Nuclear
Hoisting: What could possibly go wrong?
| Document
|
Author Adrian Wheatley |
| Abstract The handling of hazardous materials requires the careful consideration of potential human errors and their consequences. Further to several risk assessment and safety justification activities in support of hoist equipment and hoist operations design, a baseline model of hoisting operations, potential human error and consequences was developed. This model is presented as a useful starting point for any safety assessor undertaking hazard analysis in the context of high hazard hoisting operations. |
Case Study: Reflections on a Major Nuclear New Build Project from Concept to Commissioning
| Document
|
Author Emma Ridsdale |
| Abstract The paper highlights the implementation of relevant good practice Human Factors Integration (HFI) methods on a major nuclear new build project. The Human Factors (HF) team have provided support to the design and safety case since 2017. HF activities have assessed the role of the operation, allocation of function and analysed the proven technologies selection and input into novel design solutions to deliver a safe, operable, and functional design. |
Electronic Procedures – will they work for you?
| Document
|
Author Adrian Wheatley |
| Abstract A literature review and Learning from Experience study was undertaken to draw key themes and topics associated with the design, development, implementation and use of Electronic Procedures. The output report is intended to be used to develop ONR guidance on the topic. |
Nuclear: The Big Clean-up
| Document
|
Author Steph Simpson |
| Abstract This paper presents a series of observations of the hazards and challenges faced as part of the cleanup of the UK’s Nuclear Licensed Sites after decades of electricity production. In some hazardous environments, the dynamic decision making of humans is often preferable to the use of robots, however this does not come without risk. Protective equipment, whilst absolutely necessary to reduce the risks to the operator, can impact their performance when undertaking decommissioning operations. Human Factors and Ergonomics play a critical role in ensuring these tasks are undertaken safely, reliably and efficiently. |
Human Factors Integration for a Nuclear Waste Management Facility – a success story
| Document
|
Author Clare Parker & Carina King |
| Abstract This paper outlines the Human Factors (HF) integration work that was undertaken at a Sellafield Limited (SL) nuclear waste management facility in the north of the UK. The project consisted of the design and build of a new facility to store Intermediate Level Waste (ILW). The work was delivered by HF specialists at Risktec Solutions Ltd (Risktec) and involved multiple HF activities. A local operability review is presented as a case study that considered the environmental aspects of the new facility. This paper demonstrates the importance and impact of HF integration on a large-scale project. |
Advanced Reactor Technologies – do we need to still worry about the human?
| Document
|
Author Farah Fenoughty |
| Abstract Nuclear reactor technology is developing and changing the role of the human and interaction with the plant. Specifically, working as a HF consultant in the nuclear industry, the human contribution to risk and reliance on the human to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the plant is changing - we will rely less on human diagnosis of faults and fault mitigation actions and more on passive and automated safety systems. However, working on new build projects I have found that these fundamental questions have not always been considered and explored systematically – is there anything the human could do that could compromise the integrity of the safety systems to fulfil their intended safety function and, in a fault situation, is there anything the human could do to make things worse? In this paper I will elaborate on why these questions remain important. |
Attention Capture Experimental Paradigm for Cross-Screen Interaction in Nuclear Power Monitoring System
| Document
|
Author Wu Xiaoli, Li Yiqun & Li Qian |
| Abstract This study analyses the mechanism of operators' cross-screen interactive behaviour during the execution of typical monitoring tasks from the perspective of attention capture, in order to enhance the superiority of attention capture for critical task information on interfaces, ultimately improving operators' efficiency in manipulation. The connection between the operator's perceptual cognitive process and cross-screen interactive behaviour is established through the bottom-up and top-down attention capture mechanisms. A cross-screen interaction experimental paradigm is proposed, and experiments are conducted in specific scenarios to verify and refine the potential behavioural mechanisms. The experimental results will help to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cross-screen behaviour and cognitive processes and reveal the mapping relationship between interface factors and cross-screen interactions. |
Information Chunk Similarity in Nuclear Power Monitoring: A Cognitive Bias Effect Paradigm
| Document
|
Author Xiaoli Wu, Yiqun Li, Yuqi He, Zexi Fang |
| Abstract This study tackles the cognitive bias caused by high similarity among information chunks in nuclear power monitoring systems. A cognitive model was constructed to identify perceptual similarity as the key factor affecting operator cognition. Behavioral experiments using visual search and situational tasks were conducted to quantify chunk similarity and determine the optimal similarity range. Results show that perceptual similarity has a significantly greater impact than semantic similarity. An equation for calculating overall perceptual similarity based on color, layout, and complexity was developed. The optimal similarity value range (T0'' ∈ [4.624, 5.538]) was identified, enhancing interface recognizability and cognitive performance. This study proposes a similarity bias effect paradigm for visual tasks, providing a theoretical basis and empirical support for improving nuclear power monitoring interface design. |
Testing HF Requirements to Optimise Human Performance
| Document
|
Author Chris Heath & Ewan Povall |
