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Abstract
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Aim
Nuclear regulations demand that human contribution is included in the reporting and analysis of operational events (OE), but this topic is not actively studied. We studied current human factor (HF) procedures in nuclear OE reporting and analysis, and tested a new HF tool for OE analysis.
Methods
We modified an HF tool for nuclear purposes. Safety experts (n = 8) from two nuclear power companies (NPC) tested the HF tool in a workshop investigating three OEs. We interviewed the safety experts and managers (n = 20) of the two NPCs, to evaluate the current HF practices and the output of the OE analysis with the new HF tool. We also analysed the documentation.
Results
The study revealed that currently, the reporting and analysis of OE focuses mainly on technical and risk aspects, and HF is not very concrete. The new HF tool offered a more accurate picture of the analysed OEs and HFs affecting OEs including the successes, than current OE analysis methods. The users found the HF tool clear and easy to use, useful for investigation, training and self-evaluation, and for monitoring safety trends.
Discussion
NPCs are aware of the need and usefulness of HF thinking, but HFs in OE reporting and analysis still need to be concretized. Development needs include further modification and validation of the tool, and planning of future implementation at NPCs and in the nuclear industry.
Conclusions
HF competence and implementation has to be improved, as stressed in the nuclear safety regulation.
Language: en |