Human factors applied to alarm panel modernization of nuclear control room

Human factors deal with issues related to humans, their behavior and the physical aspect of the environment in which they work. A control room is a complex system where operators perform plant operation using control systems and carry out monitoring and administrative responsibilities. For safe operation of industrial installation, the performance of the control room crew plays an important role. In this respect, a well designed control room is crucial for safe and efficient operation. The aim of this paper is to propose a methodological framework applied to nuclear control room evaluation, through participatory ergonomics, using operator activity analysis and human factors questionnaire as aid tools. We describe a case study in which the methodology framework was used in the evaluation process of a nuclear control room. The information gathered made possible a series of recommendation for the adequacy of the control room design, assisting in the safety assessment of the nuclear plant operation and justifying the alarm panel modernization.     

Ergonomics and Quality Management—Humans in Interaction With Technology,Work Environment,and Organization

Abstract

In many studies, ergonomics has been shown to influence human performance. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate imp ortan t ergonomics influences on quality in industrial production, from the perspective of interactions between humans, technology, organization, and work environment. A second aim was to elab orate on the implications of these findings for the development of quality management strategies. This paper shows that ergonomics problems in terms of adverse work environmental conditions, in appropriate design of technology, and an unsuitable org an izatio n are important causes of quality deficiencies. Problem solving aimed at improving ergonomics, quality, and productivity simultaneously is likely to obtain sup po rt from most of the interest parties of the company, and may also enhance participation. Ergonomics has the potential of becoming a driving force for the development of new quality management strategies.     

Design and Ergonomics. Methods for Integrating Ergonomics at Hand Tool Design Stage

As a marked increase in the number of musculoskeletal disorders was noted in many industrialized countries and more specifically in companies that require the use of hand tools, the French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS) launched in 1999 a research project on the topic of integrating ergonomics into hand tool design, and more particularly to a design of a boning knife.

After a brief recall of the difficulties of integrating ergonomics at the design stage, the present paper shows how 3 design methodological tools—Functional Analysis, Quality Function Deployment and TRIZ—have been applied to the design of a boning knife. Implementation of these tools enabled us to demonstrate the extent to which they are capable ofresponding to the difficulties ofintegrating ergonomics into product design.     

Using ergonomics in engineering design to improve health and safety

This paper outlines the importance of ergonomics in engineering design. It describes some of the cost benefits and principles underlying the application of ergonomics. The practical impact of the latter has become increasingly important in the light of European directives which are likely to have a substantial impact on the way engineers design. Three ergonomics case studies are described, the first two illustrate ways of identifying costs of poor ergonomics and the cost benefits of redesign using ergonomics principles. The third illustrates work which led to engineers redesigning assembly line workstations and ergonomics becoming an important part of manufacturing design. The background to this was concern about an increase in cases of Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs) and recognition that ergonomic advice was needed to find the source of problems and help in finding design options. Ergonomists were brought in and helped in identifying problems with workstations and tools. Final designs were developed by the company's own engineers based on the ergonomic study and reduced incidence of ULDs has been reported. Photographs showing examples before and after redesign can be found in the Health and Safety Executive's notes of guidance published in 1990, and some issues surrounding the nature of the detailed design solutions are discussed here. The impact of the ergonomics contribution resulted in engineers being trained in ergonomics so that it could be implemented on a routine basis throughout the site.     

Human factors in process control systems: The design of human–machine interfaces

This paper deals with selected problems of human factors in the design of process control systems. The argument is that although there are already some legal obligations to take human factors into account, practical experience shows that this is not done adequately and sufficiently. Two types of human–machine interfaces are distinguished, i.e. the task interface and the interaction interface. The design philosophy of process engineers seems to aim at automating all safety critical functions, which is called into question based on the available ergonomics evidence. For the interaction interface examples are presented, showing a further substantial neglect of basic human factors principles, which in turn results in increased operator strain during system failures.It is argued that there is a demand for immediate action, i.e. for the application of existing human factors knowledge in process control system design, for a professional evaluation of human factors in process control systems, and for research on possibilities of using new technologies that assist the operator in controlling the process control system.     

人的可靠性分析:历史、需求和进展

人的可靠性分析 (HRA)是人机工程、安全科学极为关注的问题。近年来 ,该领域的理论研究和应用技术发展很快 ,尤其将认知科学与人的失误的研究相结合 ,从失误模型到计算方法都更加与现实情景相吻合。笔者介绍了HRA的发展历史和相关的第一代HRA计算方法及其特点 ,并且就HRA在我国核电领域中的应用状况和前景进行了探讨 ,重点介绍了国际原子能机构赞助的中国核电厂操纵员可靠性研究项目 ,其成果对于进一步完善安全管理和提高我国核电厂人员可靠性提供了科学的依据和借鉴经验。     

