40DP-0OP02 Conduct Of Ops

Question 1

What are the CRS’s responsibilities related to manual PPS or ESFAS actuations?

Answer 1

The CRS:
• Directs a manual reactor trip when Reactor Protection System trip setpoints are approached and manual action by an operator, or by automatic system operation, is unlikely to prevent reaching the setpoints.
• Directs a manual reactor trip when trip setpoints have been exceeded and a trip has not occurred.
• Directs manual initiation of Engineered Safety Features when automatic Engineered Safety Feature setpoints are approached or exceeded.

Question 2

Describe the RO’s responsibilities related to manual PPS or ESFAS actuations?

Answer 2

The RO:
• Manually trips the reactor if Reactor Protection System trip setpoints have been exceeded and a trip has not occurred. Expected performance is to detect and verify the condition, then notify other Control Room personnel of the condition (using update or focused communication) while taking immediate action to trip the reactor.
• Manually initiates Engineered Safety Features if automatic Engineered Safety Feature setpoints are exceeded. Expected performance is to detect and verify the condition, then notify other Control Room personnel of the condition (using update or focused communication) while taking immediate action to initiate actuation.
• Has the responsibility and authority for directing or placing a PVGS unit in a reduced power or shutdown condition to ensure nuclear safety.

Question 3

Define Control Room Advisor and describe how they interact with Control Room staff.

Answer 3

Control Room Advisors: Non-operations personnel (engineering, managerial, maintenance, etc.) that support the operating staff by providing recommendations, advice, or other information that could potentially impact operating decisions. Control Room Advisors normally communicate directly with the Shift Manager only, who then relays information and direction to the CRS. Control Room Advisors do not perform operational activities normally completed by operators.

Question 4

State minimum manning requirements for shift crew manning.

Answer 4

The minimum required shift crew manning is as follows:
• One Shift Manager per unit
• One Control Room Supervisor per unit
• Two licensed reactor operators per unit – In addition to the two reactor operators per unit, one unit shall have an additional reactor operator (who may be filling an Auxiliary Operator position) to fulfill the requirement of site Fire Team Advisor
• Four Auxiliary Operators per unit – At least one Auxiliary Operator per Site crew will be a proficient Radwaste Equipment Operator.
(Auxiliary operators are considered to be part of the shift crew composition if they are on site and in direct communication with the Control Room via radio or pager.)
• One additional Auxiliary Operator in Unit 1 for the “Outside Area Watch”
• One Shift Technical Advisor (STA) per unit or two STAs for the site and one Emergency Notification System (ENS) communicator. The ENS communicator is filled by an individual knowledgeable of the plant (for example: an RO, SRO, STA, AO or a previously licensed individual).
• At least two reactor operators and three auxiliary operators shall be present within each unit at all times.
(Within the Unit is defined as: The area containing each unit bounded by the protected area fence and the fences running north and south between the spray ponds and the adjacent unit.)

Question 5

Describe the required actions if the shift manning is less than the minimum required.

Answer 5

Except for the Shift Manager, the composition of the shift crew may be one less than the minimum manning required for the above requirements for a period not to exceed 2 hours in order to accommodate unexpected absence of on duty shift crew members. These restrictions are allowable provided immediate action is taken to restore crew manning to the minimum requirements. However, this provision does not permit any shift crew position to be unmanned upon shift change due to an oncoming shift crew member being late or absent.

Question 6

Discuss staffing requirements related to the “At the Controls Area” of the control room.

Answer 6

• When fuel is in the vessel, at least one licensed individual remains in the “At The Controls Area” at all times.
• The “Operator At The Controls” (OATC) does not leave the “At The Controls Area” without proper relief except during an emergency effecting plant safety which requires entering other areas of the Control Room.
• Either the OATC or CRS remains in the Control Room at all times and normally in the B02 to B06 horseshoe area.
• In Modes 1 through 4, the CRS remains in the “At The Controls Area” or “Briefing Area” and maintains the Control Room command function unless properly relieved. However, short duration access to the STSC or SM office is permitted without relief.
• In Modes 5 and 6 the individual designated to maintain the Control Room command function will normally be the CRS but may be either a qualified SRO or a licensed reactor operator.

