This paper discusses the application of the methodologies of Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and Tabular Task Analysis (TTA), incorporating Human Error Analysis during the detailed design phase of a new reactor. The MAPLE-X10 reactor, currently being developed by AECL Research, is a dedicated isotope production facility, scheduled for commissioning at Chalk River Laboratories, Ontario in 1994. The task analysis process developed for MAPLE-X10 consists of the representation and analysis of task data. The aim is to ensure compatibility between the design of MAPLE-X10 and the characteristics and capabilities of the diverse users of the system. Compatibility will lead to enhanced safety, operability and maintainability. Each stage of the task analysis process is described and discussed, emphasizing the practical application of Hierarchical Task Analysis for task representation, and Tabular Task Analysis for detailed analysis of tasks during which human error may have safety or production related consequences. The benefits of applying the methods of Hierarchical Task Analysis and Tabular Task Analysis to the MAPLE-X10 project are highlighted. These include clear representation of the organization of tasks and interactions between systems in the HTA, continuous feedback to design and operations personnel regarding identified mismatches between existing procedures and the design intent, and cost effectiveness. The multiple uses of the information elicited during the task analysis process are also discussed in this paper. These include design verification, the identification of training requirements and the development / verification of operating procedures. In addition the task analyses provide a framework for other assessments to be completed for the project, such as Human Reliability Analysis, Workload Assessment, Communications Analysis and Training Needs Analysis for Mature Operations.
Formative research on the Heuristic Task Analysis process