基于人因的汽车仪表设计及工效学评价

从仪表设计及工效学问题的典型事故案例分析入手,提出人因化设计的基本理念,给出人机工程学的汽车仪表系统的基本要求及仪表显示装置人因化设计的基本原则、结构体系框图,提出了实现人因化设计的基本思路;探讨了在汽车仪表系统造型设计中如何体现中国元素与特色的途径;构建了汽车仪表设计中工效学评价体系模型。     

基于人机工程学的银行ATM设计

银行ATM在我国大多数城市已经得到了广泛应用,但由此带来的犯罪活动时有发生,这也表明自动柜员机的设计存在某些缺陷.运用了人机工程学的基本理论知识,坚持以用户为中心的原则,结合犯罪分子所采取的各种作案手段,分别从人、机、环3方面详细阐述了ATM机的设计过程,最后给出了优化后的银行ATM物理实体图.     

人机工程学在仪器仪表操纵机构设计中的应用

基于人机工程学的基本理论，结合人体结构尺寸和行为特性，着重论述了仪器仪表操纵机构的合理布置，操纵器间距离的确定，操纵器的选择方法以及设计原则。最终使仪器仪表的操纵机构最大限度地与人体结构相匹配，为操作者创造一个安全、健康、舒适的操作环境，使人机系统发挥出最大的效率。     

对人的认识和假设是人机工程学的基石

人机系统是以人为中心的系统，对人的认识和假设是人机工程学的基石。本文提出了人是生物人、经济人、社会人的复合体的新观点。由于对人的特质的认识还存在着许多“盲区”和“误区”，这就给人机工程学的完善和发展带来了许多不定因素和困难     

Synergism of Ergonomics,Safety, and Quality—A Behavioral Cybernetic Analysis

Abstract

This report extends a control systems or cybernetic model of behavior to the behavior of groups of many individuals—organizations and institutions—operating together with technology as complex sociotechnical (ST) systems. The premise is that the level of quality in performance of a complex ST system is predicated upon the degree to which its organizational design incorporates elements of a closed-loop behavioral control system: control goals and objectives, sensory receptors, sensory feedback, learning and memory, effectors, and sensory feedback control. From a control systems perspective, ergonomics is essential to effective organizational self-regulation. If working conditions are poorly designed, work performance and safety and quality outcomes cannot be closely controlled. Conversely, as shown by field evidence, good design promotes synergism between ergonomics, safety, and quality as a closed-loop consequence of effective employee and organizational self-control of system performance, safety, and quality.     

Equipment failures and their contribution to industrial incidents and accidents in the manufacturing industry

Accidental events in manufacturing industries can be caused by many factors, including work methods, lack of training, equipment design, maintenance and reliability. This study is aimed at determining the contribution of failures of commonly used industrial equipment, such as machines, tools and material handling equipment, to the chain of causality of industrial accidents and incidents. Based on a case study which aimed at the analysis of an existing pulp and paper company's accident database, this paper examines the number, type and gravity of the failures involved in these events and their causes. Results from this study show that equipment failures had a major effect on the number and severity of accidents accounted for in the database: 272 out of 773 accidental events were related to equipment failure, where 13 of them had direct human consequences. Failures that contributed directly or indirectly to these events are analyzed.     

Safety and human factors considerations in control rooms of oil and gas pipeline systems: conceptual issues and practical observations.

All oil and gas pipeline systems are run by human operators (called controllers) who use computer-based workstations in control rooms to "control" pipelines. Several human factor elements could contribute to the lack of controller success in preventing or mitigating pipeline accidents/incidents. These elements exist in both the work environment and also in the computer system design/operation (such as data presentation and alarm configuration). Some work environment examples include shift hours, shift length, circadian rhythms, shift change-over processes, fatigue countermeasures, ergonomics factors, workplace distractions, and physical interaction with control system computers. The major objective of this paper is to demonstrate the critical effects of human and organizational factors and also to highlight the role of their interactions with automation (and automated devices) in the safe operation of complex, large-scale pipeline systems. A case study to demonstrate the critical role of human organizational factors in the control room of an oil and gas pipeline system is also presented.     

Ergonomic Aspects of a Virtual Environment

A virtual environment is an interactive graphic system mediated through computer technology that allows a certain level of reality or a sense of presence to access virtual information. To create reality in a virtual environment, ergonomics issues are explored in this paper, aiming to develop the design of presentation formats with related information, that is possible to attain and to maintain user-friendly application.     

