The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Recommended Practice for the Application of Human Factors Engineering to Systems, Equipment, and Facilities of Nuclear Power Generating Stations and Other Nuclear Facilities
 N 1023

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The need for the application of human factors engineering (HFE) in the life cycle activities of nuclear power generating stations and other nuclear facilities has been demonstrated by plant operating histories and regulatory and industry reviews. Prior to the incident at Three Mile Island-Unit 2 (TMI-2) in 1979, little guidance for the application of HFE in nuclear facilities existed. Evaluation of the TMI-2 incident revealed that better application of HFE in nuclear power plant design could contribute to reducing human errors, mitigating events, and preventing accidents. Based on this potential for improved nuclear safety, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission instituted guidance for the incorporation of HFE principles in the design of nuclear power plants. Department of Energy laboratories and industry groups such as the Electric Power Research Institute and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations have also provided research, studies, and methodologies to support the application of HFE to further the safe operation of nuclear facilities.

This Recommended Practice, IEEE 1023-2004, is provided to promote the systematic application of HFE in nuclear facility programs. It is intended to serve as the top-level program document under which additional standards are written or referenced to address specific technical needs. As the top-level document, it is beyond the scope of this Recommended Practice to offer the detailed guidance that is needed to support the various activities that may be implemented by such programs. However, since TMI 2, detailed guidance on many relevant topics has been provided by numerous sources. Such guidance may be accessed, for example, through the Bibliography given in Annex A.