140001 Human Factor Engineering - Human Machine Interface and Control Room Design

PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Human Factor Engineering – Human/ Machine

Interface And Control Room Design
PTS 14.00.01
January 2017
© 2017 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.
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PTS 14.00.01
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING - HUMAN/MACHINE
January 2017
INTERFACE AND CONTROL ROOM DESIGN
Page 2 of 57
FOREWORD
PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group.
Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.
In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.
PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.
The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.

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ANNOUNCEMENT
As part of the recent transformation exercise, the PTS numbering system has been revised to 6-digit
numbers and drawings, forms and requisition to 7-digit numbers. All newly revised PTS will adopt this
new numbering system, and where required make reference to other PTS in its revised numbering to
ensure consistency. Users are requested to refer to PTS 00.01.01 (PTS Index) for mapping between
old and revised PTS numbers for clarity. For further inquiries, contact PTS administrator at
ptshelpdesk@petronas.com.my

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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 6
1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 6
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................... 6
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 7
2.0 HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING (HFE) .................................................................. 8
2.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 HFE IN DESIGN ............................................................................................................... 8
3.0 CONTROL BUILDING ............................................................................................ 10
3.1 LOCATION ....................................................................................................................10
3.2 ACCESSIBILITY ..............................................................................................................10
3.3 LAYOUT OF ROOMS WITHIN CONTROL BUILDING ......................................................13
4.0 CONTROL ROOM ................................................................................................. 15
4.1 LAYOUT ........................................................................................................................15
4.2 LAYOUT OF OTHER WORKPLACES ...............................................................................16
4.3 WINDOWS ...................................................................................................................16
5.0 WORKSTATION LAYOUT ...................................................................................... 17
5.1 DIMENSIONS AND SHAPE ............................................................................................17
5.2 PLACEMENT OF VDU WITHIN WORKSTATION (CONSOLE) ..........................................21
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND FURNISHING ..................................................... 24
6.1 AIR CONDITIONING ......................................................................................................24
6.2 LIGHT AND OUTSIDE VIEW ..........................................................................................24
6.3 NOISE ...........................................................................................................................25
6.4 MATERIALS AND COLOUR............................................................................................26
6.5 FURNITURE ..................................................................................................................27
6.6 HYGIENE .......................................................................................................................27
7.0 VDUS AND CONTROLS ......................................................................................... 28
7.1 VDU SCREENS ..............................................................................................................28
7.2 LARGE SCREEN/VIDEO WALL PROJECTOR ...................................................................29
7.3 CONTROLS ...................................................................................................................31
8.0 PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION ....................................................................... 35
8.1 TOUCH TARGETS ..........................................................................................................35
8.2 CURSORS ......................................................................................................................35

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8.3 CODING OF VISUAL INFORMATION .............................................................................35

8.4 ALERTING BY AUDITORY SIGNALS ...............................................................................35
8.5 DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR VISUAL DISPLAY INFORMATION .........................................36
9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 38
APPENDIX 1: HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE (HMI) AND CONTROL ROOM DESIGN
CHECKLISTS .................................................................................................................... 39
APPENDIX 2: EXAMPLE OF 2-D AND 3-D VISUALISATION OF A CONTROL ROOM .............. 53
APPENDIX 3: ERGONOMIC DESIGN.................................................................................. 56

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This PTS provides the minimum technical requirements for the application of Human Factors
Engineering principles in the design of central control rooms and DCS consoles located there
for new projects or plant changes in existing facilities.
This PTS also incorporates PETRONAS lesson learnt and best practices.
1.1 SCOPE
1.1.1 This PTS gives a summary of state of the art and details out recommendations for Greenfield
and Brownfield projects involving control room design.
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1.2.1 General Definition of Terms
Refer to PTS 00.01.03 for PTS Requirements, General Definition Of Terms, Abbreviations &
Reading Guide.
1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms
No Terms Definition
1 Diffuse Reflection Equal reflection of light (luminous flux) in all