| Abstract This paper will cover the approach used to integrate Human Factors (HF) requirements into project testing and commissioning phases of a major nuclear new build project as well as key insights to reliably test the design and tasks involved to optimise human performance. This includes discussion on the importance of deriving good HF requirements, testing these requirements effectively and delves into the HF Verification and Validation (V&V) techniques involved to successfully progress the design project from detailed design into testing and commissioning phases. With the overarching goal to produce a safe and operable facility. |
Human Factors & AI In Nuclear: Regulatory Consensus As the Trust Bucket
| Document
|
Author Gorby Jandu |
| Abstract In 2024, both the inaugural UK AI awards and Nobel Peace Prize for Physics in AI took place. This further intensified the mainstream publicity given to AI both in human automation and machine self-learning. In contrast, the uptake of AI in more industrial and specialist settings has been noticeably measured, especially away from simple automation. For example, in the nuclear industry, Human and Organisational Factors (HOF) have yet to benefit from AI en masse. This is at great odds with the potential that AI presents in mitigating nuclear harm, itself the main concern when scaling nuclear power plants. However, change is afoot. In the last two years, important international nuclear regulatory guidelines for adopting AI in nuclear HOF have been published. This is a major step change for what is a decidedly risk-averse industry as it encourages the development of AI. But the message remains clear. AI must engender ‘top-down’ trust in the technology’s deterministic predictability. Leading up to the published guidance, two world-leading ‘sandbox’ trials were conducted under regulatory auspices. Below, I discuss one in detail to show that nuclear can provide HOF practitioners with much-needed empirical data on the potential of AI. As, if nuclear can utilise AI then a vibrant case exists for other fields. |
Human Factors in Safety Critical Design: Using Haptic Feedback for Robot Teleoperation
| Document
|
Author Molly Murphy, Teegan Bowker, Emily Thorne, Steven Newton & Daniel Jardine |
| Abstract High hazard industries require the consideration of Human Factors in designing methods to mitigate health and safety risks. Robotic solutions in the nuclear industry can improve operator safety through remote teleoperation, however, for these solutions to be successful the human must be considered. This paper presents a Human Factors review of one of these solutions and has received promising usability results whilst identifying areas for future system development – including improvements to the trolley used to move the robot, and recommendations for a comprehensive training program for familiarisation. |
Knowledge share from a wide scope approach to HF in nuclear defuelling
| Document
|
Author Jack Kelleher, Abby Middleton |
| Abstract The Human Factors (HF) team conducted a holistic, wide scope review of the Fuelling Machine at a nuclear power station undergoing defuelling to support the maintenance of high safety standards. The team worked collaboratively with the fuel route operators to identify issues and prioritised them using a novel mapping of PSFs onto EPCs. The collaboration extended to the development of proportionate and pragmatic recommendations, ultimately improving safety during defuelling operations. |
Allocation of Function: Yes, no, maybe?
| Document
|
Author Adrian Wheatley, George Charalambous |
| Abstract This paper summarises the work undertaken to produce an Allocation of Function method in support of a number of client projects in the nuclear sector. This led to the development of an interactive Excel based tool to support the client in Allocation of Function decision making. |
Day in the Life Of: Applying the Process to the Nuclear Industry
| Document
|
Author Lisa Kelly, Rachel Selfe & Suzy Sharpe |
| Abstract Day In The Life Of (DITLO) methodologies have been utilised in the rail industry to elicit user experiences and drive a greater shared understanding of how systems or designs will operate in a variety of scenarios. This paper describes the application of this approach to the nuclear industry, in order to improve the integration of design, engineering and safety disciplines, and to achieve a holistic understanding of the user’s environment to enhance operability and human performance. |
Benefits of Using Visual Engineering to Support Human Factors Assessments
| Document
|
Author Laura Poad, Samantha Hilton, Ben Gafner |
| Abstract This case study presents how modern Visual Engineering (VE) tools, such as Virtual Reality (VR), digital human modelling and interactive simulation, have been used to support traditional Human Factors (HF) assessments within the Nuclear Decommissioning Industry. The case study demonstrates a real-world example of how Visual Engineering tools have been integrated into existing HF processes and aims to provide practical, evidence-based insights and transferable lessons to HF practitioners interested how Visual Engineering technologies can benefit HF practice. |
Designing for Constructability
| Document
|
Author Clare Pollard, Sarah Hickey |
| Abstract UK nuclear licensed sites will have large construction projects ongoing for at least the next decade. To ensure programmes are achievable, there is a requirement to ensure designs are easy to construct. An integrated approach to Human Factors (HF) in the industry ensures HF activities across the design development stage, commissioning and into operations to ensure operability and maintainability. This paper provides guidance on HF aspects to be considered throughout the design process to ensure HF specialists are making decisions that make construction activities easier. |
Success Factors for Human Factors Issues Management in the Nuclear Industry
| Document
|
Author Sam Farrar, Samantha Halstead, Callum Thomas & Patrick Ellis |
| Abstract This paper sets out to present several key Success Factors learned from the coordination and management of Human Factors Issues and Assumptions Register (HFIAR) administrative process’ within the Nuclear Sector. The paper seeks to explore notable themes identified within HFIAR management and detail how the process can be suitably implemented to provide successful Human Factors (HF) Issues management to Nuclear Industry Clients. |
