1. Introduction to Human Factors
- Human
factors study how people interact with machines and environments.
- Around 80%
of aircraft accidents involve human error.
- Human
factors aim to improve safety and efficiency.
- Maintenance
errors can have serious consequences in aviation.
- The
“SHELL” model explains human interaction in aviation systems.
- “SHELL”
stands for Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware, Liveware.
- Liveware
represents the human element in the system.
- The goal
of human factors is to reduce human error.
- Human
performance depends on physical, mental, and emotional states.
- Aviation
safety relies on teamwork and communication.
2. Human Performance and Limitations
- Human
capability has physical and psychological limits.
- Physical
factors include strength, vision, and hearing.
- Mental
factors include perception, attention, and memory.
- Human
short-term memory holds information for only a few seconds.
- Long-term
memory stores knowledge and experience.
- Working
memory processes current information.
- Attention
can only focus on a limited number of tasks.
- Multitasking
increases the risk of error.
- Fatigue
reduces attention and reaction time.
- Stress can
affect decision-making and performance.
3. Environment and Workplace Factors
- Lighting
affects accuracy in visual inspections.
- Poor
lighting may cause eye strain or missed defects.
- Noise
interferes with communication and concentration.
- Excessive
noise can cause hearing loss over time.
- Temperature
extremes reduce work efficiency.
- High
temperature causes dehydration and fatigue.
- Low
temperature affects hand coordination and tools handling.
- Humidity
can lead to corrosion and discomfort.
- Vibration
causes long-term physical health issues.
- Workspace
layout should support safe and efficient work.
4. Communication in Maintenance
- Communication
ensures the correct transfer of information.
- Miscommunication
is a major cause of maintenance errors.
- Verbal
communication must be clear and precise.
- Written
communication includes logs, worksheets, and reports.
- Handovers
between shifts must be accurate and complete.
- Standard
phraseology reduces misunderstanding.
- Feedback
confirms that the message was understood.
- Language
barriers can cause misinterpretation.
- Use of
checklists supports communication clarity.
- Always
document work performed and work pending.
5. Teamwork
- Teamwork
enhances safety and problem-solving.
- Teams
should have clear roles and responsibilities.
- Leadership
provides direction and motivation.
- Good teams
have open communication.
- Mutual
respect builds trust among team members.
- Poor
teamwork can result in missed errors.
- Conflict
should be managed constructively.
- Regular
briefings improve coordination.
- Cooperation
between departments ensures smoother workflow.
- Team
decision-making reduces individual bias.
6. Stress and Fatigue
- Stress is
the body’s reaction to demands and pressure.
- Stress can
be positive (motivating) or negative (harmful).
- Chronic
stress reduces concentration and performance.
- Common
causes of stress are workload, time pressure, and conflicts.
- Fatigue is
extreme tiredness resulting from long hours or poor rest.
- Fatigue
reduces alertness and reaction time.
- Sleep
deprivation affects decision-making and mood.
- Fatigue
can accumulate over several days.
- Proper
rest and work schedules prevent fatigue.
- Awareness
of personal limits prevents unsafe decisions.
7. Human Error
- Human
error is an unintentional action that results in undesired outcome.
- Errors can
be active or latent.
- Active
errors occur immediately and have direct effects.
- Latent
errors lie hidden until triggered by conditions.
- Slips
occur when actions do not go as planned.
- Lapses are
memory failures.
- Mistakes
result from wrong decisions or incorrect knowledge.
- Violations
are intentional deviations from procedures.
- The “Dirty
Dozen” are twelve common causes of human error.
- Awareness
of error traps helps prevent mistakes.
8. The Dirty Dozen
- The Dirty
Dozen were identified by Gordon Dupont.
- The twelve
factors include: lack of communication, complacency, and knowledge.
- Other
factors include distraction, teamwork, and fatigue.
- Lack of
resources leads to unsafe shortcuts.
- Pressure
causes rushing and missed checks.
- Lack of
assertiveness prevents speaking up about safety.
- Stress and
norms also influence errors.
- Distraction
is the most common cause of maintenance error.
- Always
return to the job after interruption to recheck progress.
- Recognizing
these factors helps prevent accidents.
9. Safety Culture
- Safety
culture is the attitude and behavior toward safety.
- A good
safety culture encourages reporting of errors.
- A
blame-free culture promotes learning from mistakes.
- Just
culture balances accountability and learning.
- Management
commitment is essential for safety culture.
- Safety
meetings improve awareness and feedback.
- Reporting
systems help identify recurring problems.
- Safety is
everyone’s responsibility.
- A positive
safety attitude prevents risk-taking.
- Continuous
training supports a strong safety culture.
10. Human Factors in Maintenance Tasks
- Maintenance
errors can be reduced by using checklists.
- Documentation
ensures traceability of work.
- Double
inspection is required for critical tasks.
- Job
rotation reduces fatigue and boredom.
- Use of
approved tools prevents damage or injury.
- Time
pressure should never compromise safety.
- Always
follow the aircraft maintenance manual.
- Record all
defects, even minor ones.
- Training
improves awareness and competence.
- Human
factors knowledge improves safety, teamwork, and performance.