Guidance for Assessing Exemption Requests from the Nuclear Power Plant Licensed Operator Staffing Requirements Specified in 10 CFR 50.54(m)

Regulations set forth by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) prescribe the qualifications and staffing levels for licensed operating personnel for nuclear power plants. The introduction of advanced reactor designs and increased use of advanced automation technologies in existing nuclear power plants will likely change the roles, responsibilities, composition, and size of the crews required to control plant operations. Current regulations regarding control room staffing, which are based upon the concept of operation for existing light-water reactors, may no longer apply. Therefore, applicants for an operating license for an advanced reactor, and current licensees who have implemented significant changes to existing control rooms, may submit applications for exemptions from current staffing regulations. The NRC staff is responsible for reviewing the exemption requests and must determine whether the staffing proposals provide adequate assurance that public health and safety will be maintained at a level that is comparable to that afforded by compliance with the current regulations.