ARTCC controller described a loss of separation event alleging the position relief was not completed...

Narrative:

A B737 and a B767 lost separation. My trainer then gave the B737 a 30 degree left turn. We had just completed a position relief briefing. The radar controller that we relieved talked about the traffic at FL390 but I thought he was talking about another aircraft at FL390. I would say that we probably took the sector earlier than what we should have because the controller we relieved had several situations occurring that all needing to be taken care of. For example: 1. Traffic at FL360 that needed to get down in a timely matter. 2. A speed overtake on a couple of flights westbound. 3. An aircraft that would usually not be in the stratum at that time; that needed to be descended. I would say because of those situations; along with other factors; contributed to the loss of separation. Recommendation; the controller that is leaving a sector should take care of the situations before he gives the sector up. Also; the relieving controller should not take the sector unless he/she is prepared to take the position.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ARTCC Controller described a loss of separation event alleging the position relief was not completed with everyone involved understanding the traffic and potential conflicts.

Narrative: A B737 and a B767 lost separation. My trainer then gave the B737 a 30 degree left turn. We had just completed a position relief briefing. The RADAR Controller that we relieved talked about the traffic at FL390 but I thought he was talking about another aircraft at FL390. I would say that we probably took the sector earlier than what we should have because the Controller we relieved had several situations occurring that all needing to be taken care of. For example: 1. Traffic at FL360 that needed to get down in a timely matter. 2. A speed overtake on a couple of flights westbound. 3. An aircraft that would usually not be in the stratum at that time; that needed to be descended. I would say because of those situations; along with other factors; contributed to the loss of separation. Recommendation; the Controller that is leaving a sector should take care of the situations before he gives the sector up. Also; the Relieving Controller should not take the sector unless he/she is prepared to take the position.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	912841
Time
Date	201010
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	None
Flight Plan	IFR
Aircraft 2
Make Model Name	B767-300 and 300 ER
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	None
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Trainee
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Developmental
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

ARTCC controller described a loss of separation event alleging the position relief was not completed with everyone involved understanding the traffic and potential conflicts.