Human Factors and Performance Evaluations of the Emergency Response Information System

A human factors engineering review and a formal performance evaluation of the Emergency Response Information System (ERIS) were conducted at a full-scale Boiling Water Reactor simulator. The human factors engineering evaluation focused on display formats, display hardware, and user/system dialogues, and was based on previously-developed checklists. The formal performance evaluation was conducted during eight days of testing and review with nine operator trainees serving as plant operators. Each of three, 3-member crews participated in 16, 30-minute trials during which plant transients were simulated. Critical crew actions were monitored by five observers, and plant parameter data were gathered automatically. Subjective data on trial difficulty (with and without ERIS) and display effectiveness were obtained from operators. The overall results supported the hypothesis that ERIS was of benefit to operators during emergency conditions.