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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
E. Hohmann, S. Safai, Ch. Bula, R. Lüscher, C. Harm, S. Mayer, O. Morath, E. Pedroni, S. Zenklusen
Nuclear Technology | Volume 175 | Number 1 | July 2011 | Pages 77-80
Technical Paper | Special Issue on the 16th Biennial Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT11-A12273
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Proton therapy is a widely used method of cancer treatment. Undesired secondary particles such as neutrons accompany the irradiation. Depending on the measurement position, the expected main dose contribution due to undesired secondary particles arises from neutrons with energies >20 MeV. Conventionally used Andersson and Braun-type survey instruments may underestimate the ambient dose equivalent up to a factor of 2 due to their limited response for high-energy neutrons. Therefore, it is desirable to investigate the neutron stray field in conditions comparable to therapy treatment, in particular the resulting dose to equipment placed in the treatment vault to estimate possible consequences to its operation. The irradiation of a water phantom with 200-MeV protons adequately reproduces these conditions.