directions (also known as Lambert or cosine
reflection). No light is lost in this process, i.e.
illuminance and luminance values are equal.
2 Horizontal Illumination The light falling onto the surface (work station
desk or VDU screen) from a horizontal
direction.
3 Illumination The amount of light that falls onto a surface.
4 Luminance ratio The brightness of a viewed object with respect

to its surroundings.
5 Vertical Illumination The light falling onto a surface (e.g. work

station desk or VDU screen) from a vertical
direction.
Table 1.1: Specific Definition of Terms
1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations
No Terms Description
1 E/I/Q Electrical, instrumentation and quality

measuring disciplines

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No Terms Description
2 HFE Human Factors Engineering
3 MOS Maintenance Override Switch
4 OOS Operational Override Switch
5 PC Personal Computer
6 PCS Process Control System
7 PI Practical Instructor
8 PLC Programmable Logic Controller
9 PROSS Process Supervisory System
10 SAT Site Acceptance Test
11 VDU Video Display Unit

Table 1.2: Specific Abbreviations
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
This PTS 14.00.01 (January 2017) replaces PTS 14.00.01 (September 2013).

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2.0 HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING (HFE)
2.1 GENERAL
2.1.1 Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is an ergonomic study of designing control room and its
equipment to improve panel operators’ functional capabilities.
2.1.2 HFE elements shall be incorporated during project design with active inputs from end-users
and ergonomic design experts. Sufficient design reviews will avoid unnecessary change
during construction and/or commissioning. Panel operators will benefits from a safer, more
efficient and more comfortable control without increasing life-cycle costs.
2.2 HFE IN DESIGN
2.2.1 Points for consideration
Important aspects of HFE in new construction or plant change projects are:
i. The Owner’s TA shall ensure that HFE is incorporated in the design process of the
project as outlined in PTS 18.53.09
ii. The Owner’s TA shall ensure the HFE scope definition for project has been done
by personnel who are familiar with HFE requirements.
iii. HFE shall be considered as part of the overall total design decisions due to its
implications to operational and maintenance personnel.
iv. Design decisions shall strive for optimum HFE solution, where the pros and cons
are weighed carefully, especially if limits are exceeded e.g. limits for physical or
mental load are reached. Where limits are exceeded, re-engineering shall be
executed.
v. Producing CAD 3D model, even in a simple form, and design reviews are valuable
methods for checking and adjusting the design in respect of HFE aspects
(accessibility, range, layout, etc.). This is where good human modelling software
will be of value.
vi. Inclusion of operations and maintenance personnel in the design process is critical
for successful HFE design.
2.2.2 User participation
TA shall be responsible to ensure relevant stake holders participate in the HFE design as per
PTS 18.53.09, including but not limited to the following aspects:
i. Definition of operator philosophy, e.g. distribution of tasks between

"outside/inside" operators.
ii. Design of control room layout and dimensions.
iii. Design of operator console.

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iv. Dimensions, number of VDUs, layout of alarm displays.
v. Means of communication.
vi. Location and layout of panels for Operator Override Switches (OOS) and
Maintenance Override Switches (MOS)
vii. Keyboard layout.
viii. Room for writing and other tasks.

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3.0 CONTROL BUILDING
3.1 LOCATION
3.1.1 The following minimum list of non-HFE factors dictates location of control building:
i. safety of control room in event of a process fire and explosion in the vicinity
ii. the number of plants that are to be controlled from the control room
iii. potential for expansion
iv. desired free space around the building
v. emergency response and
vi. wind direction
3.1.2 Preference with regards to location of Control Building is in a safe non-hazardous area
3.1.3 Further considerations in the choice of location:
Within process area boundary Outside process area boundary
Closer contact with plant thus shorter Further contact from plant thus longer
walking/cycling/driving distances walking/cycling/driving distances
Less feeling of safety due to closer Greater feeling of safety

proximity
Potentially more exposure to noise and/or Less exposure to noise and/or odour
odour from plant
Civil engineering costs higher Civil engineering costs lower
Vertical Illumination The light falling onto a surface (e.g. work

station desk or VDU screen) from a
vertical direction.
Table 3.1: Other considerations in dictating location of control building
Generally, the control room should be located in a safe area, away from process area but
within facility perimeter.
3.2 ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility legislation (i.e. governing access by wheelchair users and other disabled persons)
shall be reviewed and applied by the TA in all projects.

