Passing muster with the NRC

Duke Energy learned this week that 12 employees have passed their federally-administered tests to work as operators at the Oconee Nuclear Station. It’s an important job for which the required training includes simulators that mimic what control room operators encounter. In this instance, according to spokesman Roger Hannah of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, all 12 who took the test passed. Five of the applicants qualify as senior reactor operators. All 12 are eligible to be assigned by their employer. The test qualifies those for six-year licenses. The conditions include maintaining qualifications and re-training.