The Department of Energy (DOE) Accident Prevention and Investigation (API) Program serves as an essential DOE corporate safety resource for promoting accident PREVENTION by exchanging lessons learned and information to improve our Integrated Safety Management System. The techniques and tools utilized in the investigation of "accidents" can be valuable in looking at leading indicators associated with our safety program, determining the embedded precursors to accidents, and preventing them from occurring or reducing their severity if they occur. The information obtained through applying these techniques and tools serves as benchmarks for others to evaluate their Safety Management Systems.

The API Program provides ongoing corporate program support resources for DOE line programs. We depend on each DOE site to assure adequate numbers of accident investigators, analysts, technical experts, and readiness teams prepared to respond to investigate accidents rapidly.

The Office of Environmental Protection and ES&H Reporting (EHSS-20) maintains the Accident and Operational Safety Analysis Handbooks (DOE-HDBK-1208-2012, Volumes I and II) as part of a continuing effort to enhance quality and achieve program goals and objectives. The Handbooks describe the processes and principal activities for conducting accident investigations according to DOE Order 225.1B, Accident Investigations. DOE Order 225.1B establishes requirements and responsibilities for Headquarters, heads of field elements, Accident Investigation Boards, and DOE contractors, who must collectively implement the Accident Investigation Program. Additionally, EHSS-20 has developed EIP-400 Accident Investigation, a 40 hour Accident Investigator training course.

We encourage you to participate in accident investigation training programs, volunteer to serve on an Accident Investigation Board, study our reports, and utilize API Program information and tools to improve your facility's safety management system performance. We believe you will find the materials and tools on our website useful. If you have any questions, please contact me for more information or assistance: Jason Brustad; DOE Accident Prevention and Investigation Program Manager, Office of ES&H Reporting and Analysis (EHSS-23), Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security.

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORTS

DOE ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND INVESTIGATION PROGRAM DOCUMENTS

EXTERNAL RESOURCES

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jason Brustad, Program Manager