Human factors principles

The CPI would benefit from the application of human factors principles to improve safety, quality, and productivity. These arise from applying quality management to get at the underlying causc-.s of errors rather than after-the-fact blame or punishment. Crosby (1984) advocates error cause... 

The book begins with a discussion of the theories of error causation and then goes on to describe the various ways in which data can be collected, analyzed, and used to reduce the potential for error. Case studies are used to teach the methodology of error reduction in specific industry operations. Finally, the book concludes with a plan for a plant error reduction program and a discussion of how human factors principles impact on the process safety management system. 

Chapter 8, A Systematic Approach to the Management of Human Error, explains how the manager and safety professional can use human factors principles in the management of process safety. This chapter also provides a practical plan for a plant human error reduction program that will improve productivity and quality as well. 

The major benefits that arise from the application of human factors principles to process operations are improved safety and reduced down time. In addition, the elimination of error has substantial potential benefits for both quality and productivity. There is now a considerable interest in applying quality management approaches in the CPI. Many of the major quality experts em-... 

These publications contain information on twelve key elements of chemical process safety management. In this section, seven of those elements that can be significantly impacted by paying careful attention to human factors principles are addressed. These are ... 

The final element in management s communication of a desire to reduce human error is the identification and elimination of error-likely situations. Every task is an opportunity for a human error, but some situahons represent greater risks than others. Identifying these high-risk situations is not easy and an expertise in applying human factors principles to the workplace is an essential prerequisite for this identification. Eliminating these hazardous situations is often relatively simple once they have been identified. In some cases it may be appropriate to provide error-tolerant systems, which are those that facilitate identification of and recovery from the errors. 

The trainer must understand human factors principles. 

This book was written by Dr. David Embrey of Human Reliability Associates, with the assistance of the CCPS Human Reliability Subcommittee. Section 8.2, Managing Human Error by Design, which deals with the application of human factors principles in the process safety management system, was written by the Human Reliability Subcommittee. 

Usability refers to the auditor s ease of use of the audit system. Good human factors principles should be followed, such as document design guideUnes in constructing checklists (Patel et al 1993 Wright and Barnard 1975). If the instrument does not have good usabiUty, it will be used less often and may even show reduced reliability due to auditors errors. 

Hasslequist, R. J. (1981), Increasing Manufacturing Productivity Using Human Factors Principles, in Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 25th Annual Conference, (Santa Monica, CA), pp. 204-206. 

Abstract This chapter explores the role of applied human factors in mihtary load carriage equipment development, as a part of a soldier system, and outlines the basic human factor principles of load carriage, some of the current issues, the use of systematic development approaches and the relevant human systems advice by load carriage equipment sub-component. In support of systematic development a case of better practice in the area is discussed, alongside an exploration of user needs through the use of a video tool. 

The application of human factors principles to the design of devices and systems. It is often interchanged with the terms human engineering, usability engineering, or ergonomics. HFE typically focuses on the device-user interface (also called the UI or the man-machine interface). The user interface includes all components and accessories necessary to operate and properly maintain the device, including the controls, displays, software, logic of operation, labels, and instructions. 

There are ways to code components so someone does not confuse them. There are ways to design connectors and fittings so only correct mating parts connect. That prevents errors. References listed in the Bibliography provide insight into many techniques for incorporating human factors principles into maintainability. Many maintainability features involve safe maintenance and repair work. 

Detailed recommendations on the application of human factors principles in design are given in specific IAEA Safety Guides Some key issues are summarized in the present section. 

Safety is assured in CANDU 6 through a defence in depth approach that builds on diversity and redundancy, and which takes advantage of the unique CANDU pressure tube reactor concept. Passive systems are used whenever they are shown to be reliable and economic these systems are complimented by engineered systems. The consistent application of human factors principles, and detailed attention to all aspects of plant design also contributed to CANDU 6 safety. 

The production of a high-level architectural design requires initial decisions to be made on the allocation of flmctions to human or equipment sub-systems, in full knowledge of the safety risks involved. Functional allocation decisions need to be informed by good human factors principles and yet the allocation of function is still considered exclusively an ergonomics problem by many systems developers. 

General considerations and principles of ergonomic design—Table 7.1 presents the overarching principles involved in the ergonomic design of control centers. Note that human factors principles are well embedded within them. 

Direct hazard analysis methods are employed to identify accident potentials before an accident has occurred. Despite their usefulness, they are not applicable in all industries due to their time consuming procedures, sophisticated techniques and narrow domain of application. Accident-based procedures are more commonly used despite their disadvantages to be dealt with in this chapter. The third and most promising approach is to create safe conditions in a working system according to human factors principles of man-machine interaction. 

Teaching human factors principles, motivational evaluation of safety measures and performing selected safety measures. - The training program starts with the presentation of a common safety problem to the audience. On the basis of this case study the motivation of accident involved individuals are examined. Safe and unsafe behavior will be discussed with respect to the following topics ... 

The second step serves to construct a cognitive schema for the choice and evaluation of measures for occupational safety according to human factors principles it is meant to support the knowledge based regulation of actions and the independent development of action programs. Experience has shown that the evaluation of occupational safety measures, even by safety experts, are often based on unreflected attitudes and not on a careful weighing of costs and benefits. However, if the participants have to qualify their choice of measures in the plenum, and are critically confronted with their own attitudes, they... 

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