,
which was prompted by an NRC inspector's observation of two licensed reactor
operators who appeared to be asleep while on duty in the control room,
provided guidance on conditions and practices which the NRC believes to be
necessary for the maintenance of a professional atmosphere in the control
room and throughout the facility. The purpose of this information notice is
to reaffirm the general principles of control room operations which were
provided over four years ago. While some of the regulatory references cited
in the Circular may have been modified or updated since that time, the basic
standards of control room professionalism remain valid as critical elements
for continued safe reactor operations.
Description of Circumstances:
Continuing observation of control room operation by NRC inspectors indicates
that, in general, the high standards of control room professionalism
described in IE Circular 81-02 are being met at most facilities.
Nevertheless, recent NRC observations at some operating facilities indicate
the need for further management attention to one of the areas described in
the Circular: "Potentially distracting activities in the control room and
other watch stations must be prohibited (for example: radios, TV, alcohol
use or drug abuse, games, horseplay, hobbies, and reading that is not
directly job related)." In some facility control rooms NRC inspectors have
observed that the playing of music and operator occupation with reading
material that is not job related continues to be condoned by management.
Many utilities have established and are enforcing a policy which prohibits
such activities by on-shift personnel.
Such activities can potentially distract the on-shift personnel from the
performance of their duties and from the monitoring of plant operations and
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IN 85-53
July 12, 1985
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status. It is expected that recipients will review the information in this
notice and the attached Circular for applicability to their facilities and
consider action, if appropriate, to ensure the highest standards of control
room operations.
No specific action or written response is required by this information
notice. If there are any questions regarding this matter, please contact the
Regional Administrator of the appropriate NRC regional office or this
office.
James M. Taylor, Director
Office of Inspection and Enforcement
Technical Contact: J. G. Partlow, IE
301-492-4614
Attachments:
1. IE Circular 81-02
2. List of Recently Issued IE Information Notices
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