Nuclear Power Plant Alarm Systems: Problems and Issues

Despite the incorporation of advanced technology into nuclear power plant alarm systems, human factors problems remain. This paper identifies issues to be addressed in order to allow advanced technology to be used effectively in the design of nuclear power plant alarm systems. The operator's use and processing of alarm system information will be considered. Based upon a review of alarm system research, issues related to general system design, alarm processing, display and control are discussed. It is concluded that the design of effective alarm systems depends on an understanding of the information processing capabilities and limitations of the operator.

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