Structured behavioral observation techniques as components of an effective fitness-for-duty program

Conference · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Supplement; (USA)

OSTI ID:5227994

Hauth, J T; Barnes, V E; Moore, C J; Toquam, J L

Performance-based tests are designed to evaluate physical and cognitive performance and have several attractive features that may be useful in nuclear power plant fitness-for-duty programs. Three types of performance-based testing that may eventually be useful in the nuclear power industry are reviewed in this paper: (a) the Los Angeles Police Department's Drug Recognition Expert program, (b) performance assessment batteries, and (c) performance assessment devices. Each of these techniques is evaluated here in terms of the following measures of effectiveness: (1) scope, or the range of potential problems that can be detected; (2) reliability, or the consistency of results; (3) sensitivity, or the ability of the test to detect impairment or the presence of drugs at low levels; (4) specificity, or the ability of the test to correctly identify the source of impairment or the drug present; (5) implementation, or the practicality of using the technique in the nuclear power plant setting. This information analyzed in this paper indicates that although performance and cognitive assessment techniques currently lack the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of random chemical screening to detect and deter substance abuse, they can address a variety of fitness-for-duty concerns that may not be adequately addressed by a urinalysis testing program alone. These include detection of drug use not detected by urinalysis, psychological stress, or physical injury or illness.

• OSTI ID: 5227994
• Report Number(s): CONF-890833-; TRN: 90-004032
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Supplement; (USA), Vol. 59; Conference: 14. biennial conference on reactor operating experience: plant operations - the human element, Charlotte, NC (USA), 6-9 Aug 1989
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR OPERATORS
TESTING
BEHAVIOR
DISEASES
FATIGUE
IMPLEMENTATION
INJURIES
PERFORMANCE
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
PSYCHOLOGY
QUALITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RELIABILITY
SENSITIVITY
STRESSES
URINE
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BODY FLUIDS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PERSONNEL
POWER PLANTS
SAFETY
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WASTES
220900* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Reactor Safety