Facility Representative Program ID Selects
FR of the Year

John Martin DOE-ID Facility Representative of the Year.

John Martin was selected as DOE-ID’s Facility Representative of the Year and the office’s nominee for the 2007 DOE Facility Representative of the Year Award. John was selected from an exceptional field of candidates to represent DOE-ID at the Facility Representative Annual Workshop in Las Vegas this May.

Each year the Department of Energy recognizes the Facility Representative whose achievements during the calendar year are most exemplary. A panel of senior personnel representing the Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Environmental Management (EM), Science (SC), Nuclear Energy (NE) and at least five different field offices make the selection and announce it at the annual workshop.

DOE-ID Facility Representatives have won the national award three years in a row (Bob Knighten in 2004, Dary Newbry in 2005, and Bob Seal in 2006).

DOE-ID Manager Beth Sellers congratulated John Martin saying: “He was noted for his multiple facility qualifications, perseverance in ensuring proper control of unexpected fissile material during a D&D activity, leadership role in the restart of the Neutron Radiography Reactor and for ISMS Phase II reviews, and effective oversight that resulted in identification of a TSR violation as well as constructive feedback to the contractor in the normal course of business. He also participates as a Radiological Assistant Program Team volunteer.”

The Mission Statement for the FR Program is: To provide effective day-to-day oversight of contractor operations at DOE facilities so that line managers have accurate information on safe work performance.

What exactly is the Facility Representative Program (FR)? This very important program is vital at all DOE facilities. FRs assure that facilities are operated in a manner that protects not only the workers, but the public and the environment as well. Specifically, DOE-STD-1063-2006 says: “The purpose of the DOE Facility Representative Program is to ensure that competent DOE staff personnel are assigned to oversee the day-to-day contractor operations at DOE’s hazardous nuclear and non-nuclear facilities. Oversight performed by Facility Representatives provides DOE line managers with accurate objective information on the effectiveness of contractor work performance and practices, including implementation of the integrated safety management system. The Department’s experience has shown that when personnel are dedicated to this function, the information that they provide can be used proactively to ensure that work is completed in a safe and efficient manner.”

How does a person become an FR? The training and qualification process required of DOE FRs varies somewhat throughout the complex. The process to qualify as a “Designated” FR at DOE-ID includes the following:

1. Having basic knowledge and meeting technical competencies related to Nuclear Fundamentals, Environmental Management, Safety Management, Conduct of Operations, and Authorization Basis Requirements.
2. Having basic knowledge and meeting technical competencies related to specific engineering principles, such as: steam system operation (including theory and component design); basic electrical fundamentals; instrumentation and control; chemistry fundamentals; and basic thermodynamics.
3. Having basic knowledge and a working understanding of DOE orders and local requirements related to the FacRep's Roles and Responsibilities.
4. Having knowledge related to areas specific to the facility for which the FacRep is being assigned For the most part, the qualification process is an independent self-paced program. Qualification is granted when the candidate completes all of the FacRep qualification phases discussed above, and demonstrates having knowledge in those areas with a formal evaluation during a facility walkdown, facility written examination and final oral board.

For more information regarding this valuable program, please check-out the DOE Facility Representative website at: http://www.hss.energy.gov/deprep/facrep

Editorial Date March 21, 2008
By Sharon Barnes