These information sheets provide information on how human factors can contribute to a sequence of events that lead to a major incident and how the inclusion of human factors can assist major hazard facility operations.
Human factors in the HAZOP process
This information sheet provides information on human factors for operators to consider in their hazard and operability analysis (HAZOP) processes. HAZOP is a widely used and comprehensive method for process safety in major hazard facilities and petroleum and geothermal energy operations. The result of a HAZOP is a set of identified process hazards and list of actions to mitigate these.
Case study chemical release
This case study is based on the fire and a series of explosions that occurred in 2004 at the Formosa Plastics Corporation, Illiopolis, Illinois and shows how human factors can contribute to a sequence of events that lead to a major incident.
Five principles of human performance
This information sheet outlines the five principles of human performance and why these principles should be incorporated into the design of systems, equipment, workplaces and processes.
Integrating human factors into bowtie analyses of major accident events
This information sheet will assist major hazard facility, petroleum and geothermal energy operations with the inclusion of human factors in bowtie analyses.
Integrating human factors into major accident event investigations
This information sheet provides guidance to assist major hazard facility, petroleum and geothermal energy operations in improving their ability to incorporate human factors into their investigation processes.
Usable procedures
This document provides guidance to assist operators in developing accurate and usable procedures.
Case study: gas well blowout and fire
This case study is based on the explosion and fire at the Pryor Trust Well in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma in 2018. This major accident event had catastrophic consequences as five workers were killed.
Case study: petroleum refinery explosion
The aim of this case study, which is based on the BP America (Texas City) refinery explosion in 2005, is to show how human factors can contribute to a series of events that lead to an accident.