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3.2.1 General
i. A relationship model should be developed that identifies critical features and

incorporates these data into the final design. Some generic points include:
a) A single-storey building is preferable.
b) It is preferable to design the building with a central corridor, along which
the various rooms can be reached, e.g. shift supervisors' room, shift room.
The routes within the building should therefore be determined
beforehand. Escape routes should lead right through the building.
Routing them along a wall and far apart is a good practical compromise in
the control room.
c) The control building shall (PSR) not have external glass walls if it is located
within the hazardous area of the process unit.
d) Traffic from personnel not directly associated with the plant operation
shall be minimised to ensure operator’s attentiveness to the plant
operation and to ensure plant security. One possible approach is by
segregating the control room from the high foot traffic area, with
electronic access to the control room itself.
ii. If the building is required to be located within a major hazard area, these
additional requirements shall apply:
a) Building design shall (PSR) meet the hazardous area requirements
b) a positive air pressure shall (PSR) be maintained inside to keep external air-
borne contaminants out.
c) Access to the building shall be via an airlock with explosion-resistant and
gas-proof doors. The space between the airlock doors can be used for
storing safety equipment (emergency breathing masks, etc.), provided
this is allowed for in the design. Automatic doors shall be used for this
purpose, as these are easier to operate.
d) See PTS 11.14.03 and PTS 11.14.01 for building requirements.
3.2.2 Emergency exits and escape routes
i. Escape routes should lead right through the building. Routing them along a wall
and far apart is a good practical compromise in the control room. See Appendix 2
for an example of a control room building.
ii. Emergency exit and escape routes shall be free from any obstruction.
3.2.3 Signposting
i. Signs shall be installed at clearly visible points for the following purposes:
a) help visitors find persons or locations
b) indicate escape routes and emergency exits for fire-safety purposes.
ii. In large control buildings, a floor plan of the building should be provided at a
visible location near the main entrance.

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iii. Various standards specify where signs and emergency lighting shall be installed
and the appropriate dimensions, etc.
3.2.4 Passages/passageways, doors and stairs
i. Dimensioning of passages and design of building shall incorporate suitable

facilities to handle the following needs:
a) smooth access of personnel (with or without personal protective
equipment) considering peak traffic times (i.e. shift handovers)
b) easy transportation of equipment - a free passageway of at least 1200
mm (preferably 1400 mm) shall be provided
ii. Dimensions of doors shall be minimum as follows:
Purpose of passage Width [mm] Height [mm]
Equipment 1800 2500
Personnel 1500 2100

Table 3.2: Door dimensions
iii. Requirements for stairs are as follows:

a) minimum run of tread shall be 200 mm;
b) handrail shall be located approximately 900 mm vertically above the
tread;
c) adequate anti-slip surface shall be provided on the tread;
d) spiral staircases shall (PSR) be prohibited due to safety reasons.
3.2.5 Other personnel and visitors
i. Other personnel and visitors should enter the control building via a separate
entrance (main entrance) and the central corridor instead of via the plant
entrance
ii. There should be a waiting/shift room, complete with a desk to issue permits and
receiving visitors, upon passing through the main entrance. Due care shall be
given to possibility of draft arising from areas with and without positive pressure.
The desk shall comply with the legal requirements relating to workplace
ergonomics.
iii. Design should accommodate Visitors' car park, number of spaces and location (i.e.
proximity to the control room main entrance).

