Effectiveness of Crew Resource Management Training Program for Operators in the APR-1400 Main Control Room Simulator

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Crew Resource Management (CRM) training program for operators in the Main Control Room (MCR) simulator of APR-1400 Nuclear Power Plant. The experiments were conducted for two different crews of operators performing six different emergency operating scenarios during four-week period. Each crew consisted of the five operators: senior reactor operator, safety technical advisor, reactor operator, turbine operator, and electric operator. All crews (Crew A and B) participated in the training program for the technical knowledge and skills which were required to operate the simulator of the MCR during the first week. To verify the effectiveness of the CRM training program; however, only Crew A was selected to attend the CRM training after the technical knowledge and skills training. The results of the experiments showed that the CRM training program improved the individual attitudes of Crew A significantly. Team skills of Crew A were found to be significantly better than those of Crew B. The CRM training did not have positive effects on enhancing the individual performance of Crew A; however, as compared to that of Crew B. Implication of these findings was discussed further in detail.

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