Ergonomics in the Hazard and Operability Reviews (HAZOP)
For major ergonomic projects typically systematic design is involved. Especially in the biotechnology sector. A HAZOP review analysis are used by ergonomic consulting specialists during the development phase of a production floor before engineering starts their design considerations and moving forward with them. When starting this process, the first step is a review of the process and instrumentation drawing (P&ID).
How to Identify and Consider Ergonomic Concerns during this HAZOP Process
So to address the ergonomic concerns with equipment use during the HAZOP review, you would need to ensure the tool quickly targets the major items of ergonomic related concern. It would need to be easily understandable and require minimal training for use. It would be specific to the workforce that will be using it applying appropriate anthropometrics at this point.
Issues that typically arise in the HAZOP process would be related to understanding the computer interface but these are not so much related to the physical ergonomics of the design. Rather, using human factors checklists would be best. Another issue would be that the objective of the HAZOP review is merely to identify process hazards and doesn't consider the user experience or job demands. One other problem occurs when parts of the HAZOP process is skipped, especially the review stages, and thus the ergonomic related risk factors associated with using the equipment are looked over and discussed. These ergonomic issues discovered need to be posted at each nodes as an integral part of the HAZOP review and not just at the end of the review.
The HAZOP process should include:
- An ergonomics and human factors throughout.
- Determine the difference between systems that employ proper ergonomics.
- It considers the parts of the equipment or systems that have an interface with a user.
- It focuses attention on the people using the equipment and the ergonomic risk factors present for a multi-user workstation.
- A trained ergonomic professional should be included on the HAZOP team. For large projects, a trained ergonomic consultant should be brought in.
- The team members shall be provided a level of ergonomics and job demands training.
If your business in the Bay Area is undergoing a new process, i.e. manufacturing and need assistance navigating a process to ensure that ergonomic design is considered to protect your workers for generations forward, reach out to a ergonomic consultant with
Ergobility today. We are trained in HAZOP processes and other methodologies such as Six Sigma to help your manufacturing process start off on the right foot.
