This desk would have had a trained and accredited operator sitting here every day of the year, 24 hours a day.
The general style of the layout and function is similar to compact marine-type technology from the 50s.
With the benefits of zooming into an incredibly high-resolution photo, one will notice the scram button in the middle is an emergency stop.
When activated, the scram switch will lower control rods into the reactor. Control rods are made of a material that captures neutrons, which controls the nuclear reaction. The top map shows the closed circuit cooling diagram, allowing the control room operator to easily monitor equipment and alarms.
Instruments for normal mains water flow are on the left, while the right shows heavy water information.
The top left alarm panel displays reactor trips. The right alarm panel shows warnings that, if not dealt with in time, will eventually lead to a reactor trip.
HIFAR Control Room is part of the Lost Collective 'ANSTO HIFAR' series.