Controller Workload & Human Factors Assessments
PPG offers comprehensive Workload Assessments, Human Factors Assessments, and SCADA HMI Assessments. Our professionals will come to your control room to observe your controllers and their interactions with others inside and outside of the control room. We use our structured and repeatable process to measure the workload on the console and how it compares to the rest of the industry. Our assessment of the controller workload results in a clear statement of the current workload capacity utilization on the consoles. The Human Factors assessment will include a summary of findings regarding workload, Human Factors, and any recommendations for improvements. We also review other considerations, such as the workspace, environment, and number of hours worked. These factors affect controller workload, situation awareness, vigilance, and attention. We provide recommendations for improvements in these areas. Our SCADA Human Machine Interface (HMI) evaluations will ensure that the displays provide clear, consistent, and integrated information to Controllers. We facilitate the development of a company SCADA HMI Design Philosophy and Style Guide.
Controller Workload Assessments
Pipeline Performance Group has performed over 432 workload assessments in over 130 control rooms since 2010 with industry benchmarks for workload and task percentages. We assess the content and volume of general activity being directed at the controllers. The final workload report includes specific recommendations regarding the current workload on the console, and whether controllers have sufficient time to analyze and react to incoming alarms. Our workload assessments are developed to satisfy PHMSA regulatory requirements 195.446(e)(5) and 192.631(e)(5) in pipeline, natural gas and refinery control rooms.
Human Factors Assessments
The Control Center is the heart of the daily operations for a Pipeline company. A clean, organized, and healthy working environment makes for satisfied controllers, who take pride in their work and personally invest themselves in their company’s success. Our human factors experts at Pipeline Performance Group start with reviewing the existing conditions in the control room and make a professional assessment of the following: Lighting, Ergonomics, Air Flow, Cleanliness, Seating, Computer Screens, Room Temperature, Noise Levels, Workstation Layout. Pipeline Performance Group performs human factors assessments of control room ergonomic, environmental and spatial factors. We provide specific improvements, based on scientific principles, which will have an immediate effect on a controller’s satisfaction. The ergonomic and work environment enhancements contribute to the overall pipeline safety and productivity, which have long-term positive effects on the bottom line. We develop control center design criteria and layout assistance for updated control rooms.
SCADA User Interfaces – Evaluation and design
The ability of controllers to effectively scan, interpret and respond to SCADA displays is contingent on the layout and format of the displays. Our experts at Pipeline Performance Group conduct evaluations of SCADA HMI displays provide clear and integrated information to controllers. We provide specific recommendations for format improvements.
Pipeline Performance Group human factors experts facilitate in developing display guidelines and standards for SCADA displays in control rooms. We follow a controller center design process to understand design requirements and mock up design wireframes.
Our services include:
- Development of procedures for backup SCADA tests, evacuation plans, point to point tests and alarm management.
- Facilitate alarm management plan implementation and reviews.
- Develop Design Philosophy and Design Style Guides for SCADA displays in control rooms.
- Conduct HMI Gap Analysis against API RP 1165 and API RP 1167.
Control Room Management Plans & Audit Assistance
Controller Workload & Human Factors Assessments
Fatigue Risk Management
Training, Education & Procedures
*Current as of January 2024