Applying Human-performance Models to Designing and Evaluating Nuclear Power Plants: Review Guidance and Technical Basis

O'Hara, J.M.

关键词: DESIGN;    HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING;    NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS;    OPERATING LICENSES;    PERFORMANCE;    SAFETY;    VALIDATION;    VERIFICATION Human factors engineering;    control rooms;    human-systems interfaces;    safety;    safety reviews;    design evaluation;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1013435
RP-ID  :  BNL--90676-2009
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1013435
Others  :  R&D Project: 15351
Others  :  Y-6529
Others  :  Other: 401001060
Others  :  TRN: US1102638

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

Human performance models (HPMs) are simulations of human behavior with which we can predict human performance. Designers use them to support their human factors engineering (HFE) programs for a wide range of complex systems, including commercial nuclear power plants. Applicants to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) can use HPMs for design certifications, operating licenses, and license amendments. In the context of nuclear-plant safety, it is important to assure that HPMs are verified and validated, and their usage is consistent with their intended purpose. Using HPMs improperly may generate misleading or incorrect information, entailing safety concerns. The objective of this research was to develop guidance to support the NRC staff's reviews of an applicant's use of HPMs in an HFE program. The guidance is divided into three topical areas: (1) HPM Verification, (2) HPM Validation, and (3) User Interface Verification. Following this guidance will help ensure the benefits of HPMs are achieved in a technically sound, defensible manner. During the course of developing this guidance, I identified several issues that could not be addressed; they also are discussed.