Operator training at Loviisa NPS

The system of personnel training at the Loviisa nuclear power plant in Finland is described in detail. Each of the two units has its own operators divided in six shifts. The operators' licences are renewed every two years. Since 1990, the operators' training has been based on exercise at a reactor simulator. This exercise is divided in two categories. Primary exercise of the simulator is for fresh personnel and takes 50 days. Its aim is to make the trainees familiar with the dynamics of basic power plant components, with subsystems, routine operation modes including start-up and shutdown, and also with accident situations for which the last 2 to 3 weeks of the course are reserved. In addition, each operator spends annually 8 to 10 days at the simulator taking part in a keeping-up course. Of the total time, 80 to 90% are devoted to accident situations. (Z.M.). 7 figs., 2 refs