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3.3 LAYOUT OF ROOMS WITHIN CONTROL BUILDING
3.3.1 Control room
i. Preference with regards to location of Control Room within the Control Building
are:
a) The control room does not need to be situated at the most central point
of the building
b) Personnel not directly involved with the control room should be kept
away
3.3.2 General shift supervisor's room
i. Preference with regards to location of General shift supervisor's room within the
Control Building are:
a) near to the control room to allow necessary functional and work flow
process.
b) not be accessible solely via the control room to avoid associated human
traffic from disturbing operators' concentration.
ii. If visual communication is necessary between shift supervisor and operators, a

partition made of glass strip is better than a glass wall to avoid operators from
feeling under constant surveillance.
iii. The shift supervisor's room should be clearly signposted (3.2.3).
iv. The room shall be sized to fit:

a) office work desk
b) meetings
c) filing space.
There shall be a sign informing visitors where to report upon absence of shift supervisor.
3.3.3 Computer area – DCS location
i. The computer area should be situated in the direct vicinity of the control room.
ii. A raised computer floor should not be installed so that operators have visual
contact with every part of the control room.
iii. When dimensioning the computer area, account should be taken of the creation
of a workplace for engineering tasks. This workplace shall comply with the local
legislation provisions relating to workplace ergonomics.
3.3.4 Other areas
i. Area for issuing work permits should be furnished for writing/PC tasks, an
overview of activities, issue and storage of safety equipment and storage of gas
test equipment.

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ii. A separate filing room should be provided adjacent to the Work Permit Issuance
area to allow filing of permits, plant records and drawings
iii. Sufficient rooms shall be provided to accommodate all personnel that are
intended to be working within the building.
iv. Social area, including pantry, should be situated close to the control room,
although clearly separated from the latter. Social Area shall be sized large enough
to take role as an Assembly Area(refuge), if design dictates that Assembly area
shall be within inside of Control Building
v. Toilets, washing, changing rooms, lockers and disabled persons’ facilities should
be situated directly off the central corridor. They shall have good mechanical
ventilation. The areas should be large enough and have a clear demarcation
between male and female. A design with "clean" and "dirty" areas is worth
considering.
vi. Office areas should be designed for the tasks (writing, VDU work and meetings)
to be performed in them.
vii. Engineering discipline (instrument, electrical, rotating equipment condition

monitoring, etc.,) shall have individual rooms and typically located close to the
computer area.
viii. Conference rooms for meetings, training etc., should be provided within the
Control Building, complete with conference peripherals (i.e. whiteboards,
projector and screen, etc.).
ix. Storage rooms; sufficient space should be provided in the control building for
storing equipment. The room for the breathable air equipment shall be situated
near the plant entrance. This shall be large enough to avoid congestion in
emergencies.
x. Smoking area, shall not be combined with the Social Area. Instead, a separate
location shall be provided.
xi. Bulletin board for essential mass communications shall be made available.
Suggested spots are along main passage ways and social area.

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4.0 CONTROL ROOM
4.1 LAYOUT
Ergonomic studies, covering overall control room layout, lighting, placement of VDU consoles,
etc., shall be carried out to optimise control room layout for new and revamped control room.
Where there is a conflict between the ergonomic studies and this PTS, the ergonomic studies
shall take precedence.
4.1.1 Space required for the control room
The space for the control room is determined by:
i. Space needed for the console configuration (4.1.2).
ii. Space for peripherals.
iii. Space for the other workplaces (4.2).
iv. Space for files.
v. Number of operators.
vi. Space for meetings.
vii. Space for administration (only if building is used during plant shutdowns); for
example for charts, spading procedure, etc.).
4.1.2 Space for consoles configuration
The space needed for the console configuration is determined by:
i. Area of the console configuration.
ii. Space needed behind the VDUs for maintenance.
iii. Space needed for VDU operation (sitting, standing and walking).
iv. Space needed for the partitions.
v. Space for an overview of the whole arrangement.
vi. Space for expansion

