Human factors element

While this process implies an ordered, structured process, it should be noted that the various stages overlap and it is frequently necessary to return to an earlier step in the process to modify or clarify information or decisions made in an earlier phase. The influence of the human factors aspects on design needs to be similarly integrated into the process design procedure. The particular human factors elements to be addressed at each phase are discussed below. These phases can be directly related to the human factors engineering and ergonomics (HFE/E) design approach described in Section 2.2. 

Because of the human factor element and the necessity to reduce risk of injury to personnel, the O SHA should therefore be performed as early in the product life cycle as possible, or, at the very least, prior to the first operational use of the system. This is not always entirely feasible because the design of the product or system must usually be practically complete before maintenance and operating procedures are developed. At any rate, the O SHA should be complete at the end of the production phase, prior to first use (Stephenson 1991). 

Ergonomic or human factor elements (color coding, accessibility, practical use, languages and instructions, etc.)... 

The functional FMEA is used to evaluate failures in one or many subsystems that function within a larger system, while the hardware FMEA examines failures in the assemblies, subassemblies, and components within those subsystems. The FMEA, therefore, has great versatility in the system safety process. The analysis can either be specialized, without regard for other subsystems which are not within the scope of the analysis, or it can be generalized to encompass total subsystem or system effects of a given failure condition. However, because the FMEA does not consider the human factors element or multiple failure analyses within a system, other types of system safety analysis tools and techniques should also be utilized. 

Regulatory Attended 3 meetings with HSE representatives a) Review of human factors elements of company safely submissions b) Review of SIL targets c) Review of life-cycle claims FS Assessor... 

Secondly, Platypus provides insight into the factors that influence the frequency of LoC events before accidents have taken place, whereas traditionally that information could only be derived from historical data. In Platypus, technical, organizational and human factors elements are integrated which enables an in-depth analysis of causes of LoC and the effectiveness of measures. This paper demonstrates how easy it would be to perform such an analysis. 

It is important to remember in any system humans can be a catalyst, a detriment, and/or a lifesaver. To implement complete system safety requires more than just evaluating the system hardware and software the human factor element is also critical. The dependability to correctly perform tasks and make correct decisions at the correct time cannot be overemphasized. Because people are not components, they cannot be treated in terms of complete failure, as is done with hardware components. HSI is concerned with the degradation of human performance in subtle ways. In order for humans to operate or otherwise handle a system, system safety must include HSI in a single integrated program and not two separate programs. Safety must be foremost in the review whenever a human task is analyzed. A system must not only operate within its specified performance requirements, but it must also be safe, user friendly, and user safe. The HMI interface, as well as the human influence on the system must also be part of all analyses to improve human performance and human rehabihty from a safety standpoint. 

Rimmington later reinforced this point with a more specific emphasis on the need to address the human factors elements in safety as follows ... 

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