Human Factors EngineeringPresented by:C. MacrisA. C. Macris Consultants

Heres a group of seemingly unrelated things

The Common Thread

The common thread is People

An academic definition of Human Factors EngineeringThe central focus of human factors relates to the consideration of human beings in the design of man-made objects, facilities and environment that people use in the various aspects of their lives.

The central approach is the systematic application of relevant information about human characteristics and behavior to the design of the these objects, facilities and environments.

DesignDesign of:ProductsSystemsEnvironments

Why is design so important?

DesignIs proactiveIs driven by a need or requirementCan cost more initially, but

Good human factors design yields returns in improved performance and reliability.

DesignLet us look at a simple example of designThis is a rather conventional American design

DesignThis car was imported into the US in the late 1970s from Italy. Note the Tachometer in the center with the Speedometer to the right along with more instrumentation. The cultural design difference is there were no speed limits in Italy, but engine speed was of considerable interest. Needless to say this design did not last long in the US.

Design considerationsSafety Environment [hostile such as outer-space, deep sea]Population [age/geriatric, physical characteristics, etc.]Compatible work environments [lighting, color, temperature, etc.]Task to be accomplishedCultureEfficient processes and workflowsRight people in the right job

AssessmentAssessment of:ProductsSystemsEnvironments

AssessmentTypically is in response to something gone wrongProducts - equipmentSystems - warningsEnvironment - hazards

Can be proactive in the context ofPrevent injury

Assessment yields returns in the context of avoiding future losses, better design and improved operations.

ProductsTable Saw Blade Guarding

Guard DesignDesign issues with guardRed line indicates a plastic piece across inner part of guard sawdust collects making visibility difficultDimension of guard width and ability to rip narrow pieces of woodSetup and alignment is tedious

AlternativeA page from a newer saw they afforded the user an alternative for narrow ripping cuts.

No Guard

Table Saw Guarding SurveyWe conducted a very comprehensive Table Saw guarding survey. Below is a summary of the findings.

Four reasons sited for not using guardDifficult to adjustGets in the waySafer without itInhibits my work

One reason not sited for not using a guardTakes longer to cut

Reason that they would more apt to use a guardBetter design and loss of fingers was the reason respondents gave.

Better Guard DesignSafer = fewer legal actionsMarketing advantage = competitive advantageMore sales for commercial users

Systems - WarningsWarnings represent a broad range of human interface issues. These issues include: Effectiveness of warnings, Whether warnings actually affect behavior, Which types of warnings are most effective, With which types of products are warnings most likely to be heeded

Systems - WarningsWarnings must be provided if, without such warnings, the product would be unreasonably dangerous.The ultimate users of the product, or those individuals, who might be expected to be proximate to the use of the product, are the ones to whom the warnings should be directed.

Systems - WarningsFor a warning to be effective the user must:Notice the warning (color, design, etc)Perceive the warning (low voltage v. high voltage)Understand the warning (convey the right message)

Design of WarningsProduct Safety Sign or Label: Sign, label, or decal affixed to a product that provides hazard and safety information about that product. Panel: Area of label having a distinctive background color different from adjacent areas, or which is clearly delineated by a line, border, or margin. Message Panel: Area containing word messages which identify the hazard, how to avoid the hazard, and the probable consequence of not avoiding the hazard. Signal Word Panel: Area that contains the signal word. For personal injury hazards, the signal word panel also contains the safety alert symbol. Symbol/Pictorial Panel: Optional area containing symbol/pictorial.

Design of WarningsConventions

an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury

Thank you Contact information:A. C. Macris ConsultantsPO Box 535Mystic, Connecticut 06355860.572.0043acmpc@acmacris.com

Despite what we all do or make we are in the people business. A normal dash very stereotypicalAn Alfa dash with tachometer in the center => not concerned with peed limits but more with engine speedA teenagers dashSafety safety can be designed into a product, but safety can also become a barrier. We will discuss this in the next segment. But in the world of Human Factors, safety is a big part of the work. Environment needless to say hostile environments are challenges to the HFE worldPopulation particularly in the geriatric world Work Environments lighting, glare, color, all relate to productivity and performanceTask to be accomplished task analysis The example of the emergency relief valves in containment heat etc.Culture dashboard exampleProcesses and work flows this spans the anthropometric to the cognitive.Right people in the right job job analysis, etc.