Human element

The safe operation of a chemical process requires continuous monitoring of the operation to stabilize the system, prevent deviations, and optimize system performance. This can be accomplished through the use of instrumentation/control systems, and through human intervention. The human element is discussed in Chapter 6. Proper operation requires a close interaction between the operators and the instrumentation/control system. To a large extent, batch operations have simple control systems and are frequently operated in the manual mode. The instrumentation system is the main source of information about the state of the process. Some of the typical functions of the instrumentation/control system are... 

The human element, seen in errors, ignorance, lack of training, lethargy, illiteracy or indiscipline, or indifference, must be monitored carefully. This may require either an adequately qualified and experienced person or proper job training. Indifference, for reasons other than the above, would be a matter for human resource development, where a worker s skills and habits may have to be adapted to fit into the system. 

Occupational mishaps me usiwlly a function of three aspects of the work place the human element, task vtiriabies (i.e., the job itselO. nnd the environmental element. 

When e alualing human elements in relation to occupational mishaps, five factors are taken into consideration. 

Guards These are probably the least efficient, primarily because of the human element. However, there are obvious psychological strengths to human presence. 

The human element is not one third of sustainability it is central to its implementation (Pearson 2003). The challenge of sustainability is neither wholly technical nor rational. It is one of the change in attitude and behavior. Sustainability therefore must include the social discourse where the fundamental issues are explored collaboratively within the groups or community concerned. We do not do that very well, partly because of increasing populations, complexity, distractions, and mobility, but more because of certain characteristics of the dominant paradigm that are seen as desirable (Flicker 2001). 

Requires attention A minor lapse within the system has occurred (the human element), which can quickly be put right. 

The human element Is a vital factor in all Quality Assurance Programs. It is especially critical in the more individualistic atmosphere of the laboratory as compared to a production line. Chemists must understand and appreciate the need for QA and its application to various laboratory operations. 

In order to lend greater weight to this human element of psychedelic history, we have included in this Introduction a series of profiles and biographic updates about individuals who have played important roles in the field. Featured here are pioneers who are frequently mentioned in the text of this book, as well as a few who have made their marks since the appearance of the second edition. Of these profiles, perhaps those of John Lilly and Terence McKenna are the most valuable for making this edition as truly complete a volume as possible. Peter Stafford often expressed regret that more of Lilly s seminal work was not covered in the previous edition. Today relative newcomer Terence McKenna is rapidly becoming one of the most influential figures on the contemporary psychedelic scene. 

Swain, A.D. (1974), The Human Element in Systems Safety a guide for modern management. InComtec Ltd., Camberley. 

Successful visual color matching requires a good understanding of the nature of color, how color is perceived, the influence of the physiological and psychological processes of color perception, the human element variability, and the ability to evaluate or assess an individual s color acuity. Next, it is important to define and... 

Tank vehicle cleaning and inspection operations frequently can be improved by better methods and supervision. Handling and warehousing of drummed and packaged goods have been upgraded by modern methods, but education, supervision and control of the human element is still a substantial challenge. 

The increase in the mercury content of bird feathers (obtained from a Swedish museum) over a loo-year period. Data from Wallace et al. (1971), Mercury in the Environment The Human Element. ORNL-NSF Environmental Program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Figure 4. 

The condition of an overtreat (in which excess chemical actually stabilizes or creates new emulsion types) is often very difficult to detect. This situation can be sharply aggravated by inexperienced chemical companies and petroleum company operations staff. Chemical application in emulsion breaking has a large human element involved in its application and interpretation and is therefore subject to misapplication due to human error. 

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