Coal Operations’ Clearance Procedure

Due to the importance of the clearance procedure to plant personnel safety, and in response to recent fatalities resulting from clearance violations, we initiated a review of TVA’s coal operations’ clearance procedure. We determined the clearance procedure was being performed for work requiring clearances. However, the effectiveness of the clearance process is limited because (1) some clearances were not in compliance with the clearance procedure, (2) required training had not been completed by all personnel holding or working on clearances, and (3) audits performed were not in compliance with the procedure. We also identified opportunities for improvement related to procedure clarification and training.