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An ergonomics study of computerized emergency operating procedures: Presentation style, task complexity, and training level

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  • Xu, Song
  • Song, Fei
  • Li, Zhizhong
  • Zhao, Qianyi
  • Luo, Wei
  • He, Xuhong
  • Salvendy, Gavriel

Abstract

Emergency operating procedures (EOPs) are widely used in nuclear power plants (NPPs). With the development of information technology, computerized EOPs are taking the place of paper-based ones. Unlike paper-based EOPs, the industrial practice of computerized EOPs is still quite limited. Ergonomics issues of computerized EOPs have not been studied adequately. This study focuses on the effects of EOP presentation style, task complexity, and training level on the performance of the operators in the execution of computerized EOPs. One simulated computerized EOP system was developed to present two EOPs, each with different task complexity levels, by two presentation styles (Style A: one- and two-dimensional flowcharts combination; Style B: two-dimensional flowchart and success logic tree combination). Forty subjects participated in the experiment of EOP execution using the simulated system. Statistical analysis of the experimental results indicates that: (1) complexity, presentation style, and training level all can significantly influence the error rate. High-complexity tasks and lack of sufficient training may lead to a higher error rate. Style B caused a significantly higher error rate than style A did in the skilled phase. So the designers of computerized procedures should take the presentation styles of EOPs into account. (2) Task complexity and training level can significantly influence operation time. No significant difference was found in operation time between the two presentation styles. (3) Training level can also significantly influence the subjective workload of EOPs operations. This implies that adequate training is very important for the performance of computerized EOPs even if emergency responses with computerized EOPs are much more simple and easy than that with paper-based EOPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Song & Song, Fei & Li, Zhizhong & Zhao, Qianyi & Luo, Wei & He, Xuhong & Salvendy, Gavriel, 2008. "An ergonomics study of computerized emergency operating procedures: Presentation style, task complexity, and training level," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 93(10), pages 1500-1511.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reensy:v:93:y:2008:i:10:p:1500-1511
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ress.2007.09.006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Park, Jinkyun & Jung, Wondea, 2007. "A study on the development of a task complexity measure for emergency operating procedures of nuclear power plants," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 92(8), pages 1102-1116.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Peng & Li, Zhizhong, 2014. "Comparison of task complexity measures for emergency operating procedures: Convergent validity and predictive validity," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 289-293.
    2. Peng Liu & Zhizhong Li, 2014. "Human Error Data Collection and Comparison with Predictions by SPAR‐H," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 34(9), pages 1706-1719, September.
    3. Zarei, Esmaeil & Khan, Faisal & Abbassi, Rouzbeh, 2021. "Importance of human reliability in process operation: A critical analysis," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).
    4. Ham, Dong-Han & Park, Jinkyun & Jung, Wondea, 2012. "Model-based identification and use of task complexity factors of human integrated systems," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 33-47.
    5. Porthin, Markus & Liinasuo, Marja & Kling, Terhi, 2020. "Effects of digitalization of nuclear power plant control rooms on human reliability analysis – A review," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    6. Dong, Xiaolu & Li, Zhizhong, 2011. "A study on the effect of training interval on the use of computerized emergency operatingprocedures," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 96(2), pages 250-256.
    7. Xu, Song & Li, Zhizhong & Song, Fei & Luo, Wei & Zhao, Qianyi & Salvendy, Gavriel, 2009. "Influence of step complexity and presentation style on step performance of computerized emergency operating procedures," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 94(2), pages 670-674.
    8. Liu, Peng & Qiu, Yongping & Hu, Juntao & Tong, Jiejuan & Zhao, Jun & Li, Zhizhong, 2020. "Expert judgments for performance shaping Factors’ multiplier design in human reliability analysis," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).

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