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4.2 LAYOUT OF OTHER WORKPLACES
4.2.1 There shall be a number of workplaces in the control room for administrative work, checking
of drawings ("manual table"), meetings, etc.
4.2.2 Visual partitions are necessary between the various workplaces (sufficient separation, plant
boxes, partition wall), but the console shall be visible at all times.
4.2.3 When planning the area, it is preferable not to locate any workplace in the direct vicinity of
the ventilation grids.
4.2.4 In small control rooms (less than 36 m2), measures should be taken to avoid a shut-in feeling
(vertical glass strips in the walls, windows, wall decoration, etc.).
4.2.5 In large control rooms, measures shall be taken to reduce the noise level and enhance
audibility of speech (adjustable volume of auditory signals, "trunking" of communication
means and clustering workplaces).
4.2.6 In view of the noise and heat they produce, computers and peripherals should be installed in
a separate area, as far as possible.
4.2.7 The furnishing of these workplaces should take account of their functions.
Function Requirements for workplace
Reading drawings Large enough worktop area
Administration Meetings Sufficient seating, large table, desk

Table 3.3: Requirement for workplace and its function
4.3 WINDOWS
4.3.1 There shall (PSR) be no windows on outer walls of control room building.

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5.0 WORKSTATION LAYOUT
5.1 DIMENSIONS AND SHAPE
5.1.1 The position the of work materials and the office equipment which are used regularly should
be in front of the Operators so that they do not have to constantly reach out and put them in
an awkward posture.
5.1.2 Sufficient desk space should be ensured to allow the Operators to put keyboard, mouse,
computer monitor, document holder, telephone and other accessories within a comfortable
reach.
i. The workstation layout should have a separate keyboard, which, when pushed
back, allows room for writing
5.1.3 Log books and other necessary documents should also be taken into account. The use of
electronic log books shall be considered
5.1.4 There are several console configurations available as listed below
i. Horizontal wrap around console

a) Panel width
When requirements for preferred panel space for a single seated Operator
exceed a panel width of 112 cm (44 in), a flat-surface, segmented, wrap-
around console should be provided to place all controls within reach. No less
than 95 percent of Operators shall be able to reach all controls while seated.
b) Panel angle
The left and right segments (monitors) should be angled from the frontal
plane of the central segment (monitor) such that they can be reached by at
least 95th percentile of Operators without moving the torso.
c) Viewing angle
The total required left-to-right viewing angle shall be not more than 190° and
should be reduced through appropriate control-display layout.
d) Console arrangement
The console should be arranged in convex curve in accordance with the
curvature of the video wall. It should be ensured that the convex curve of
console is within the recommended limit of viewing angle of the Operator.
Figure 5.1: Example of wrap-around console

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ii. Vertical / Stacked Segment on console

a) This is an illustration of another type of console which might be appropriate
for other purposes. An important principle that should be considered is about
the panel division. The vertical viewing angle, vertical viewing distance, and
number of monitors arranged vertically are some factors concerned in this
type. Where direct forward vision over the top of the console is not required
by a seated Operator and when the lateral space is limited, the panel shall be
divided into three vertical/stacked segments whose surfaces should be
perpendicular to the Operator's line of sight with little or no head movement.
Figure 5.2: Example of vertical/stacked segment
iii. Vertical / Stacked Segment on open table

a) This is a variation of the above “Vertical / Stacked Segment on console” where
use of console is replaced by a row of “open” tables, as shown in Figure 5.3
below. There are vertical mounting bars to stack 2 VDUs vertically. The VDU
mounting joints allow adjustment of the tilt and pan of the VDUs. Cabinets
are located underneath the open table to house HMI CPUs.

