Overview
The control room is the main operating space for reactor monitoring and plant control. Operators should understand the location and purpose of all primary panels before attempting startup or load changes.
Main responsibilities
Operators are expected to:
- Monitor reactor conditions
- Observe alarms and annunciators
- Adjust controls only when required
- Follow procedures carefully
- Report anomalies promptly
Key areas to learn
Reactor indicators
These typically include displays for:
- Thermal output
- Rod position
- Core temperature
- Coolant flow
- Steam pressure
- Water level
Control interfaces
Operators should be familiar with:
- Switches
- Push buttons
- Selector controls
- Indicator lamps
- Alarm panels
Safety systems
Know the location and purpose of:
- SCRAM controls
- Emergency shutdown systems
- Backup indicators
- Fault annunciation panels
Good operating practice
- Do not rush control changes
- Confirm readings before acting
- Treat abnormal values seriously
- Follow written procedures where available
“There is no such thing as a small anomaly.”
Next step
Continue to the Startup Guide once you are familiar with the main control room systems.