A Model of Operator Interaction with Field Procedures: Insights for Computer-Based Procedures

Abstract

Paper-based procedures (PBPs) are used to manage human performance in the nuclear power industry both in the field, and in the main control room. Though PBPs are viewed as a necessary tool to guide operators through complex tasks, limitations in paper-based systems may increase operator workload and contribute to errors. Plans to upgrade aging plants with digital equipment and wireless technology may present an opportunity to enhance procedures by migrating them to computer-based systems. These computer-based procedures (CBPs) have the potential to enhance human performance by integrating plant status information and automating many tasks (e.g., place-keeping). CBPs have been explored for more than 30 years for use in the main control room; however their actual deployment in the US nuclear plants is yet to be realized. Currently, the Idaho National Laboratory and participants from the nuclear industry are collaborating on a research effort aimed at identifying requirements for CBPs used by field operators. This paper describes the first step in that effort: a qualitative study and the development of a Model of Procedure Usage.

Digital Architecture – Results From a Gap Analysis

“…Moving forward, researchers will follow on this potential gap (i.e., plans to modernize the MCRs). As indicated by Joe, Boring, and Persensky (2012) and Le Blanc, Oxstrand, and Waicosky (2012), there is already a movement toward control room modernizations. However, Successful demonstrations of benefit as well as a solid business case will most likely support the industry to move forward with the modernization activities.…”

“…The result indicates that the utilities plan to use various technologies in their MCR and that the most feasible and cost effective approach to MCR modernization is to partially modernize the I&C and human-system interface rather than a full-scale modernization. In addition, the results from a study conducted by Le Blanc, Oxstrand, and Waicosky. (2012) shows that 66% of the six participating utilities have control room computer-based procedures included in their long-term vision.…”

CBP for Field Workers – Results and Insights from Three Usability and Interface Design Evaluations

“…In addition, feedback on usability and form factor were collected as well. The laboratory evaluation studies are described Oxstrand, Le Blanc, and Bly (2014), Oxstrand, Le Blanc, and Bly (2013), Oxstrand and Le Blanc (2012),and in Le Blanc, Oxstrand, and Waicosky (2012).…”

“…This can take up valuable time the worker could have spent on task execution, and it can potentially lead to unintentional deviations and errors. Other challenges related to use of PBPs are management of multiple procedures, place-keeping, finding the correct procedure for a task, and relying on other sources of additional information to ensure a functional and accurate understanding of the current plant status (Converse, 1995;Fink, Killian, Hanes, and Naser, 2009;Le Blanc and Oxstrand, 2012).…”

“…The underlying design concepts used in the CBP system have been evaluated and proven successful in a number of studies over the years (Oxstrand, Le Blanc, and Bly, 2014;Bly, 2013, Oxstrand andLe Blanc, Oxstrand, and Waicosky 2012). However, the graphical user interface (GUI) had not been thoroughly evaluated.…”