Human Factors in E & P Facility Design, a Participatory Approach

Abstract

To ensure that ergonomics are taken into account in the conceptual design phases of engineering projects, NAM has introduced the 'Ergonomics in design' workshop. This paper describes the general format, timing and techniques used in these workshops. An example of a case study is presented together with a cost benefit analysis. Finally, a concluding summary of the workshop success factors is given together with the areas for further improvement. Introduction The NAM company is engaged in the exploration for and production of oil and gas in the Netherlands and in the Dutch sector of the Continental Shelf. In 1995 its total gas production was 57 billion m3 and 1.9 million m3 oil. The design of equipment and production systems is a key factor in efficient and safe working. People today expect their equipment to be designed for easy use, and international Regulations call increasingly for safe and healthy workplaces. These demands place high responsibilities on those who design working equipment and production systems: they can be legally called to account if people are injured or develop occupational diseases; their companies will lose business if the competitor's equipment is more efficient and safer in use (Corlett and Clark, 1995). This paper is of particular interest to those concerned with the design, engineering, operation and management of production systems in the oil and gas industry. Designing technology that accommodates the capabilities, constraints and needs of the human user (operator) is the concern of 'ergonomics'. The term ergonomics is prevalent all over the world, except in the USA and a few other countries, were the term 'human factors' is more prevalent. Our company has adopted the following definition of ergonomics: 'A multidisciplinary field of science, and its application, which considers the integrated knowledge of human capabilities, limitations and needs in the interaction between humans, technology and the working environment for the design of work systems, workplaces and products'. The company has an integrated Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) organisation including ergonomics/human factors expertise. In line with the Shell Groups' Human Factors Engineering Strategy, the company pursues four objectives for the design of equipment and production systems. These ergonomic objectives and definitions are presented in table 1. Most of the objectives presented in table 1 have a special focus on human-machine interaction and the associated benefits apply both to the users and the performance of production systems. Integrity, as defined in table 1, is not the private domain of ergonomics. It overlaps the domain of other occupational health and safety disciplines. The added value however, is that ergonomics prevents health and safety hazards at the source, especially at the interface 'human-machine'. This pro-active approach also applies to system improvements in terms of reliability, efficiency and usability. To meet these objectives in, for example, the design of a drill cabin for a drilling rig, the cabin should provide easy access, sufficient drillfloor overview and protection against hazards, such as noise, vibration, mechanical impact and severe weather conditions. Type and layout of chair(s), operating console, displays and controls should accommodate drillers physical and cognitive capabilities, constraints and needs to prevent musculo-skeletal strain, discomfort, mental stress and operating errors and its associated consequences. It is of vital importance that designs do not only respond to the physical properties and constraints of the users, but respond also to their cognitive (information processing) capabilities in order to prevent human errors and thus enhance reliability of the operations. P. 297