Concord Associates, Inc. - Conduct of Operations

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Conduct of Operations

Human performance can be highly variable, and that variability can lead to inefficiencies, errors, and incidents. There is a tradeoff between structured controls and flexibility. We don't want operators who simply respond to rigid "rules" without thinking, but we also don't want completely "seat-of-the-pants flying". A good conduct of operations (ConOps) program can be viewed a "control system" for human performance. It permits appropriate variability for intelligent human control yet maintains performance within a desired safety envelope. A good ConOps program also encourages and supports a culture of "disciplined professionalis", which is the core of a safety culture.

Concord ConOps Services:		ConOps is a control system for human performance
Evaluate your current conduct of operations and compare to industry best practice Develop and customize a ConOps Program for your operations Document ConOps policies and practice Train employees on the content and use of your ConOps Program Assist with on-shift introduction and implementation of your ConOps program Develop measures to evaluate effectiveness of your ConOps Program Integrate operational best practices with compliance requirements, e.g., lockout/tagout requirements.

Typical ConOps Program Topics:
Compliance with written procedures Use of "in-hand" or "reference" procedures Authority and process for modifying procedures Exchange of information at shift turnover Use of "closed-loop" communications Required reading Control room/area activities	Control of equipment and system status Inhibiting safety systems Completing operating logs Emergency response drills Equipment and piping labeling Control of on-shift training

Rate your program. Get a simple, self-scored evaluation of the effectiveness of your current ConOps program.