22.04.2008 // Smolensk Atom

International experience: from personnel training to improved performance

The present realities require changes in the organizational structure of training centers and the use of new forms of training of operating and maintenance personnel. This was the basic idea of the technical support mission organized for Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant by the Moscow Center of the World Association of Nuclear Operations (WANO). The managers of Smolensk NPP invited their colleagues to exchange experience and make recommendations on more effective ways to train personnel.

For a whole week the director for operations training of Exelon Nuclear LLC (the United States) Russell George Coon and the technical manager of WANO Atlanta Center Timothy James Martin inspected the personnel training system of Smolensk NPP and advised the local instructors on how to more effectively train personnel.

While summing up the results of the mission Mr. Martin offered four specific recommendations.

He said that one of the best ways to enhance the efficiency of personnel training was the active participation of top managers in that process. Mr. Martin recommended setting up special training committees. The committees will comprise the plant’s specialists and managers and will search for new solutions to existing problems.

Besides, the heads of departments should attend training courses and make their recommendations and proposals on how to improve this process. This is the only way to see if it meets the needs of the plant.

The experts also recommended establishing a specialized laboratory with real equipment. Practical training under the guidance of an experienced instructor is a good way to enhance the efficiency of a worker.

The experts pointed out that all changes that are taking place at the plant should be reflected in its training programs. One mustn’t make changes without instructing his personnel beforehand on how to deal with them. 

Mr. Martin and Mr. Coon said that one simulator was enough for three operating reactors. Of course, the simulator of Smolensk NPP is a powerful instrument of training but a simulator must be absolute copy of a reactor control panel.

It will be easier for Smolensk NPP to fulfill these recommendations if it exchanges experience with other Russian and foreign NPPs.

In conclusion the director of Smolensk NPP Andrey Petrov said: “The present realities are urging us to make most active efforts to improve the work of our training center. Some of the recommendations made by our guests can be quickly fulfilled without problems and expenses. The others require relevant decisions by the management of Rosenergoatom Concern. In any case, we acknowledge the need to harmonize our personnel training system with the modern standards and welcome the commitment of our workers to improve their performance.”

The coordinator of the WANO MC technical support mission at Smolensk NPP Anatoly Chukharev said: “The experts of WANO are absolutely sure that the NPPs that more often invite technical support missions are more efficient. Smolensk NPP proves this. It is one of the most active members of WANO. It has hosted more WANO missions that any other Moscow Center plant ever did. The management of the plant do not close their eyes on deficiencies and try to meet the increasingly toughening requirements. Smolensk NPP is consistently working towards perfection and is open for exchange of experience and search for new better practices. It is a great honor and responsibility for me to represent Smolensk NPP at WANO MC. On behalf of the management of the Moscow Center, I would like to thank the plant for excellent organization of the mission.”