A Case Study of Ergonomic Evaluation for the Control Rooms of a Petroleum Complex

Abstract

Objective: Two control rooms of a petroleum complex were ergonomically evaluated for this study using diverse drawings of the rooms. The objective of the study is to show the evaluation process and its results, assessment method and essential elements for drawing-based ergonomic evaluation.Background: Ergonomics can enhance the working environment and safety for a control room when implemented effectively. A control room design was examined by ergonomists based on ergonomic principles and well-practiced standards. This study was conducted because a construction consortium wanted to perform an ergonomic evaluation of the control rooms before the construction.Method: A simple evaluation process, composed with a pre-evaluation, an evaluation and a post-evaluation, was employed to carry out the study. ISO 11064, NUREG-0700, NUREG/CR-6150, and CRIOP were reviewed to evaluate the control rooms. The assessment ranges over the control room layout, workstations, display and control, environmental requirements and safety. Three ergonomists participated in the study and performed the evaluation for two months.Results: An experienced consortium of construction companies designed the petroleum complex and control rooms. No significant ergonomic design problems were detected. Quantitative recommendations were provided for the layout and workstation dimensions. Specific design directions were also proposed for environmental requirements and safety.Conclusion and Application: Design advice and minor potential problems were reported as results of the drawing-based ergonomic evaluation. More practical suggestions could be additionally provided if an on-site assessment was conducted. However, the ergonomic evaluation used in this study could be helpful and applied to designing and evaluating other various control rooms prior to their construction.