Human Factors Assessment Method Development
Client: PSA
Background
The Human Factors Assessment Method, or HFAM, as it is often called, was developed by HFS on behalf of the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA).
The purpose of the HFAM is to allow the PSA to assess how well operating companies in the offshore industry comply with the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Regulations.
Specifically, the tool aids evaluation of how control rooms:
- Support the operator in carrying out the tasks necessary to maintain safe conditions during different types of operation modes and emergency situations;
- Reduce the risk of human error leading to initiation, prolongation or worsening of production upsets and emergency situations;
- Minimise the risk of work related illness and injury to the operator.
It comprises a series of detailed checklists, with guidance text and references for each checklist question. The questions are worded so that one word answers are not possible. A secondary benefit for operating companies is that, by referring to the checklists and guidance text, it is able to plan for meeting the HSA Regulations. However, it is not a replacement for these regulations.
Human Factors Solutions created the tool with close consultation with industry. It is downloadable here in both Norwegian and English: