Procedures, quality, standards, and the role of human factors and computerized tools [in power plant control]

This paper deals with the role that human-factors can play with respect to some basic factor related to power plant procedure management. It highlights the existence of a contradiction to principles when, to better understand procedures, a standard for procedure extension is defined and followed: this generates an extra mental activity for the procedure writer, against a basic human factor principle that predicates to simplify whenever it is possible. A possible solution to this problem is presented.