Human Factors in Alarm Design

by Neville A. Stanton (Editor)

Overview

Focusing on the application of human factors and ergonomics in the design of alarm systems, this book brings together all the disparate areas in a single volume.; The aim of the book is to present current human factor issues regarding alarm design in a variety of setting, such as industrial alarm systems in process industries, aviation, automobiles and intensive care. It argues that the severe short comings of alarm systems can be overcome through the use of human factors evaluation and design integration techniques. Contributors cover the areas of HCI, task analysis, training, personnel selection, and design and human behavior in an emergency, which of course, can be influenced positively and negatively by the design and deployment of alarm systems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780748401093
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/28/1994
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Stanton, Neville A.

Table of Contents

A human factors approach; urgency mapping in auditory warning signals; an experiment to support the design of VDU-based alarm lists for power plant operators; testing risk homeostasis theory in a simulated process control task - implications for alarm reduction strategies; operator support systems for status identification and alarm processing at the OECD Halden Reactor Project - experiences and perspectives for future development; alarm initiated activities; supervisory control behaviour and the implementation of alarms in process control; the alarm matrix; cognitive demands and activities in dynamic fault management - abductive reasoning and disturbance management; ergonomics and engineering aspects of designing an alarm system for a modern nuclear power plant; alarms in nuclear power plant control rooms - current approaches and future design; psychological aspects of conventional in-car warning devices; sources of confusion in intensive therapy unit alarms; key topics in alarm design.

Editorial Reviews

Highlights the ergonomic factors that must be taken into account in order to design effective alarm systems and how they are currently being used in such settings as nuclear, oil, chemical, aviation, automotive, and medical. The 14 contribution, from an October 1992 international conference in Birmingham, England, discuss such specific topics as urgency mapping and auditory parameters, risk homeostasis in human supervisors, distributed control systems, and human reasoning in dynamic fault management. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews