Human factors and operation of nuclear power plants: orientations for research

This paper first presents the main lessons derived from operating feedback regarding the operation of EDF PWR plants under accident conditions. In this context, the advantages and limitations of the guidance-based procedures developed since the TMI accident are discussed. Approaches are then outlined which could enable further progress to be achieved for future reactors. The distribution of roles and responsibilities between man and machine, and perhaps between the men themselves, must be re-examined. Purely technical solutions are not enough. We have to combine solutions relating to system design, control and instrumentation and automatic control with those concerning the man-machine interface, staff training and operator shift organization. These solutions will probably imply modifications to the safety demonstration methods, which could no longer rely so extensively on guidance-based procedures. Safety demonstration would have to make better use of the potential represented by highly trained operators and more sophisticated operator aids. Proposals are made on all these points and the relevant EDF and CEA research programs are described