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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.
Kimberly Burns, Nolan Hertel, Armin Ansari
Nuclear Technology | Volume 168 | Number 3 | December 2009 | Pages 820-823
MC Calculations | Special Issue on the 11th International Conference on Radiation Shielding and the 15th Topical Meeting of the Radiation Protection and Shielding Division (PART 3) / Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT09-A9312
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
After a radiological dispersal device event, there may be internally and/or externally contaminated victims. Those with life-threatening injuries may require immediate medical assistance prior to decontamination. The dose rates to which a healthcare provider is exposed due to the internal and external contamination of the victim were computed using Monte Carlo simulations and five anthropomorphic phantoms. For the external contamination modeling, the contamination is assumed to be uniformly distributed over the entire exterior of the victim's body. For the internal contamination modeling, the contamination was distributed in the appropriate organs according to biokinetic modeling. The specific isotopes considered were 60Co, 137Cs, 131I, 192Ir, and 241Am. The calculated dose rates demonstrate that life-saving care to stabilize critical patients can be provided without exceeding dose guidelines for first responders.