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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.
The ANS Standards Committee uses "ANS Collaborate" as an online collaboration tool. Each standards working group, subcommittee, consensus committee, special committee, and the Standards Board has its own password-protected site for document storage, messaging and notifications, balloting, and comment management to promote a more organized, efficient development of standards. Individuals with questions about ANS Collaborate for standards work may contact standards@ans.org.
Standards Committee members that have an established Collaborate account may access the site.
Last modified April 15, 2019, 11:38am CDT
