Human Factors Information System: A Tool to Assess Error Related to Human Performance in U.S. Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

Nuclear power plant safety is dependent upon human performance related to plant operations. To provide improvements in human performance, data collection and assessment play key roles. To address these concerns, the Human Factors Information System (HFIS) is designed to meet the needs of the human factors specialists of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These specialists identify personnel errors and provide guidance designed to prevent such errors. HFIS is a simple and modular system designed for use on a personal computer. It is designed to contain four separate modules that provide information indicative of program or function effectiveness as well as safety-related human performance based on programmatic and performance data. These modules include the Human Factors Status module; the Regulatory Programs module; the Licensee Event Report (LER) module; and the Operator Requalification Performance module. Information from these modules can either be used separately or can be combined due to the integrated nature of the system. HFIS has the capability, therefore, to provide insights into those areas of human factors that can reduce the probability of events caused by personnel error at nuclear power plants and promote the health and safety of the public. This information system concept can be applied to other industries as well as the nuclear industry.