Aircraft System Safety
  Search
Aircraft System Safety
You are here: Information » Tools and Techniques Register | Login
 An Introduction to Tools and Techniques Minimize

This table summarises some of the Safety Assessment Tools and Techniques available to the safety assessor. Each of these tools has its own advantages and disadvantages and the extent to which these can be used during various phases of the product lifecycle, and the degree to which they can be applied to safety assessments, vary. For a list of Advantages and Limitations of each, see Appendix A to Aircraft System Safety: Military and Civil Aeronautical Applications.

It is extremely important to note that as the complexity of the tool increases so does the degree of training required for the user and/or the need for an experienced evaluation team to conduct the evaluation. On the plus side, the data derived from the more complex methodologies may be more supportable. Unfortunately, the primary disadvantage of such tools is that "trained subject matter experts" may have limited experience in the actual operational environment and, therefore, their evaluations may not be entirely applicable to the certification process.

To hide this text and give you more room to view the table of tools and techniques, click the "minus" sign symbol at the top right of the container surrounding this introduction.

 Print   
 Tools and Techniques Minimize
 NameSorted By Name In Ascending OrderDescription
Historical Data & Past ExperienceUse information from past experience and accident/incident reports of similar equipment as part of the Hazard Identification.
Human Error Probability (HEP)TBD
Human Error Analysis (HEA)A method to evaluate the human interface and error potential within the human /system and to determine human error-related hazards. Many techniques can be applied in this human factors evaluation. Contributory hazards are the result of unsafe acts such as errors in design, procedures, and tasks. Human Error Analysis is. [Tarrents, 1980]
Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART)HEART is an error quantification process that is quick to use. The process defines a set of generic error probabilities for the types of tasks being examined and identifies the error producing conditions associated with them. For each of the error producing conditions the human error probability is multiplied by the error producing condition multiplier. The tool also provides some guidance on approaches towards error reduction [Kirwan, 1994, 1997; Williams, 1986]

A human performance model-based technique utilising some standard probabilities. Data-based method to assess and reduce human error and improve operational performance.
Human Factors AnalysisHuman Factors Analysis represents an entire discipline that considers the human engineering aspects of design. There are many methods and techniques to formally and informally consider the human engineering interface of the system. There are specialty considerations such as ergonomics, bio-machines, anthropometrics. Human Factors Analysis is appropriate for all situations were the human interfaces with the system and human-related hazards and risks are present. The human is considered a main sub-system. [Tarrents, 1980]
Human Hazard Analysis (HHA)Examines the ease of use, the effects of error during use, task distribution, and the adequacy of feedback to the user in terms of his ability to recognise quickly if the desired result of his actions have not been achieved [Flight International, 11-17 Aug 1999, p3]
Human Reliability AnalysisThe purpose of the Human Reliability Analysis is to assess factors that may impact human reliability in the operation of the system. The analysis is appropriate were reliable human performance in necessary for the success of the human-machine systems. [Tarrents, 1980] For more information, see Guide to Practical Human Reliability Assessment, Barry Kirwan, ISBN: 0748401113
Incident ReviewsThese might be for the system itself or for similar systems used elsewhere
Inductive AnalysisAnalysis which works forward from a given event (failure) to determine the possibility outcomes (e.g. see Consequence Analysis). It starts from known cuases to forecast unknown effects. Inductive argument is where the argument is firmly based on the evidence presented, but extrapolates beyond the available evidence.
Installation AppraisalA qualitative appraisal of the integrity and safety of the installation. Any deviations from normal, industry accepted installation practices, such as clearances or tolerances, should be evaluated, especially when appraising modifications made after entry into service.
Page 9 of 18First   Previous   4  5  6  7  8  [9]  10  11  12  13  Next   Last   
 Print   

Copyright 2007 by Duane Kritzinger   Terms Of Use  Privacy Statement