工作场所职业工效相关因素及其管理初探

为了探讨工作场所职业工效管理的基本策略和方法,在概述职业工效相关因素类别、相互关联及评价方法等基础上,提出基于职业病危害防治要求、风险管理理念和管理体系建设模式的职业工效不良因素干预管理的初步策略及实施要点。研究结果表明:工作场所职业工效相关因素包括个体特征、工艺设备及其布局、工作系统设计、作业环境、作业管理和社会心理因素等,不同因素间存在直接或间接的相互影响,并最终影响到微观层面劳动者职业活动的工效特点及宏观层面工作场所整体的职业工效特征;实施有效的职业工效管理,在于科学辨识、评估不良职业工效因素的基础上,进一步在职业病危害预防控制的不同阶段采取合理可行的管理方法进行干预,并持续改进。     

The implementation of a human factors engineering checklist for human–system interfaces upgrade in nuclear power plants

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a human factors engineering (HFE) checklist for human–system interfaces (HSIs) upgrades in nuclear power plants (NPPs). The HFE checklist is used to review the HSIs design submittals prepared by licensees or applicants for a license or design certification of a HSI upgrade. NUREG-series regulation documents are used to develop the main frame of the initial HFE checklist. The contents of the HFE checklist are constructed by the theories and principles governing human factors. Then, verification and validation (V&V) of the HFE checklist is accomplished by validity and reliability evaluation. The results show that the HFE checklist has sufficient validity and reliability for the review of HSI upgrades in NPPs.     

紧急救援系统可靠性评价指标及评价方法研究

基于人机工效学的原理,分析高速公路紧急救援系统的结构组成和特点,从事件检测、救援方案及设备管理3个方面建立紧急救援系统可靠性的评价指标体系,通过理论分析和专家咨询,确定各影响因素的重要度,运用层次分析法与模糊综合评价相结合的方法,对紧急救援系统的可靠性进行评价。采用该方法对陕西省某高速公路紧急救援系统的可靠性进行评价,得到综合评价值为77.96,与实际状况相符,表明该方法可行。     

A non-destructive single plate method for measurement of thermal resistance of polymer sheets and fabrics

Measurement of thermal resistance of polymer sheets and fibrous layers is important in various applications including those within the engineering, ergonomics, clothing design and personal protective equipment fields. Standard methods for measurement of thermal resistance of plain materials are generally time consuming, expensive and often require the sample to be cut. Moreover, the temperature difference between the surfaces of both plates surrounding the sample must be known, as well as the sample thickness. This article describes a new measuring device named the Thermoscope. The Thermoscope is not limited by the aforementioned requirements and is able to evaluate the thermal resistance of polymer sheets and textiles by touching the sample on one surface alone. Simultaneously, the other surface is kept in thermal contact with the supporting base. The accuracy of this device was compared with the Alambeta thermal insulation tester. Effects of various base materials on measurement precision were also studied.     

Process hazards review applied to the use of anhydrous ammonia in agriculture: an example of chemical process safety for small business

Process hazards review (PHR) techniques have generally been applied by large, sophisticated companies in the nuclear, aerospace, and chemical process industries. There remains, however, a large population of smaller distributors and consumers of hazardous materials which could benefit equally from the application of PHR. These consumers unfortunately are generally less sophisticated and individually lack the necessary resources required to apply such state-of-the-art safety techniques.

Where common processes can be identified, it is possible to conduct a more generic PHR that will provide a sound technical basis for recognizing and preventing the development of hazards wherever these processes are used. Some facility-specific issues will always need to be considered, but the existence of the generic PHR should make the conduct of a PHR by each facility considerably easier and less costly.

Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) contracted with DNV Technica Inc. to lead a hazard and operability study (HAZOP) of agricultural handling of anhydrous ammonia, from the receipt of ammonia at the retail distribution centre to the application of the ammonia by farmers to the fields. The multidisciplinary HAZOP team consisted of representatives from NIOSH, an agricultural chemical trade association, an ammonia producer, state ammonia facility inspectors, a retail distributor, and an equipment manufacturer. Several participants were part-time farmers with ammonia application experience.

Some specific aspects of applying the HAZOP technique in the context of this study, the findings obtained, and the plans to disseminate the important safety information developed during the course of the PHR are discussed. Finally, it is suggested that this approach could prove to be a useful addition to the product stewardship activities of chemical producers.     

Team crystallization (SIO2): Dynamic model of team effectiveness evaluation under the dynamic and tactical environment at nuclear installation

Accident management activities at nuclear power plants require concurrent communication, information sharing, team based decision-making and collective actions under tactical and dynamic environments. Team effectiveness under such environments can be characterized as the performance of team situation awareness with hierarchically distributed information and knowledge susceptible to organizational characteristics and communication quality. This paper proposes a team performance model, called a team crystallization model comprising of four elements: state, information, organization, and orientation and its quantification method using a communication process model based on a receding horizon control approach. The team crystallization model is a holistic approach for evaluating team effectiveness in conjunction with team situation awareness considering physical system dynamics and team behavioural dynamics for a tactical and dynamic task at a nuclear power plant. This model provides a systematic measure to evaluate time-dependent team effectiveness or performance affected by multi-agents such as plant states, communication quality in terms of transferring situation-specific information and strategies for achieving the team task goal at a given time, and organizational factors. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and its quantification method, a case study was carried out using the data obtained from a full-scope power plant simulator for 1000 MW(e) pressurized water reactors with four on-the-job operating groups and one expert group who knew accident sequences.