Nuclear Safety Culture

Nuclear safety is a collective responsibility. No one in the organization is excuse from the obligation to ensure safety first. The following principles are described for a strong nuclear safety culture which is highly recommended to improve the operation of a nuclear power plant and to ensure safety culture is practiced:

1. Everyone is personally responsible for nuclear safety.

Responsibility and authority for nuclear safety are well defined and clearly understood. Reporting relationships, positional authority, staffing, and financial resources support nuclear safety responsibilities. Corporate policies emphasize the overriding importance of nuclear safety.

2. Leaders demonstrate commitment to safety.

Executive and senior managers are the leading advocates of nuclear safety and demonstrate their commitment both in word and action. The nuclear safety message is communicated frequently and consistently, occasionally as a stand-alone theme. Leaders throughout the nuclear organization set an example for safety.

3. Trust permeates the organization.

A high level of trust is established in the organization, fostered, in part, through timely and accurate communication. There is a free flow of information in which issues are raised and addressed. Employees are informed of steps taken in response to their concerns.

4. Decision-making reflects safety first.

Personnel are systematic and rigorous in making decisions that support safe, reliable plant operation. Operators are vested with the authority and understand the expectation, when faced with unexpected or uncertain conditions, to place the plant in a safe condition. Senior leaders support and reinforce conservative decisions.

5. Nuclear technology is recognized as special and unique.

The special characteristics of nuclear technology are taken into account in all decisions and actions. Reactivity control, continuity of core cooling, and integrity of fission product barriers are valued as essential, distinguishing attributes of the nuclear station work environment.

6. A questioning attitude is cultivated.

Individuals demonstrate a questioning attitude by challenging assumptions, investigating anomalies, and considering potential adverse consequences of planned actions. This attitude is shaped by an understanding that accidents often result from a series of decisions and actions that reflect flaws in the shared assumptions, values, and beliefs of the organization. All employees are watchful for conditions or activities that can have an undesirable effect on plant safety.

7. Organizational learning is embraced.

Operating experience is highly valued, and the capacity to learn from experience is well developed. Training, self-assessments, corrective actions, and benchmarking are used to stimulate learning and improve performance.

8. Nuclear safety undergoes constant examination.

Oversight is used to strengthen safety and improve performance. Nuclear safety is kept under constant scrutiny through a variety of monitoring techniques, some of which provide an independent “fresh look.”