Question 7

Describe the maintenance of the Control Room Command Function.

Answer 7

In Modes 1 through 4, the CRS maintains the Control Room command function unless properly relieved. The Shift Manager assumes CRS responsibilities when this individual requires relief. In Modes 5 and 6 the individual designated to maintain the Control Room command function will normally be the CRS but may be either a qualified SRO or a licensed reactor operator.

Question 8

Describe the criteria used to determine whether a task can be considered “Skill of the Craft”.

Answer 8

Skill of the Craft tasks are defined by all of the following criteria:
• The complexity of a task is below the threshold for which written direction is required as determined by the CRS or SM, or the task has been previously identified as Skill of the Craft. Examples:
1. HVAC temperature controller adjustments
2. Control Element Drive Mechanism Control System (CEDMCS) mode selector switch operation
3. CEDMCS Control Element Assembly (CEA) selector switch operation
4. Blowdown stack makeup
5. Cycling Pressurizer heater breakers
6. Checking CEA selection on RPCB
7. Megavolt-Amperes Reactive (MVAR) adjustment
8. Resetting alarms on equipment (Requires Control Room notification)

A task is low risk and performance of the task without written guidance will not result in an event as determined by the CRS or SM.

The operator who is to perform the task has the capability to complete all of the actions required to perform the task successfully (for example: operate valves, read gages, operate necessary tools, etc.) as determined by the CRS or SM.

Question 9

Describe the responsibilities of the Shift Manager regarding key control.

Answer 9

Vital Area Keys and Vital Area Key Log:
• Vital Area keys will not be issued without Shift Manager authorization.
• The Shift Manager shall inform the Security Section Leader as soon as practical after issuing Vital Area keys to Operations personnel.

Non-Vital Area Key Control:
• The SM or CRS is responsible for all of the following:
o Ensuring that keys are issued to individuals that have need for access.
o Ensuring that the Control Room Key Log is maintained.
o Ensuring that special Controlled Key instructions are maintained in the Control Room Key Log.
o Verifying that all applicable special instructions are met and satisfied prior to key issue.
o Verifying that key inventories are completed as required. o Ensuring the Control Room Key Locker containing the controlled keys is locked except for issuance of keys and performance of inventories.
• Missing or lost keys are addressed as follows:
o Missing or lost keys shall be reported to the Shift Manager.
o Upon notification of a lost key the Shift Manager performs both of the following:
-Determines if plant safety could be jeopardized because of missing key.
-Initiates search for the missing key.

Question 10

Describe requirements for control of Vital Area Keys.

Answer 10

Normally the key to the Vital Area Keybox is under control of the CRS.
Vital Area keys will not be issued without Shift Manager authorization.
Vital Area keys shall not be removed from the ACAD protected area.
Vital Area keys checked out to Operations personnel shall only be used when the ACAD access ability to an area is not functioning and a timely entry into the area is required.
The Shift Manager shall inform the Security Section Leader as soon as practical after issuing Vital Area keys to Operations personnel.
The issuance and return of all Vital Area Keys shall be documented on the Unit Vital Area Key Control, Issue and Accountability Log.

Question 11

State the audit requirements concerning Vital Area Keys.

Answer 11

Vital Area Keys:
• When the Security Department performs an inventory of the Vital Area Key Locker, then all completed Security Padlock, Key & Test ACAD Accountability log sheets should be turned over to the individual performing the inventory.

Question 12

Describe actions necessary for a missing or lost key.

