Effective plant labeling and coding: Final report

Between 1981 and 1986 more than 200 reports made to the NRC involved personnel errors in which identification errors were made involving selection of the wrong unit, train, or component. An in-depth investigation of a sample of these errors by the NRC revealed that labeling inadequacies were the major contributors to such identification errors. The present study was conducted to provide guidance in effective labeling and coding practices based on the human factors literature, earlier EPRI studies, a review of LER data, and visits to three nuclear power plants to investigate recent efforts to improve the identification of units, trains, and components. This report provides general principles and guidelines for labeling and coding that are applicable both in the control room and for plant-wide applications. Recommendations are also made regarding methods for reviewing and upgrading existing plant identification practices. 28 refs., 123 figs