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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.
James W. Schmidt, Joseph M. Harworth
Nuclear Technology | Volume 87 | Number 2 | October 1989 | Pages 520-526
Technical Paper | TMI-2: Health Physics and Environmental Release / Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A27747
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Following the Three Mile Island (TMI) Unit 2 accident, it was determined that due to the unusual radiological conditions created, an improved thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) system was needed to support the cleanup and recovery. As a result, a Panasonic-based TLD system was developed and installed by GPU Nuclear at the TMI facility. The resulting modified 802-type Panasonic dosimeter design and associated algorithm were developed under contract by Phillip Plato from the University of Michigan. This dosimeter/algorithm design provides for the use of a changing beta correction factor derived from beta spectral data collected by the dosimeter. The system computer-based processing equipment is driven using software developed under contract by International Science Associates. Long-term stability of the system is assured by an extensive quality control program integrated into the system operation. With the exception of several minor upgrades, the dosimetry system is essentially unchanged from its original implementation in February 1983. Additionally, the system has maintained continuous National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program certification of all monitoring categories.