Ergonomics and Human Factors

Human factors methods have been developed over the past century to help design new systems and evaluate existing systems. This book focuses on the examination of a central control room in the energy distribution industry and provides an analysis of human factors that relate to 24/7 operation of the control room and the implications for control room staff. It is intended to help organizations and people plan for the design or evaluation of a control room. 

Communication Process (Chapter 5)—Communication process refers to sending and receiving of information between people in any medium available (e.g., via direct voice, telephone, paper notes, e-mail) as well as information communicated between people and computers (e.g., via information displays, controlled actions from keyboards and mice). An analysis of the communications networks within the 24/7 control room and among the management, support staff, field engineers, and external plant equipment is undertaken. The network analysis approach reveals key staff in the 24/7 control room through which communications must pass. 

Shift Patterns (Chapter 9)—Shift patterns refer to the scheduling of work activity outside the standard office hours, such as in 24/7 control room operations. These operations assume continuous staffing aud a handover of duty from one team to another. The example shifts are assessed against human factors best practice. Comparison of the two proposed shift cycles (i.e., summer and winter) with a notional ideal on the HSE risk and fatigue indices reveals similar results. 

Alarms (Chapter 12)— This chapter presents an assessment of alarm systems. EEMUA 191 is a guide to the design, management, and procurement of alarm systems. It covers all aspects of human factors in the design of alarm systems for control centers, such as alarm system philosophy, key design principles, and key performance metrics. The approaches taken are 

The book is divided into chapters covering these 14 topic areas, each of which addresses the main areas of analysis— namely, competencies for control room work, training needs analysis, communication processes within and without the control room, manning of the control room, automation and allocation of function, supervision of staff, shift patterns, control room layout, SCADA interface, alarms, environment, human error identification, and safety culture. Within each of the subject areas 

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Ergonomics in Design the Magazine of Human Factors Applications, published quarterly by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. 

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Human factors and ergonomics play a key role in the prevention of accidents. Some theories attribute up to 90% of all accidents are caused by human factor features. It is therefore imperative that an examination of human factors and ergonomics be undertaken to prevent fire and explosions at petroleum facilities since historical experience have also shown it is a major contributor either as a primary or underlining cause. 

Human factors and ergonomics concern the ability of personnel to perform their job functions within the physical and mental capabilities or limitations of a human being. Human beings have certain tolerances and personal attitudes. Tolerances can be related to the ability to accept information, how quickly the information can be understood and the ability and speed to perform manual activities. When information is confusing, lacking or overtaxing, the ability to understand and act upon it quickly or effectively is absent. It is therefore imperative to provide concise, adequate and only pertinent information to do all the tasks associated with petroleum activities. This includes activities associated with emergency fire and explosion protection measures. 

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