Human factors survey of advanced instrumentation and controls

A survey oriented towards identifying the human factors issues in regard to the use of advanced instrumentation and controls (I and C) in the nuclear industry was conducted. A number of United States (US) and Canadian nuclear vendors and utilities were participants in the survey. Human factors items, subsumed under the categories of computer-generated displays, controls, organizational support, training, and related topics, were discussed. The survey found the industry to be concerned about the human factors issues related to the implementation of advanced I and C. Fifteen potential human factors problems were identified. They include: the need for an advanced I and C guideline equivalent to NUREG-0700; a role change in the control room from operator to supervisor; information overload; adequacy of existing training technology for advanced I and C; and operator acceptance and trust