Ergonomics analysis of alarm systems and alarm management in process industries

Abstract

A study dealing with human factors and ergonomics in the design of alarm systems and alarm management in the process industries was conducted at 15 workplaces for control room operators across different branches of industry in Germany. The results show that none of the systems under investigation fulfilled all the design recommendations derived from relevant literature, guidelines or standards. Thus, the results indicate an increased risk potential for incidents. Need for action to improve alarm systems and alarm management has, inter alia, been found particularly necessary with regard to alarm prioritization, consideration of operator performance limits, instructions on alarm handling and system support, continuous improvement processes as well as systematic training concepts and operator training concerning the alarm system and alarm handling. Results also suggest that there is still a lack of design improvements, as has already been documented in former research reports on critical incidents.