Answer 12

• Missing or lost keys shall be reported to the Shift Manager.
• Upon notification of a lost key the Shift Manager performs both of the following:
o Determines if plant safety could be jeopardized because of the missing key. o Initiates a search for the lost key.
• If plant safety could be jeopardized by the missing key and the key is not found, then perform the following:
o Alert security of the area affected. o Initiate action to change associated locks and have new keys issued.
• If plant safety is not involved, then initiate a Lock and Door Service Request to obtain a duplicate key from the Locksmith.

Question 13

Describe when a manual SESS alarm is required to be inserted.

Answer 13

A manual SESS alarm input shall be initiated when any ES annunciator panel monitored component or system is either:
• Disabled and unable to perform the intended function by any method that is not alarmed; or
• Rendered incapable of performing the intended design function by any method that is not alarmed.
The manual SESS alarm is required if the impairment or failure is anticipated to last longer than the current shift.
• The manual SESS alarm should be initiated at the time of occurrence but in all cases shall be in place prior to shift turnover.
Document initiation and removal of all SESS manual inputs in the Unit Log stating why the input is required or removed.
Initiate a Technical Specification Component Condition Record (TSCCR) if applicable.
The CRS shall be informed of all SESS panel changes.

Question 14

Describe control room operator’s responsibilities with respect to Reactivity Management.

Answer 14

A reactivity brief will be conducted at the beginning of each shift following completion of turnover by the Control Room Staff.
• All members of the Control Room Staff should attend the brief.
A reactivity brief will be conducted before the start of all reactivity evolutions.
• The following information should be included in the reactivity brief:
o Purpose of the change
o The reactivity change method o Amount/rate of reactivity addition
o Expected plant response
o Parameters to monitor and expected values
o Appropriate limits if applicable o What type of oversight and how it will be applied
During normal reactivity manipulations, Control Room activities not associated with the reactivity change are stopped to ensure the entire team focuses on reactivity management.
• If other activities are in progress and cannot be stopped, then a Reactivity Manager is provided to ensure appropriate oversight.
At a minimum, the following parameters are monitored during reactivity manipulations:
• Redundant reactor power indications
• RCS temperature
• ASI

Question 15

Describe the process when scheduling equipment maintenance which requires voluntary entry into Conditions and Actions of the Unit Technical Specifications.

Answer 15

The following guidance is to be used in scheduling equipment maintenance which requires voluntary entry into Conditions and Required Actions of the Units Technical Specifications:
• Only one safety train shall be worked on at a time.
• Whenever possible, only one component in a train should be taken out at a time.
• If more than one component (that is: LPSI and HPSI) is taken out concurrently, then the Unit Operations Manager should be consulted.
• The target time for a component to be out of service should be limited to a maximum of one-half the allotted Completion time.
• Scheduling maintenance activities shall comply with Maintenance Rule considerations for equipment availability and risk assessment.

Question 16

Describe required actions if the Shift Manager believes exceeding a Tech Spec completion time is a prudent action.

Answer 16

Normally, voluntary entry into a situation where the allowed out of service time (Completion Time) will be exceeded such that the entry mandates a plant shutdown or change of plant modes is not permissible. If a situation arises where the Shift Manager believes that entry is a prudent action, then prior approval from the Unit Operations Manager is required, with subsequent notification to the Operations Director

Question 17

Discuss the use of JITT.

Answer 17

Just-In-Time Training (JITT) is conducted, based on operating needs, in a structured environment in which participants perform or discuss activities that mimic actual plant conditions as close as possible under the observation of peers and supervisors. JITT should normally be conducted as close to the time of the planned activity as practical and within at least two weeks of the evolution, or as directed by the Operations Director or designee. Crew composition for the JITT should include, to the extent practical, the composition of the crew that will perform the evolution in the plant, including supporting personnel such as reactor engineers or other engineering personnel.

Question 18

Describe the expectations for control room operator’s response to alarms.