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Figure 5.3: Example of vertical/stacked segment using open table
iv. Cockpit Design DCS console – DCS grouped together

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Figure 5.4: Example of Console with DCS grouped together
v. Cockpit Design DCS Console - DCS separated through instrument and

communications panel
Figure 5.5: Example of Console with DCS separated through instrument and communications
panel
vi. If a hard wired display panel installed, this panel shall be placed above the VDU.
Figure 5.6: Example Console with hardwired display panel hanging above VDU

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5.1.5 The workstation (monitor, CPU system unit, keyboard, mouse) should be placed on a stable
working surface with adequate room for proper arrangement. If this work surface is going to
be used for writing on paper, as well as computer, use a flat surface that is suggested
between 28"-30" above the floor (suitable for most adults).
5.1.6 Console configuration
i. Each Operator Console shall consist of DCS workstation(s), console for ESD push
buttons, annunciator lamps and switches, as well as Telecommunication Console
(which includes telephone, PAGA microphone, etc.)
ii. Console configuration shall allocate space for future expansion.
iii. The configuration of the plant layout consoles (e.g. mimics) in the control room
shall conform with the process flow, from left to right. This is particularly
important for the alarm displays.
iv. The consoles should be grouped functionally for each part of the process.
v. Mirror-image layouts shall never be employed in console arrangements for

identical processes.
vi. The console arrangements for different processes or parts of processes shall be
clearly separated. Clustering of consoles shall consider number of operators
manning the console section and the functional relationship between the various
parts of the process. Each of these arrangements has its specific pros and cons
vii. The maximum number of VDUs (video display units) that an operator can
physically operate in an upset situation is four next to one another (e.g. 1
overview screen, 1 detail screen, 1 trend screen and 1 alarm display). The
maximum number of control loops that a single operator can handle is 150 loops.
These facts, in conjunction with the number of operators needed in the control
room, is one of the factors determining the console configuration.
viii. Further guidance on control desks is given in EEMUA 201.
5.2 PLACEMENT OF VDU WITHIN WORKSTATION (CONSOLE)
5.2.1 The VDU with the most important process information should be positioned straight in front
of the operator.
5.2.2 Information on screens should be comparable in a horizontal direction.
5.2.3 The maximum number of VDUs (video display units) that an operator can physically operate
in an upset situation is four next to one another (e.g. 1 overview screen, 1 detail screen, 1
trend screen and 1 alarm display).
5.2.4 The display face shall be perpendicular to the Operator's normal line of sight whenever
feasible, and shall be not less than 45° from the normal line of sight.

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5.2.5 Monitor Adjustment Range
The adjustment range of the monitor surface should accomplish the required -15° to -20° view
angles below horizontal eye level for the 5th percentile seated female (21” monitor) to the
95th percentile standing male (17” monitor) Operator as illustrated in Figure 5.7.
Figure 5.7: Adjustable height of wide-screen monitor
5.2.6 View angle
The vertical height of a Video Display Terminal (VDT) screen represents a compromise
between minimizing visual discomfort and musculoskeletal discomfort of the neck and
shoulders. In general lowering a screen or increasing the viewing distance will reduce visual
discomfort. However, lowering the screen increases the loading on neck and shoulder
muscles. Display screen height above eye level has also been associated with musculoskeletal
discomfort.
The required specifications are as the following:
i. The entire visual area of visual display terminal console desk systems should be
located between 0° and 60° below eye height when the Operators assume the
upright sitting, declined sitting or standing reference posture.
ii. The centre of the visual display screen should be located 15° to 20° below
horizontal eye level to achieve the optimum visualization.
iii. Display faces shall be perpendicular to the Operator's normal line of sight
whenever feasible, and shall be not less than 45° from the normal line of sight.
iv. Displays used most frequently should be grouped together and placed in the
optimum visual zone

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v. Maximum placement of monitors horizontally is between -35° to 35° from the

normal line of sight
5.2.7 Viewing angles horizontally and vertically
i. Vertical angles
The optimum viewing angle is 15° above and below normal line of sight, and the
maximum will be 90° above normal line of sight.
ii. Horizontal angles

The optimum viewing angle is 15° on the right and left side of the straight sight.
The maximum will be 35° for eye rotation and 95°for head and eye rotation on
the right and left side of the straight sight
5.2.8 In general, the ergonomic console desk system design can be tailored to an individual of nearly
any size. However, any design for multiple Operators, whose specific physical needs are
unknown or may change along with personnel changes, is typically accommodated by
ensuring the 5th percentile seated female to the 95th percentile standing male requirements
are met.

