Human factors: one of the key issues for safer nuclear plants

Measures undertaken by Ente Nazionale per l'Energia Elettrica (ENEL) to redefine the role of the nuclear power plant operator in times of emergency are discussed. The ENEL approach to the human factors issue is outlined. The regulatory limits for external release are to be met without relying on any operator action during a grace period of 72 hours after an accident initiation. Operators are to be considered as 'intelligent supervisors' rather than 'fast actuators', even if the execution of appropriate actions is not precluded. ENEL is also considering the addition of an overall plant computerized system for future plants, able to maintain under strict control all maintenance activities (preventive, predictive, and corrective), in order to greatly reduce error probability both in the preparation and in the execution phase.<>