Table 3.4. Example Human Factors in Process Operations

DOE-HDBK-1100-2004

Table 3.4. Example Human Factors in Process Operations

CATEGORY

Labeling

equipment clearly labeled; uniform coding

mislabeled or not labeled

Access

immediately at hand

hard to reach or access

Operability

power-assisted operation

difficult to operate/change position

Layout

well-planned, logical arrangement

confusing/inconsistent arrangement

Uniqueness

only component of its kind in area

several components look similar

Labeling

controls clearly labeled; uniform coding

mislabeled or not labeled

Mode

fully automatic; well-tuned

manual operation; many manual steps

Involvement

operator continually involved

operator detached from process

Displays

clear, simple, representational

unclear/complex/non-representational

Feedback

immediate, unambiguous

none or potentially misleading

Alarms

first-out; safety-critical alarms

many simultaneous or false alarms

Coverage

dual operator coverage at all times

operator not always present

Time

no time pressure for response

inadequate time to respond

Preparedness

periodic simulation exercises

no drills/simulation of scenarios

Last-Resort

shutdown not discouraged; fast access

shutdown discouraged or unsafe

Procedures

complete, accurate, current, verified

incomplete/too general/out of date

Identifying

ID, location of devices/actions given

ambiguous device/action identification

Format

graphical identification aids

confusing/inconsistent; difficult to read

Aids

checklist or supervisory check

task sequence done by memory

Overtime

reasonable

extreme enough to affect performance

Consistency

permanent shift assignments

inconsistent shift rotations/schedules

# of Tasks

tasks, work force, and skills matched

tasks required exceed time available

Task Freq.

routine task

very infrequent; no experience base

Intensity

regular task at normal pace

differing tasks in rapid succession

status communicated verbally, plus turnover

inadequate communication between shifts

Shift Changes

sheet used

of plant status

Field/Control

constant communication with field

no communication with field operator

Supervision

frequent supervisory communication

little or no supervisory checks

Emergency

rapid, unambiguous plant alarm system

no distinction between area, type

Noise level

office environment noise level

area where hearing protection required

Climate

indoors, climate-controlled

temp./humidity/precip./wind extremes

Visibility

visibility enhancement of some kind

often foggy or other visibility limitation

Lighting

inadequate lighting for task

This list does not contain management elements such as training and management of change.

"+" = factors beyond standard practice; may reduce the likelihood of human error or inadequate response.

"-" = factors may increase the likelihood of human error or inadequate response.