Cognitive Theories and Engineering Approaches for Safety Assessment and Design of automated systems: A Case Study of a Power Plant

Abstract:

This paper concerns methods and techniques for analysis and assessment of human factors in automated plant. A well-known theory is reviewed and an engineering approach is devised for retrospective accident evaluations and prospective studies. The lessons learnt from a serious accident for the safety assessment of a real plant are discussed in detail. The relevance of the human contribution to the accident and the likely improvements identified by the application of the method confirm the importance and advantages of performing accurate human factors analyses for design and safety of technological systems.