APS Presenter and Contact: Greg Banks (gbanks@aps.anl.gov)

 Operator Training at the Advanced Photon Source

 Greg Banks
 Operations Group
 Accelerator Systems Division
 Advanced Photon Source
 Argonne National Laboratory
 9700 South Cass Avenue
 Argonne, IL 60439


 Abstract

   The Advanced Photon Source is a third generation X-ray source made
   up of four accelerators: a linac, an accumulation ring (PAR), a
   booster synchrotron and the Storage Ring. Operation of these
   machines is maintained around the clock by five crews of three
   individuals.

   In order to operate any one of these machines we insist that at
   least one operator, qualified to operate that machine, is on duty.
   The training process which leads to qualification is formal and is
   viewed as extremely important. It emphasizes procedural issues,
   safety issues and underlying technical understanding.

   The steps leading to qualification on a particular accelerator
   involve three different tests: a written test, a field test and a
   console test. Training is mentor driven and is the shared
   responsibility of the staff member of the operations group
   responsible for the given machine, and the crew chief. We expect it
   to take 1 to 2 years for an individual to become qualified on all
   machines. Once qualified on all machines the "operator trainee" is
   promoted to "operator".

   Requalification and continued training will also be discussed