Operator Larry Bias works at the Distributed Control System in H Canyon. Bias is one of the approximately 260 employees participating in continuing training at the Savannah River Site.
Operator Larry Bias works at the Distributed Control System in H Canyon. Bias is one of the approximately 260 employees participating in continuing training at the Savannah River Site.

AIKEN, S.C. – An organization managed by the management and operations contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS) recently expanded its continuing training to strengthen its nuclear materials operations and employees’ knowledge of work procedures.

   “Conduct of operations and facility knowledge are essential to strong mission performance,” DOE-Savannah River Nuclear Materials Manager Maxcine Maxted said. “DOE recognized the need for continuing training, while also realizing that pulling people from their shifts to train would impact work being done in the facilities. We partnered with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) to identify ways to address training needs on normal days off, which is a deviation from standard operations procedure. This ensures that employees are allowed a chance to refresh themselves on procedures, facility processes, and conduct of operations on a continuous basis.”

   The Environmental Management Operations (EMO) organization worked with the SRNS Training Department to prepare the training materials, which include:

  • lessons learned and case studies of relevant issues in EMO facilities;
  • tabletop drills and scenario discussions in response to unexpected conditions;
  • conduct of operations topics.

   “This training will be taken by all operators, first-line managers, shift technical engineers, and shift operations managers working in the EMO facilities, which is approximately 260 people,” said EMO Deputy Vice President Janice Lawson. “We appreciate DOE helping us address and resolve our challenges in these areas. SRNS is strong in nuclear operations experience and capability, and continuing training will help us continue to demonstrate excellence in the important work we do for our nation.”