Human error contribution to nuclear materials-handling events

Abstract

This thesis analyzes a sample of 15 fuel-handling events from the past ten years at commercial nuclear reactors with significant human error contributions in order to detail the contribution of human error to fuel-handling activities, emphasizing how latent conditions can directly contribute to events. In particular, procedural inaccuracies often create conditions that lead to the development of errors related to maintenance work practices. This would be of significant concern for a pre-closure safety assessment for a geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, where many fuel-handling work activities would be performed. Specific emphasis is placed on fuel movement activities and control of ventilation systems, which could significantly impact worker and public health and safety in the case of a fuel-handling accident.