The utilization of performance evaluation instruments by technical trainers to evaluate maintenance personnel in the nuclear power industry in the United State

The purpose of this study was to document the utilization of performance evaluation instruments by technical trainers in the evaluation of maintenance personnel in United States nuclear power plants. Performance evaluation of maintenance personnel has been identified by nuclear utilities and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as the only acceptable method of determining worker competence. The NRC requires performance evaluation to be conducted to performance standards, but it does not specify the standards or the method to be utilized. Therefore, each plant is free to establish its own standards and methods of evaluation.;This was a descriptive study utilizing descriptive statistics for the analysis of the data. Data were collected on a survey instrument that was developed by experts from the industry. The subjects included 655 maintenance trainers in 72 United States nuclear plants.;Findings showed that technical trainers utilize performance evaluation instruments that are developed in-house using guidelines from the NRC and other nuclear agencies. Technical trainers use absolute rating scales to measure criteria and standards for tasks that are evaluated in the classroom, in the lab using mock-ups, and in the plant. From performance evaluation instruments, workers learn performance expectations and technical operations that are critical to task completion. A job qualification certificate is awarded to workers that demonstrate proficiency on essential tasks. Conclusions of the study include: (1) Technical trainers are in compliance with NRC regulations. (2) Evaluation materials developed by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations are used by technical trainers in every one of the 62 plants that responded. (3) In-plant or self-developed Performance Evaluation Instruments are utilized by 419 or 95.2% of the technical trainers. (4) Technical trainers incorporate nine common components into their Performance Evaluation Instruments. (5) Technical trainers evaluate maintenance processes and the product produced by workers when following procedures and specifications are critical and when safety hazards are involved. (6) Technical trainers believe that utilizing Performance Evaluation Instruments makes their job easier by providing documentation about the quality and standards of maintenance skills. (7) Technical trainers believe that maintenance workers benefit when their skills are assessed through the use of Performance Evaluation Instruments.