Answer 18

Operator are expected to respond to all alarms in a timely manner, communicate the receipt of the alarm directly to the CRS and ensure appropriate actions are taken by utilizing the ARPs. The operator who acknowledges alarm is responsible for ensuring the actions are performed.
All alarms received will be promptly communicated to the CRS without delay using proper three way communication and treated as valid alarms until proven otherwise.

Question 19

Describe 10CFR50.54(x) and 10 CFR72.32(d) and how they are implemented.

Answer 19

There may come to exist plant conditions during a plant event for which written guidance cannot be found in plant procedures or Tech Specs. 10CFR50.54(x) gives guidance as to when deviations from these documents can be taken in order to mitigate the event. 10CFR72.32(d) is similar but deals with Dry Cask Storage Operations. 10CFR50.54(x) states: A licensee may take reasonable action that departs from a license condition or a technical specification (contained in a license issued under this part) in an emergency when this action is immediately needed to protect the public health and safety and no action consistent with license conditions and technical specifications that can provide adequate or equivalent protection is immediately apparent.
All of the following criteria shall be met:
• Immediate action is required to avert adverse consequences to the public health and safety.
• There is no apparent equivalent protective action that is consistent with the license.
• Action to be taken is reasonable.
• Action to be taken serves to protect public health and safety.
• There is insufficient time available for NRC approval for an amendment to the Operating License.
• Use of 10 CFR 50.54(x) requires a one hour notification to the NRC Operations Center 10 CFR 50.72(c)(3).
• Use of 10 CFR 72.32(d) requires a 4 hour notification to the NRC Operations Center 10 CFT 50.72(c)(3).
• Operations Management and the NRC should be notified prior to implementation, if practical.

Question 20

Describe guidelines for manual override of automatic systems.

Answer 20

The preferred method of operation for plant systems which have automatic controllers is with controllers in the automatic mode. The decision to operate a controller in manual must be made with consideration of potential impact on plant reliability and safety. Concurrence shall be obtained from the CRS prior to placing any automatic controller in manual or returning any controller to automatic. If a controller will be removed from automatic during the course of a normal procedurally driven evolution, then Control Room personnel will discuss the expected duration and required contingency actions during the pre-job brief. If a failure of the automatic function of a controller occurs where manual control must be taken, then all Control Room personnel shall immediately be made aware of controller status. When time permits, then the crew should discuss the effects of manual control as well as potential transient response, post trip requirements, and any other information pertinent to the control system. If a plant trip occurs during a control system transient, then the operator shall either return the controller to automatic operation if the controller is functional or place the controlled component in the condition the controller would have automatically placed the component.

Question 21

Describe Operation’s responsibilities for Dry Cask Storage Operations.

Answer 21

All Dry Cask Storage Operations which take place in a Unit will be under the authority of the respective Unit SM. The SM responsible for Dry Cask Storage Operations within a Unit is also responsible for Dry Cask Operations during the subsequent transport to the ISFSI and any E-Plan implementation associated with the activities. Transport Operations start when the loaded concrete Cask has left the respective Fuel Building and RCA and ends when the loaded Concrete Cask is in the designated storage location. The Unit 1 SM has ownership of the ISFSI concerning the performance of specific conditional surveillance, inspections, and implementation of E-plan activities.

Question 22

State required actions when you believe that your license has become inactive.

Answer 22

Each person required to maintain an active license is responsible to notify the Operations Manager and Operations Training Coordinator if conditions arise that cause the license to become inactive.

Question 23

Identify a “High Risk” evolution and describe the scheduling of these tasks.

Answer 23

Surveillances or tests which have the potential to cause a decrease in the Unit generation capacity or result in reactor trips shall not be performed during grid peak loading times. The optimum time to begin high risk activities is in the early evening (approximately 1700 hours). An exception would be to set aside a specific period of time (e.g., one weekend per month per Unit) during which potentially load limiting activities will be performed. The Shift Manager has the discretion to schedule specific activities and tests for off-peak times in order to reduce the potential for and disruption due to the Unit tripping.