Nuclear Reactor Operator how-to

How to Respond to a Reactor Scram

Practiced responses keep the plant safe.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Practiced responses keep the plant safe. In short: verify; enter; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Verify the reactor is shut down.

  2. Enter the emergency procedure.

  3. Check key safety functions.

  4. Stabilize the plant.

  5. Notify supervisors.

  6. Document actions.

Safety reminders for nuclear reactor operators

  • Follow radiation protection and ALARA
  • Use procedures and place-keeping
  • Use three-way communication
  • Follow fitness-for-duty rules

Reactor core · Fission · Control rods · Criticality · Scram · Technical specifications: see the full nuclear reactor operator glossary.

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