Human Factors and Ergonomics

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Human Factors and Ergonomics

The design and operation of process plants — no matter how automated they may be — requires input and participation from people at every step. Therefore, it is vital to understand how they interface with equipment and instruments, how and why they make errors, and how systems can be designed to address human failings. The way in which this is done is through the discipline of Human factors, which has been defined as follows:

Human Factors is the discipline that integrates human capabilities, limitations, requirements and expectations in the design of products, workplaces and work systems.

Table of Contents

Introduction 
Regulations and Standards 
Process Safety Management 
Principles of Human Behavior 
Improving Human Factors 
   Change the Work / Workplace 
   Change Work Performance 
   Change the Person 
   Human Error 
   Automation of Functions 
Control Rooms 
Work Stations 
Operation of Valves 
   Critical Valves 
   Non-Critical valves 
   Non-Operational Valves
   Valve Criticality Analysis 
Signs 
   Prohibition 
   Mandatory Action 
   Warning 
   Safe Condition
The Safety Diamond
Labeling
Color Coding 
   General Application 
   APWA 
   Piping
   Hoses
   Refineries
Human Factors on Projects 
   Phase I — Concept Selection
   Phase II — Preliminary Engineering
   Phase III — Detailed Engineering