Main themes at Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant

Our way of operating at Loviisa

We have done long-term work at the Loviisa power plant to meet the requirements set for the nuclear sector. In line with the principle of continuous improvement, our goal is to continue the development work and for the year 2019 we have developed the main themes Excellent work practices (Varma) - Field observations and actions (Taito) - Fire risk minimisation (Turva).

The main themes of the Loviisa power plant support the safety culture and our principle of continuous improvement.

"The work of each of us is a significant factor in the success of the plant."

- Satu Katajala, Loviisa Plant Manager 

Excellent work practices (Varma)

The goal of the Loviisa power plant is to support the high-quality performance of work, reduce the plant's baclog, ie the number of unfinished work, and improve good work practices in all operations. Pre- and post-job breafings and verifying one's own and another's work are an essential part of good work practices.

"Quality workmanship is the foundation of safety and reliability"

- Anssi Laakso, Head of  of Engineering and Maintenance

Pre- and post-job briefings and work verification practices

The purpose of a pre-job briefing is to avoid the possible misunderstandings. This process ensures that everyone understands the work at hand:

• the correct manner of performance (assigned roles)
• scope and impacts on e.g. different process systems (nuclear safety)
• the different work stages and possible hazards

Additionally, precautionary measures related to the work and any factors related to safety must be known.

The post-job debriefing is a learning event for the purpose of sharing and conveying information about:

• what went well in the work
• what was accomplished successfully
• where there is room for improvement

Post-job debriefing s helps to ensure that work can be done more efficiently and safer in the future and problematic events can be prevented from reoccurring.

Demarcations and markings

• Systematic procedures for all demarcation and marking needs of the plant
• Demarcation and marking of work sites
• Ensuring the availability of process equipment
• Limitations and markings related to occupational safety, fire safety, radiation protection and foreign material exclusion
• Improving access to information
• Ensuring easy access to signs and demarcation equipment and the implementation of procedures

Our aim is to continue the procedures launched last year to improve and harmonize all demarcations and markings at the plant. In 2020, the focus will be on door markings, as well as increasing the number of work equipment delimitation equipment and improving their placement.

By demarcating and marking work sites, benefits are achieved in terms of the visibility of the work site and finding a way to the worksite.

Observe - report - act (Taito)

The aim of the theme is to improve the condition, cleanliness and order of the plant. We encourage everyone to make observations and to take action on the spot. Observation and addressing grievances is the responsibility of everyone working at the plant.

Target level of the cleanliness and orderliness

• The determination of the target level started as a pilot of the 5S model for different types of plant facilities
• The aim of the 5S model is to improve the cleanliness and orderliness of the Loviisa power plant and to increase the efficiency of operations.

The 5S method, developed in Japan, organises worksites and standardises work procedures in an effort to increase work productivity.

Work productivity increases by improving quality and safety and creating a visually pleasing and efficient workplace.

Observation and reporting

• The observation is made against a defined target level
• Taking actions on the spot (for example wiping up an oil spill, putting something that is in the wrong place, or a piece of trash, where it belongs)
• Deviations are reported in accordance with the department's procedures: Observation Report (HARA), Observation Announcement and Service Request
• Fault detected tags in place and removal of old tags.

Area responsibility distribution

• Designation of responsible persons for separately defined premises of the plant. Their job is to ensure the cleanliness and order of the premises.
• Area responsibility distribution will start with piloting operations in a few of the plant's premises, after which the procedure will be extended based on experience.

Fire risk minimisation (Turva)

The aim of the theme is to improve and develop working practices, procedures and management models related to the plant's fire safety and fire prevention arrangements. In addition, the program will improve the structural fire safety of the plant.

Areas of development in fire risk minimisation

• Raising fire risk awareness: identifying fire loads and process leaks and addressing anomalies
• Changes in fire load management and storage procedures
• Prior approvals and permitting procedures for storage sites
• Updating hot work procedures and minimizing the number of hot work sites in the protected area