Adaptation of Universal Design ISO 26000:2010

Clause 6.7 - “Promotion of Universal Design” in Chemical Plant Design #

1. Equitable Use #

Equitable use ensures that the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. In chemical plant design, this principle translates to creating an environment where all operators can perform their tasks effectively. This includes:

• Accessible Control Rooms: Designing control rooms with adjustable workstations, ergonomic chairs, and accessible controls to accommodate operators with different physical abilities.
• Inclusive Safety Systems: Implementing safety systems that can be used by all operators, such as emergency stop buttons placed at accessible heights and clear, audible alarms.
• Universal Signage: Using clear and universally understood symbols and signs to convey important information, such as hazard warnings and safety instructions.

2. Flexibility in Use #

Flexibility in use allows the design to accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. In chemical plant design, this could mean:

• Adjustable Equipment: Designing equipment that can be adjusted to different heights or angles, such as adjustable control panels and workstations.
• Customizable Interfaces: Providing software interfaces that can be customized to suit different user preferences and needs, such as adjustable font sizes and color schemes.
• Modular Design: Using modular components that can be easily reconfigured to adapt to changing needs and user requirements.

3. Simple and Intuitive Use #

Simple and intuitive use ensures that the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. In chemical plant design, this principle can be applied by:

• Clear Labeling: Using clear and consistent labeling on equipment, such as valves, switches, and control panels, to ensure that operators can easily identify and operate them.
• Straightforward Instructions: Providing straightforward and easy-to-follow instructions for operating equipment and performing tasks.
• Intuitive User Interfaces: Designing user interfaces that are intuitive and easy to navigate, with clear visual cues and feedback.

4. Perceptible Information #

Perceptible information ensures that the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. In chemical plant design, this could involve:

• Multi-Modal Alerts: Using visual, auditory, and tactile cues to convey important information, such as alarms and warning signals especially in noisy industrial units.
• High-Visibility Signage: Using high-contrast colors and large fonts for signs and labels to ensure they are easily visible in various lighting conditions.
• Redundant Displays: Providing redundant displays of critical information, such as pressure and temperature readings, in multiple formats to ensure they are perceived by all users.

5. Tolerance for Error #

Tolerance for error minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. In chemical plant design, this principle is crucial for safety. This can be achieved by:

• Fail-Safe Mechanisms: Designing systems with fail-safes, such as automatic shut-offs and emergency stop buttons, to prevent accidents.
• Clear Warning Signals: Providing clear and unambiguous warning signals to alert operators to potential hazards or errors.
• User-Friendly Controls: Designing controls that are easy to operate and minimize the risk of accidental activation or deactivation.

6. Low Physical Effort #

Low physical effort ensures that the design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. In chemical plant design, this could mean:

• Ergonomic Design: Designing equipment and workstations that require minimal force to operate, such as lightweight valves and ergonomic control panels.
• Adjustable Workstations: Providing adjustable workstations that can be customized to suit the needs of individual operators.
• Efficient Layout: Designing the plant layout to minimize the need for excessive movement and reduce physical strain on operators.
• Process Control: Valves that require frequent operation should be automated or designed to be operated with minimal force.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use #

In chemical plant design, this principle can be applied by:

• Ample Workspace: Designing workstations and control rooms with ample space for movement and access, ensuring that operators can easily reach and manipulate equipment.
• Clear Pathways: Especially important for localised heavy equipment usage e.g forklift

A Light-hearted Joke #

The aforementioned 6th point is very important…

Why did the old boss install a treadmill in the control room?

Because he believed that the more the operators and engineers moved around, the more their wages should increment! He thought that if they couldn’t even reach the coffee machine without breaking a sweat, they deserved a raise.