Development of a Human Factors Hazard Model Using HEP / FTA / ETA

EasyChair Preprint 11332

Abstract

A new approach to Human Reliability Analysis (HRA), with applications in Systems Engineering (SE), is proposed. This new Human Factors Hazard Model (HFHM) utilizes the established and time-tested probabilistic analysis tools of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Event Tree Analysis (ETA), and integrates them with a newly developed Human Error Probability (HEP) predictive tool. This new approach is developed around human factors Performance Shaping Factors (PSF’s) as well as the specific characteristics unique to each system architecture and its corresponding operational behavior.  Several HRA models have been developed over the past several decades for use in Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) activities related to human-system interaction. These models vary in approach, complexity, and application. Some approaches have gained widespread recognition, and others are not as well known. Several have origins within specific industries and operational scenarios, and thus require extensive adaptation for use in other industries or hazard types. These existing approaches can be difficult to master, time consuming to implement, and not amenable to results comparison and validation as they use different approaches to analyzing HEP.  Using this improved HEP approach, the failure prediction strengths of the FTA and ETA are utilized to establish overall hazard probabilities. This model is automated within an analytical tool such that trade and sensitivity studies can be conducted in minimal time, and with direct comparison to other analyses. The end result of using the HFHM is a reasonable approximation of the probability of an accident occurring due to a Human Factors Triggering Event (HFTE). The analysis results can then be used as a guide to SE analysts as a well as design engineers with regards to risk assessment, safety requirements, design options, and needed safety controls within the system architecture.

Keyphrases: Human Factors, Systems Engineering, Systems Safety, human error probability

@booklet{EasyChair:11332,
  author    = {Dustin Birch and Thomas Bradley},
  title     = {Development of a Human Factors Hazard Model Using HEP / FTA / ETA},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 11332},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2023}}