Utilizing Cognitive Work Analysis for the Lifecycle of Systems- From Construction to Decommissioning in the Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability of Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA; Rasmussen et al., 1994b; Vicente, 1999) in the life cycle and decommissioning phase of nuclear power plant (NPP) as holistic systems perspectives. Background: NPP is widely accepted as a representative complex socio-technical system. Although most researches and literatures on the socio-technical system approach for NPP have focused on the operation and design phase of the systems, few studies deals with decommissioning NPP including operation. Each phase has an intrinsic system cycle, and it is worth to research the relationship between phases in the holistic perspectives. Method: CWA is a framework for analyzing complex socio-technical systems, which is consisted of five phases as modeling work. We have used the five phases of CWA at various points across system life cycle of reactor phase. System life cycle in the reactor phases were classified into seven stages and specified the relevant attributes. In addition, we have applied the CWA framework the in the decommissioning phase by selecting the realistic simulator of remote dismantling system as complex technology. Conclusion: The paper gives an opportunity to review the applicability of CWA and the relevant attributes across the system life cycle in the phases of NPP. In particular, CWA have found that it provides significant insight into phases of decommissioning. We have tried the CWA modeling for design of remote dismantling simulator which is considered the system life cycle. In addition, the applicability of CWA for the transferring of knowledge and experience has been presented. Application: The results of utilizing CWA might help to assist the designing and internalization of core technologies in the decommissioning phase of NPP. Furthermore, it is expected to be useful for establishing a worker’s safety assessment and training model.