Nuclear Clearance Process

Working in industrial environments is inherently dangerous and steps must be taken to ensure the safety of personnel performing work on energized equipment. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s clearance procedures establish standardized clearance requirements to ensure equipment is isolated from its energy source and rendered nonoperative before performing work on machines or equipment where the unexpected energizing, start up, or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury or property damage. Due to the importance of the clearance procedure in preventing injury and/or property damage while equipment is being serviced, we performed an evaluation of the nuclear clearance process. We determined the clearance procedure was being performed for work requiring clearances to safely control hazardous energy and training was completed as required. However, we determined (1) some clearances were not issued in accordance with all procedural requirements, and (2) audits performed were not in compliance with the clearance procedure. We also identified an opportunity for improvement related to the alignment of clearance procedures.