An Investigation of Communications Problems in Nuclear Power Plants

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study conducted to investigate communications problems in nuclear power plants. Four operating plants were surveyed by a multidisciplinary research team comprised of human factors, operations and engineering personnel. The power plants examined represented a range of reactor types, operating conditions and operating experience. The investigators developed novel data collection techniques for sampling verbal communications in the nuclear power plant control room. Analyses of the data collected indicated that communications systems in the plants sampled were not optimally efficient. Increases in plant staffing beyond initial plant designs, expanded requirements and a lack of integration among the existing systems have contributed to the problems identified. Recommendations are offered for improvements and for further investigations.