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6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND FURNISHING
6.1 AIR CONDITIONING
6.1.1 Control rooms contain a large number of VDUs relatively close together. VDUs, especially
those other than LED type, generate considerable amounts of heat, and their impact on air-
conditioning requirements shall be taken into account at an early stage in the design (ISO
11064-2).
6.1.2 For further information regarding air quality and indoor climate, see PTS 12.24.01.
6.2 LIGHT AND OUTSIDE VIEW
6.2.1 The lighting plan, based on the control room layout (locations of consoles, workstations, etc.),
should be produced at the earliest possible stage of the design. For outside view see (4.3).
6.2.2 The illuminance at the work surface should be between 200 lx and 500 lx. Very high levels of
illumination can make a computer screen appear low in contrast and difficult to view. Very
low levels of illumination can make it difficult to read source documents or other printed
materials.
6.2.3 If colour VDUs are used (information luminance 20 cd/m2), the maximum horizontal
illuminance shall be 320 lx.
6.2.4 The computer monitor screen should not be backed to a bright window or facing a bright
window such that the screen looks washed out.
6.2.5 The reflection factors of the room surfaces should be about 0.2 to 0.4 on floors, 0.4 to 0.6 on
walls, and about 0.4 to 0.8 on the ceiling
6.2.6 Tratios between the viewed object, the immediate environment and the periphery shall be in
the ratio of approximately 10:3:1.
6.2.7 Light fittings

In order to prevent disturbing reflections on the screens, light fittings shall meet the following
requirements:
i. Deep reflector fittings with plastic or metal mirror grids, for example ‘Paracube’
as shown in Figure 6-1 shading under fluorescent strip lights, as these direct the
light vertically downwards and give a relatively dark surface when seen from the
side.
ii. Screening grids should limit lateral light emission to approximately 40° relative to
the horizontal. Outside this range the luminance should not exceed 200 cd/m2.
iii. The light fittings shall be positioned relative to the VDUs so that the fittings are
outside the operators' field of vision.
iv. Equipment of type HF (high frequency, approximately 28 kHz).

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v. Siting of luminaires shall be done after placement of consoles to avoid annoying

reflections on the screens
vi. The colour temperature should be between 3300 K and 4000 K. For limited
daylight entry: 3300 K. For daylight in combination with artificial light: 4000 K.
vii. The colour reproduction index (Ra) of fluorescent lamps should be at least 83.
Figure 6.1 - Example of ‘Paracube’
6.3 NOISE
6.3.1 Requirements are laid down in respect of noise and audibility of speech in control rooms.
Depending on the nature of the work (degree of concentration) and the necessity for voice
communication, there are several different values for maximum noise levels in control
building areas.
Area Maximum noise level dB(A)
Control room 50 (preferably 40)
Conference room 45 (preferably 40)
Offices 45 (preferably 40)
Plant laboratory 50
Social rooms 50
Changing rooms 50
Computer rooms 60
Table 6.1: Maximum noise level according to area
6.3.2 If there are several control units in a central control room, account should be taken of the
following noise sources that could disturb voice communication:
i. Noise due to the (large) number of VDUs; especially cooling fan noise.
ii. Noise generated by acoustic alarms; these should be adjustable for each unit.

