Auxiliary Nuclear Reactor Operators usually are not required to have a license. Their formal training program is primarily concerned with the four non-licensed watch stations at the nuclear plant: outside equipment, the turbine building, auxiliary building, and fire/safety equipment. Under the direction of the control room supervisor (a senior operator), they run all plant auxiliary equipment that is not normally operated from the control room.
They perform routine tests, incidental maintenance, electrical switching assignments, or other duties specified as necessary to assure continuity of power generation. They carry out periodic inspections of all assigned equipment spaces. They report to a control room Nuclear Reactor Operator any abnormal plant or equipment conditions and take additional (established) steps to initiate corrective action.
To do so, they must be thoroughly familiar with the conditions/ limitations of equipment operation and be able to denote any variances - and reasons for such - on all reports, logs, and surveillance forms. Under the guidance of licensed Senior Reactor Operators, they may assist in handling new and spent nuclear fuel. Auxiliary Nuclear Reactor Operators must be familiar with and observe plant operating procedures, proper radiological control practices, industrial safety practices, and fire protection/prevention requirements. They are members of the reactor's fire and safety watch (FASW), or fire brigade. As such, they must be thoroughly familiar with all required emergency medical and first aid procedures, confined space rescue processes, and the handling of hazardous material spills. Throughout all their duties, they are tasked with accurate documentation of all their work.
Nuclear Reactor Operators control the equipment that affects the power of the reactor. Usually reporting to Senior Reactor Operators, Nuclear Reactor Operators are licensed operators who are responsible for working the reactor's controls and for the safe and competent operation of the nuclear reactor. They check radiation-monitoring devices to assure proper operation, read and record meters/gauges, and maintain the reactor operations log. Under supervision, they adjust controls to start and shut down the reactor, to position the fuel rods in the reactor, and to regulate flux levels, coolant temperatures, and rate of power flow, as well as other control elements that affect the power level within the reactor.
In so doing, they follow standard instructions and prescribed practices. They dispatch orders and instructions to plant and auxiliary personnel through radiotelephones or intercommunications systems to coordinate the operation of such auxiliary equipment as pumps, compressors, switchgears, and water-treatment systems. Under the guidance of Senior Reactor Operators, they assist in preparing, transferring, loading, and unloading nuclear fuel elements.
Nuclear Reactor Operators monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output and the effects of power generator loading on other equipment. They note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report them immediately to Senior Reactor Operators. They supervise the monitoring and operation of boilers, turbines, wells, and auxiliary power plant equipment. They implement control room operational procedures, such as those governing start-up and shutdown activities.
They respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommend, or take, corrective action depending on the problem. They direct all other reactor personnel in crises in accordance with emergency operating procedures. Throughout, they record all operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests and inspections.
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