PEER-CHECKING IN A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DIGITAL MAIN CONTROL ROOM

摘要

The introduction of digital displays into the nuclear Main Control Room (MCR) has had a profound impact on how operators interact with controls and displays. As a result, traditional processes and techniques once used in hard-control MCRs to prevent human-error need to be evaluated for effectiveness when applied in a digital environment. Peer-checking has long played a critical role in the prevention of operator error, and many utilities adopt peer-checking procedures as a means to mitigate mistakes in the operation or manipulation of a component. However, the traditional process of peer-checking requires hands-on techniques that may not be applicable when using a digital interface. This study explored the effects of both traditional (e.g. face-to-face) and modified (e.g. remote) peer-checking techniques on operator performance in a digital environment. The results indicate no statistical differences in the time needed to perform a peer-check using any of the techniques, although set-up time was significantly longer for remote peer-checks. Likewise, the error-rate was the same for both types of peer-checking techniques. When asked, participants preferred the face-to-face peer-check method over the remote techniques as it was faster and made the communication process easier. The results of this study can be used to help identify effective methods for peer-checking and human-error prevention in a digital MCR.