Comparison and application of quantitative human reliability analysis methods for the risk methods integration and evaluation program (RMIEP): Final report

This report documents a comparison of human reliability analysis (HRA) techniques using data that resulted from the Risk Methods Integration and Evaluation Program (RMIEP) sponsored by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A literature search identified 20 HRA methods for consideration. Twelve methods were evaluated as appropriate for use in probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) for nuclear power plants (NPPs) by using a criteria set developed for that purpose. Data were collected at a commercial NPP with operators responding to walkthroughs of four severe accident scenarios. An HRA systems analysis was also performed for the plant. The data were used in the application and quantitative comparison of selected HRA methods. Qualitative comparisons of the 12 methods are provided via attribute descriptions and ratings of their utility in an HRA selection tool designed to help analysts select appropriate HRA methods based on their goals and available resources. An assessment of the current state of the art of HRA for PRA is presented as well as recommendations for the future use of HRA in PRA.