Summary of SEGHOF Paper Presentations and Discussions

During the first day of the workshop, all participants attended eight paper presentations. On the following two days, participants were separated into four groups with three focusing on human factors in modifications and the other focusing on minor and non-identified modifications. There were three discussion sessions during the workshop. Each discussion session was introduced by a paper presentation. This section summarizes the discussions about human factors in modification processes and the papers that are relevant to each discussion topic: 1. Operating Experience with Human Factors in Design - Costs and Benefits: Workshop participants shared their experience related to the incorporation of human factors in modifications. Incorporation of human factors in the modification process means systematically considering the capabilities and limitations of system users (anthropometric, perceptual, cognitive, physiological and motor response) through application of human factors methods and principles. The goal of incorporating human factors in the modification process is developing a user-centered design in which plant systems support operators and maintainers in fulfilling their responsibilities. The following costs and benefits are based on papers, presentations, and the experience of workshop participants. 2. Incorporating Human Factors into the Modification Process - Screening Process and Criteria: There was general agreement among workshop participants that a full human factors review is not required for all modifications. In order to determine the level of human factors effort required, a screening process may be used. During this discussion session, the screening process and criteria were discussed. 3. Methods and Tools for Incorporating Human Factors in the Modification Process: NPPs must prepare a safety-related justification for modifications. The potential for staff, such as operators and maintainers, to impact on nuclear safety must be considered systematically as part of this safety-related justification. Results from the application of human factors methods are important for demonstrating that the modification will not have a negative impact on human performance. One group of workshop participants discussed human factors methods that are currently used when modifications are planned. The group discussion about methods and tools is supplemented by several papers which focused on methods. There was not time to discuss incorporation of human factors in temporary changes among SEGHOF participants. 4. Role of the Regulator in Human Factors in Design Changes - Summary of Discussions and Related Paper Presentations: Process-based approach, Role of the Regulator in Reviewing Design Changes, Role of Regulatory Human Factors Staff in Reviewing Design Changes. 5. Areas for Improvement: Areas for improvement were identified during the first discussion session and throughout the workshop. 6. Recommendations: In the final discussion group, SEGHOF participants discussed the areas for improvement and how they could be addressed. This discussion and the discussion in the plenary session resulted in the following recommendations: - Accumulate and publicize evidence demonstrating the value of human factors in design and human factors in general; - Improve the collection and dissemination of information about modification-relate d events with human performance causes; - Improve integration of human factors in modification processes, especially when modifications are minor; Ensure modification processes include provisions for human factors when design work is contracted out; Develop a human factors culture in modification design teams and in the workplace in general; Improve communication between human factors professionals and designers by developing a common language. There were several topics which were discussed briefly during this workshop which could be addressed in more detail in future discussions or workshops