Psychophysiological Characteristics of Nuclear Power Station Operator Activity as a Factor in Accident Rate

Methods of psychological, physiological, and psychophysiological testing were used to assess the intensity of the activity of operators of the power unit control panel of the Khmel'nitskaya nuclear power station. The operators during whose duty serious control errors and preaccident situations were noted were examined. The psychological and psychophysiological characteristics of these operators were shown to differ in that their reactive anxiety was increased and their well-being, activity, and mood scores, as well as the functional reserves of the cardiovascular system and mental and physical working capacity, were decreased. These parameters were considered as criteria in the development of operating measures. It was proposed that not only technological factors but also operators' psychophysiological characteristics in the dynamics of their manifestation be taken into account for elaborating measures of optimal staff selection and placement.