Profession nuclear reactor operator

Nuclear reactor operators directly control nuclear reactors in power plants from control panels, and are solely responsible for the alterations in reactor reactivity. They start up operations and react to changes in status such as casualties and critical events. They monitor parameters and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

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Personality Type

• Enterprising / Realistic
• Realistic / Conventional
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Electricity

  Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

• Mechanical engineering

  Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.

• Hydraulics

  The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

• Contamination exposure regulations

  The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.

• Technical drawings

  Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

• Thermodynamics

  The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..

• Radiation protection

  The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

• Pneumatics

  The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.

• Nuclear energy

  The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.

• Automation technology

  Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.

• Metrology

  The methods and theory of measurement in a scientific context, including internationally accepted units of measurement, practical realisation of these units, and interpretation of measurements.

• Radioactive contamination

  The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants' concentration.

Skills

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation

  Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

• Ensure equipment cooling

  Make sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.

• Use remote control equipment

  Use a remote control to operate equipment. Watch the equipment closely while operating, and use any sensors or cameras to guide your actions.

• Resolve equipment malfunctions

  Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.

• Monitor automated machines

  Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.

• Follow nuclear plant safety precautions

  Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.

• Monitor nuclear power plant systems

  Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.

• Operate computerised control systems

  Operate electronic or computerised control panels to monitor and optimise processes, and to control process start-up and shut-downs. Monitor and inspect equipment and systems to detect malfunctions.

• Respond to nuclear emergencies

  Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.

• Avoid contamination

  Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.

• Monitor radiation levels

  Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.

• Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations

  Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB