Study of human factors and its basic aspects, focusing the operators of IEA-R1 research reactor

Abstract

The objective of this work is the study of human factors and situational variables, which can, when modified, interfere in the actions of operators of nuclear installations. This work is focused in the operators ofthe IEA-R1 research reactor, which is located in the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN - CNEN/SP. The accidents in Nuclear Plants have shown that the most serious have occurred due to human failure. This work also considers the item 5.5.3 of CNEN-NN-3.01 standard [1] - "Actions must be taken to reduce, as much as possible, the human failures that can lead to accidents or even other events which can originate inadvertent or unintentional expositions in any individual" The model named "Behavioral Analysis" is adopted. Relevant factors and aspects of the operators' routine are also considered. It is worth to remind that the performance depends on a series of variables, not only on the individual, but also situational, including in these categories; physical variables, work environment, organizational and the social ones. The subjective factors are also considered, such as: attitude, ability, motivation etc., aiming at a global perspective of the situation, which counts on a set of principIes for the behavior analysis and comprehension. After defining the applicability scenario, mechanisms and corrective actions to contribute with the reduction of failures will be proposed.