Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Literature Review on Human Reliability Analysis Techniques Applied for Probabilistic Risk Assessment in the Nuclear Industry

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Advances in Human Factors in Energy: Oil, Gas, Nuclear and Electric Power Industries

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 495))

Abstract

A literature review of a number of Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) methodologies is carried out in this paper. The focus of the paper is on the use of an HRA method to quantify the probability of a human error that can then be plugged into the overall plant Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA), specifically in the nuclear industry. In keeping with this criterion, the modeling techniques selected for review are Technique for Human Error Rate Prediction (THERP), Accident Sequence Evaluation Program (ASEP), Cause-Based Decision Tree Method (CBDTM), Human Cognitive Reliability/Operator Reliability Experiments (HCR/ORE), Simplified Plant Analysis Risk-Human (SPAR-H) reliability assessment, Justified Human Error Data Information (JHEDI), Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM), A Technique for Human Error Analysis (ATHEANA), Nuclear Action Reliability Assessment (NARA) and Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART). It is concluded that while no one methodology can cover all aspects of HRA due to each having their own set of limitations, a combination of certain methodologies can provide a more accurate Human Error Probability (HEP) for input into the PRA.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. IAEA: Risk management: A tool for improving nuclear power plant performance (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Nusbaumer, O.: Introduction to probabilistic safety assessments (PSA). Leibstadt NPP. http://nusbaumer.tripod.com/resources/publications/nusbaumer_introduction_to_probabilistic_safety_assessments.pdf (2016). Accessed on April 26, 2016

  3. Carlisle, R.P.: Probabilistic risk assessment in nuclear reactors: engineering success, public relations failure. Technol. Cult. 38(4) (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Pasquale, V.D., Iannone, R., Miranda, S., Riemma, S.: An overview of human reliability analysis techniques in manufacturing operations, operations management. InTech (2013). doi:10.5772/55065

