The philosophy associated with any operation must include the deliberate application of controls and methods to ensure safe, compliant, and productive operation of the facility or activity. Conduct of Operations, sometimes referred to as “formality of operations,” is the application of that philosophy. When the associated principles are properly applied, safe operation that yields quality results is assured. Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc. (Epsilon) is experienced in the development of effective program elements that establish the basis for a successful Conduct of Operations Program.
Conduct of Operations Programs are required of all DOE facilities, and the requirements of a compliant Conduct of Operations program can be found in DOE Order 5480.19, Conduct of Operations Requirements for DOE Facilities. Although presented here as a DOE requirement, the principles of Conduct of Operations translate directly into, and can apply to, any operation or business activity seeking improved safety and quality in its operation.
Several staff members at Epsilon have been involved with the early development of the Conduct of Operations Program at DOE. As a result of DOE Order 5480.19, issued in 1991, the Department embarked upon the development of a series of Guides to Good Practice documents, for the purpose of providing guidance to field elements regarding application of Conduct of Operations principles. Several of those personnel involved with the initial draft and subsequent peer reviews of these Guides to Good Practice documents are today central to Epsilon’s capability in Conduct of Operations.
Epsilon understands the philosophy and application of Conduct of Operations as it applies to various types of operations. Epsilon staff members have a broad range of experience that ranges from military nuclear application to DOE reactor and non-reactor facility applications, including waste handling, treatment, and storage facilities, radiological operations, and research and development laboratory environments. Epsilon has a highly developed understanding of the basis for Conduct of Operations as well as the application of those principles in various settings, and has provided years of training to operations management and staff regarding those principles. A vital element in executing Conduct of Operations is the often-misunderstood concept called “graded approach.” Epsilon is experienced in determining the level of rigor needed based upon various attributes of an operation, such as complexity, consequences of improper execution, relevance to safety and health, and other risks associated with the operation. This experience allows Epsilon to provide sound guidance or turnkey support, and to apply the appropriate level of rigor to the design, development, implementation, and assessment of Conduct of Operations Programs across the DOE and the commercial industrial complex. Epsilon also has been involved with the assessment of Conduct of Operations as a very specific element for the nuclear facility readiness review process.
Additionally, Epsilon develops and presents training in Conduct of Operations. Course titles that support Conduct of Operations include: Conduct of Operations Awareness, Conduct of Operations Overview, Self Assessment (Performance Monitoring, and Configuration Management. Epsilon has developed site-specific training when requested. Epsilon capabilities in program execution are transformed into training courses designed to impart understanding and to present methods for properly establishing Conduct of Operations at your facility.
To learn more about our services, please contact Bill Lapsansky.
Email: blapsansky@epsilonsystems.com
Phone: (208) 523-3774
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