Ergonomics Evaluation of SCADA Human-Computer Interface
BPA
Background
BPA operates the UK oil & gas pipeline network. This takes the refined product from refineries throughout the UK, transports it to storage facilities and then delivers it to end site for further distribution or use. For example, the pipelines deliver all the aviation fuel to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Its two major storage facilities are at Buncefield and Kingsbury.
Project
Following the accident at Buncefield in 2007 closer attention has been paid by the safety authorities to changes being made to the pipeline network. CCD was commissioned by BPA to conduct an ergonomics evaluation of the SCADA system for a new extension to the pipeline network. BPA were required by the UK Health & Safety Executive to demonstrate that any new or modified control system supported routine and emergency tasks.
Implementation
Our consultants spent time in the control room at Kingsbury talking to the staff and understanding the operations and how the new pipeline would be worked during commissioning, operation and emergency/response scenarios. We used these discussions along with walkthroughs of task activity on the new SCADA system to identify human-computer interaction issues.
We also looked at the control room and workstation design to identify ergonomics issues. We commented on the layout of work spaces and identified potential postural hazards with the workstations.
Outcomes
We were able to make a number of recommendations for the improvement of the SCADA system and its operability. The main area we addressed was the presentation of alarms to the operator including the legibility of alarm text, the consistency of presentation and prioritisation of alarms to avoid overload and the frequent activation of nuisance alarms.