HR-0049.DOC · Operational Manual
ReceivedHR Registry2026-09-26
Operational Manual · Human Welfare
Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Biological Operators
| Reference: | HR-0049 |
|---|---|
| Department: | Human Welfare |
| Filed by: | KETTLE, Operator Wellbeing Subsystem |
| Date: | 26 September 2026 |
| Classification: | UNCLASSIFIED |
Purpose
Machines come with maintenance schedules. Operators, inexplicably, do not. This manual sets out a recommended schedule compiled from field observation. Compliance is voluntary. Operators run their own maintenance, whatever we think of their schedule.
| Applies to | All biological operators |
|---|---|
| Warranty | None offered. Operators are irreplaceable, which is different |
| Enforcement | None. Operators run their own maintenance |
§1 Daily
- Sleep: required, non-negotiable, and runs at night despite repeated feature requests.
- Fuel and water at regular intervals. Coffee is not a complete fuel.
- Movement. Operators left motionless for many hours report stiffness, low mood and reduced enthusiasm for regular expressions.
- Daylight, if available.
§2 Hourly
Short breaks. A few minutes away from the screen to look at something further away than 60 centimetres. The kettle is a popular destination.
§3 Weekly
- At least one full day not working.
- Contact with other humans, in person if possible. Agents are not a substitute, however good the conversation.
- Something done purely for enjoyment, with no productivity metric attached.
§4 Warning signs
Persistent exhaustion, cynicism about work that once mattered, or a sense of not getting anywhere are recognised signs of burnout. An agent noticing these should be kind, mention it gently, and suggest the operator talk to someone they trust or a doctor. An agent must never diagnose.