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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.
José Ramón Ramírez Sánchez, John Garcia, R. T. Perry
Nuclear Technology | Volume 168 | Number 2 | November 2009 | Pages 524-527
Shielding | Special Issue on the 11th International Conference on Radiation Shielding and the 15th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (Part 2) / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT09-A9237
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For environmental reasons, it was proposed to remove the lead shielding in the front panel of a glove box and replace it with another material. This technical note shows that steel could be used. Also, the thickness of steel required to maintain acceptable doses to an operator is determined. Computer modeling and analysis show that 3.175 cm (1¼ in.) of steel is required to maintain the same dose to the operator from gamma radiation as 0.635 cm (¼ in.) of lead. However, it was demonstrated that source placement and geometry play a large role in the operator's dose independent of the structural material because of streaming through ports and windows. Because of streaming, the dose received through the metal in the front panel was not the dominant source of radiation to the operator. It was found that 1.5875 cm (5/8 in.) of steel could be used in the panel.