ABSTRACT
The detailed reports of three contrasting cases representative of the activity of IRSN human factors specialists led us to note the original aspect of nuclear safety assessment in this field. The analysis of this material brought to light the characteristic measures taken by the experts. These measures break down into three distinct types (rhetorical, cognitive and operational). Addressing expert assessment via this three-part classification could enhance the representations shared by researchers, professionals and maybe by citizens too, and could contribute to rethinking the organization of this activity, which our work has shown to be complex. To weigh the effectiveness of human factors assessment, it is necessary to consider the institutional context in which it evolves; its concrete repercussions are the result of ongoing technical dialogue, involving many representatives of safety institutions. In conclusion, it appears that the effectiveness of the nuclear safety external review system should be investigated in the field of human and organizational factors.