    Google Scholar 

  5. Oxstrand, J.: Human Reliability Guidance- How to Increase the Synergies between Human Reliability, Human Factors, and System Design & Engineering. Phase 2: The American Point of View—Insights of how the US Nuclear Industry works with Human Reliability Analysis. NKS_R-2009_77 Interim Report. (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Swain, A.D.: Human reliability analysis: need, status, trends and limitations. Reliab. Eng. Syst. Safety. 29(3), 301–313 (1990)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Education of Risk Professionals: PRA 105-106 Data Analysis/HRA. Charlotte, North Carolina (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Boring, R.L.: How many performance shaping factors are necessary for human reliability analysis? In: 10th International Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management Conference (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Swain, A.D., Guttmann, H.E.: Handbook of Human Reliability with Emphasis on Nuclear Power Plant Applications Final Report. NUREG/Cr-1278. US NRC (1983)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Boring, R.L., Griffith, C.D., Joe, J.C.: Measure of human error: direct and indirect performance shaping factors. In: 8th IEEE Conference on Human factors and Power Plants (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bell, J., Swain, A.: A procedure for conducting a human reliability analysis for nuclear power plants. Final Report. U.S. NRC. NUREG/CR-2254. (1983)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Bell, J., Holroyd, J.: Review of Human Reliability Assessment Methods. Health and Safety Executive Research Report RR679 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Boring, R.L., Forested, J. A., Bye, A., Dang, V.N., Lois, E.: Lessons learned on benchmarking from the international human reliability analysis empirical study. In: The 10th Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management Conference (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  14. U.S. NRC: Reactor Safety Study- An assessment of Accident Risks in US Commercial Nuclear Power Plants. NUREG-75/014, WASH-1400 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Kirwan, B.: The validation of three human reliability quantification techniques, THERP, HEART and JHEDI: Part I- technique descriptions and validation issues. Appl. Ergonomics 27(6), 359–373 (1996)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Boring, R.L.: Fifty Years of THERP and Human Reliability Analysis. Department of Energy (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Kirwan, B., Kennedy, R., Taylor-Adams, S., Lambert, B.: The validation of three human reliability quantification techniques, THERP, HEART and JHEDI: Part II- results of validation exercise. Appl. Ergonomics 28(1), 17–25 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Kolaczkowski, A., Forester, J., Lois, E., Cooper, S.: Good Practices for Implementing Human Reliability Analysis (HRA). NUREG-1792 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Alvarenga, M.A.B., Fonseca, R.A.: On the use of the THERP methodology in the human reliability analysis of nuclear power plants—compliance with the USNRC good practices criteria. In: Proceedings of the International Nuclear Atlantic Conference (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Jeong, W.D., Kim, J.H., Jang, S.C., Ha, J.J.: Abstract of comprehensive analysis to identify the limitations of ASEP/THERP methods based on HRA experiences. In: Proceedings of the Korean Nuclear Society Autumn Meeting (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Alvarenga, M.A.B., Fonseca, R.A.: Comparison of the THERP quantitative tables with the human reliability analysis techniques of second generation. In: Proceedings of the International Nuclear Atlantic Conference (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Swain, A.D.: Accident Sequence Evaluation Program Human Reliability Analysis Procedure. NUREG/CR-4772. SAND86-1996 (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Spurgin, A.J.: Human Reliability Assessment Theory and Practice. CRC Press (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Hannaman, G.W., Spurgin, A.J., Lukic, Y.: Human Cognitive Reliability Model for PRA Analysis: Draft report (NUS-4531, EPRI Project RP2170-3). San Diego, CA (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Humphreys, P.: Human Reliability Assessor’s Guide: A Report by the Human Factors in Reliability Group. United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Safety and Reliability Directorate (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Sun, R., Chen, Y., Liu, X., Peng, T., Liu, L.: A method of analysis integrating HCR and ETA modeling for determining risks associated with inadequate flight separation events. J. Aviation Technol. Eng. 1(1), 19–27 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Varde, P.V., Lee, D.Y., Han, J.B.: Human error probability evaluation as part of reliability analysis of digital protection system of advanced pressurized water reactor- APR1400. Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. INIS vol. 36, Issue 19. (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  28. Lois, E., Forester, J., Kolaczkowski, A.: Presentation for Public Meeting on Evaluation of Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) Methods Against HRA Good Practices (NUREG-1842- Draft for Public Comment). Sandia National Laboratories (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Gertman, D.I. et al.: The SPAR-H Human Reliability Analysis Method. U.S. NRC. Idaho National Laboratory. NUREG/CR-6883 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Whaley, A.M., Kelly, D.L., Boring, R.L., Galyean, W.J.: SPAR-H Step-by-Step guidance. In: 11th International Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management Conference and the Annual European Safety and Reliability Conference (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Kirwan, B.: A Guide to Practical Human Reliability Assessment. Taylor & Francis, London (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Hollnagel, E.: Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method-CREAM. Elsevier Science, Oxford (1998)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Bedford, T., Bayley, C., Revie, M.: Screening, sensitivity, and uncertainty for the CREAM method of human reliability analysis. Reliab. Eng. Syst. Saf. 115, 100–110 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Cooler, S.E., Ramey-Smith, A.M., Wreathall, J., Parry, G.W., Bley, D.C., Luckas, W.J.: A Technique for Human Error Analysis (ATHEANA). Technical Basis and Methodology Description. U.S. NRC. NUREG/CR-6350. BNL-NUREG-52467 (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Barriere, M.T., et al.: Technical Basis and Implementation Guidelines for a Technique for Human Event Analysis (ATHEANA). U.S. NRC. NUREG-1624, Rev. 1 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  36. Forester, J., Kolaczkowski, A., Cooper, S., Bley, D., Lois, E.: ATHEANA User’s Guide. Final Report U.S. NRC. NUREG-1880 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Kirwan, B., Gibson, H., Kennedy, R., Edmunds, J., Cooksley, G., Umbers, I.: Nuclear action reliability assessment (NARA): A data-based HRA tool. Saf. Reliab. 25(2), 38–45 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Chandler, F.T., Chang, Y.H.J., Mosleh, A., Marble, J.L., Boring, R. L., Gertman, D.I.: Human Reliability Analysis Methods- Selection Guidance for NASA. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA/ OSMA Technical Report (2006)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

    Ninochka Dsouza & Lixuan Lu

Authors
  1. Ninochka Dsouza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lixuan Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lixuan Lu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

    Sacit M. Cetiner

  2. IBM Corporation, Medfield, Massachusetts, USA

    Paul Fechtelkotter

  3. Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., Taylor, Texas, USA

    Michael Legatt

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this paper

Cite this paper

Dsouza, N., Lu, L. (2017). A Literature Review on Human Reliability Analysis Techniques Applied for Probabilistic Risk Assessment in the Nuclear Industry. In: Cetiner, S., Fechtelkotter, P., Legatt, M. (eds) Advances in Human Factors in Energy: Oil, Gas, Nuclear and Electric Power Industries. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 495. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41950-3_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41950-3_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-41949-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-41950-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation