Human Factors Engineering for SMR

How will the unique characteristics of Small Modular Reactors reshape the role of nuclear plant operators—and are today’s Human Factors Engineering principles up to the task?

A new research project, which was awarded funding by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) last week, will explore whether current HFE best practices are sufficient to ensure safe and human-centred design in SMRs. With features like passive safety systems, advanced automation, and potential for multi-unit or remote operation, SMRs challenge traditional assumptions about human-system interaction in nuclear settings.

Risk Pilot and Risk Spectrum are partnering to examine how these novel design characteristics might change the nature of risk—and what that means for future HFE approaches.

The project will provide a foundation for understanding whether SMRs introduce unique challenges for HFE, helping to identify where current standards remain fit for purpose—and where new methods, knowledge, or regulatory requirements may be needed. It will also contribute to national efforts in human reliability analysis and strengthen the knowledge base for effective SMR oversight in Sweden.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of SSM, whose funding has made this important work possible.