The nuclear power plant operator - A safety barrier - regulatory requirements in the FRG

Within a context where plant safety mainly depends on the operating personnel, notably shift supervisors and control room operators, the author recalls the safety requirements regarding the qualifications of these personnel in Germany. These requirements concern their reliability, the requisite competence. Guidelines have been established in 1978 and 1979 by the licensing authorities. The author describes the requisite competence of shift personnel in terms of professional qualification, safety-related knowledge, abilities, and practical experience. He also describes the content of examinations passed by shift supervisors and control room operators, and the scope and the extent of retraining of these personnel. He discusses how reliability, physical and psychological fitness are assessed. He indicates how shift work is organized in German nuclear power plants, and discusses safety implications