Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 25
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Troubleshooting
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Human Factors; Procedure
Arrived in area at XA:35. Could not relieve anyone until my shift started at XA:45. A controller gave a relief briefing to no one and left the position. I had to work the unmanned sector prior to my shift start. The controller left a dummy jack plugged in and left the frequency in the ear. I noticed that an aircraft needed to be descended and handed off but there was no hand set. I found a hand set and gave the clearance. Received no response due to the frequency not selected to speaker. When I figured out the problem the pilot was extremely frustrated. There was no error but a very unsafe situation.
ZOB Controller reports to work and before shift starts another controller gives a briefing to no one; and then leaves the room. Controller reporting to work has to start work before officially being at work.