A power plant is typically controlled with several operators from one control room, for which conventional control panels, partly analogue displays and control elements are made available in most cases. However, if the control room is to be equipped with a modern, fully digital control room system, it must be demonstrated within a validation process that the control room meets all requirements with regard to various human factors aspects.

From 2015-2020, we carried out such a HF validation at the Olkiluoto power plant (OL3) in Finland in cooperation with our partner MTO Safety. In preparatory work for this validation, a total of six Human Factors aspects were identified for investigation: Task Performance, Human Error, Situational Awareness, Communication, Coordination and Mental Workload. Based on these six constructs, we developed a series of methods and survey tools specifically for this validation. In cooperation with the power plant experts on site, the appropriate scenarios were created and randomized tests were conducted with several shift teams. The combination of tools and methods used proved to be very successful in the evaluation.

Our final report was submitted to the Finnish Nuclear Energy Authority (STUK).