The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plant

[Marlin]

The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants

https://www.ans.org/news/article-8161/the-human-factor-in-licensing-and-operating-the-next-generation-of-nuclear-plants/

[Core Content]

The transition to small modular reactors and microreactors is shifting the operator role from manual control to digital supervision. This change requires a new focus on interface design, situational awareness, and the management of automated systems, as operators move away from physical sensory cues toward screen-based monitoring and diagnostic tasks.

These advancements introduce complex human performance challenges, including potential skill degradation and the risks of automation bias. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is addressing these shifts through 10 CFR Part 53, which mandates human factors engineering principles for new designs. Industry stakeholders must now prioritize early integration of human-centered operational concepts to ensure safety during remote or autonomous plant operations.

As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector's most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry's landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls...

The transformation begins with the role of the operator. For decades, operators built expertise through manipulating analog controls, interpreting local indicators, and drawing on sensory cues such as vibration or sound. In advanced reactors, operators will instead supervise highly automated systems through digital interfaces. They may perform few manual actions during routine operations, with their role shifting toward monitoring, diagnosing, and managing exceptions.

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/article-8161/the-human-factor-in-licensing-and-operating-the-next-generation-of-nuclear-plants/