Human Factors in Design Regulatory Expectations Across Project Stages and Lifecycle Phases

IAEA International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety
June 29 – July 3, 2026

Prepared by:
Andrew Morton, Edward Nakaza, and Andrew Stewart
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Abstract:

Human Factors in Design (HFiD) or Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is a foundational concept of nuclear installation safety across all lifecycle phases. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulatory framework includes both prescriptive and performance-based approaches in setting HFE requirements, allowing flexibility in meeting objectives to protect health, safety, security, and the environment. This approach has proven effective for the existing fleet, where incremental design changes occur within a licensing phase. Advanced reactor designs present new challenges in application of regulations to evolving designs progressing through the licencing phases. These novel technologies and emerging designs require HFE activities and reviews to span multiple project stages and licensing phases, from early design through commissioning and operation. This presentation will explore the application of the CNSC regulatory framework to ensure systematic integration of HFE throughout the lifecycle of advanced reactor projects. An illustrative case study examining HFE for minimum staff complement is used to demonstrate how interdependent activities and reviews must be coordinated across project stages and licensing phases. This example underscores the importance of flexibility in the regulatory framework to be applied to evolving technology while maintaining a consistent focus on safety through the integration of HFE.

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