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iii. Noise resulting from communication between plant operator and panel operator;
the panel operators of the various units shall not be disturbed by one another.
Use of headphones is a possible solution. The sound-absorbent properties of the
floor, walls and ceiling can also affect speech audibility in the control room.
6.3.3 Extra attention should be devoted to measures for controlling air-borne and contact sound
transmission, since a control building is located in the direct vicinity of the plant
6.4 MATERIALS AND COLOUR
6.4.1 Colour of the room
i. To achieve a good colour scheme, an interior architect with experience in fitting

out control rooms should be consulted.
ii. When choosing the colour in the room (walls, ceiling, furniture, etc.), account
should be taken of the luminance ratios (6.2.2).
iii. Fairly inconspicuous colour should be chosen, particularly for the large areas
(walls, ceiling, etc.).
iv. The ceilings should be light-coloured, the walls somewhat tinted, and the floor
dark coloured.
v. As regards diffuse reflections of the various surfaces, the following values are
recommended:
Surface Diffuse reflections
Ceiling > 60 %
Walls 40 % to 60 %
Floor 15 % to 30 %
Table 6.2: Reflection values for specific Control Room surfaces
vi. In order not to make an unnecessarily large transition between the screen and
the other surfaces of the console these surfaces should have a reflection
percentage of between 30 % and 50 %. Light colours should be used for the
worktop surface, with a luminance ratio 10:3:1, see 6.2.2).
vii. For colours and their influence on human behaviour, see Appendix 6.
6.4.2 Materials
Materials used in the room shall be as follow:
i. having fire retardant properties
ii. antistatic

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iii. acoustic properties shall result in sound-dampening instead of promoting

reverberation of noise (e.g. thru use of rubber-containing materials),
iv. Disturbing light reflections are reduced
v. surfaces are cold to the touch
vi. Surface of floor covering is smooth enough to allow easy cleaning and easy gliding
of wheeled chairs
6.5 FURNITURE
6.5.1 General
The furnishing of the control room and office cells in the control building shall be adapted to
the users and the office tasks to be performed (VDU, reading and writing tasks). Account shall
also be taken of the HFE requirements applicable to the use of furniture.
6.5.2 Chairs
The chair should be pneumatically adjustable so that the Operators can adjust the seat pan
height while they are sitting on the chair. Some chairs with a mechanical height adjustment
(spinning) mechanism are also acceptable.
Lumbar supports that can be adjusted up and down and forwards and backwards to best fit
operator’s shape should be considered as well. The alternative choice is that the Operator
need to be provided with armrests on a chair which can be helpful to aid getting into and
getting out of the chair. Also, the armrests can be useful for the occasional resting of the arms
when on the phone, etc. The chair should be equipped with synchronized tilt and multi-limited
tilting which enables the backrest and seat pan slope to independently conform to the natural
body movements.
6.6 HYGIENE
6.6.1 The following requirements are applicable to control rooms as well as rooms containing PCS
equipment:
i. Carpet should not be used to avoid problems of dust accumulations.
ii. Shoes/boots shall not be worn inside; a proper storage or shelf for safety boots
should be provided in a control room building, e.g. within the airlock space. Only
clean dedicated “indoor” shoes should be allowed into rooms containing PCS
equipment for safety requirements.

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7.0 VDUS AND CONTROLS
7.1 VDU SCREENS
VDU screens shall be flat panel LED or LCD screens, typically 20” to 24” diagonal size. LED
screens are more preferred due to their less power consumption, less heat dissipation and
that they succeed the technology of LCD screens.
7.1.1 Resolution
For displaying graphic symbols, screens should be used which can reproduce at least 1280
pixels x 1024 pixels.
7.1.2 Anti-reflective coating
The reflection factor of VDU screens should be approximately 0.5 % which can be achieved,
for example, with a 1/4 lambda coating.
7.1.3 Refresh frequency
For facilities that use LED or LCD screens (which generally do not create flicker), their refresh
frequency can be sufficiently set at 59 Hz or 60 Hz at native resolution.
For facilities that are still using CRT screens, screens with dark symbols against a light
background, an image refresh frequency of at least 70 Hz is needed to avoid irritating
flickering. This is especially important if multiple users use multiple VDUs. As the human eye
is more sensitive to flicker in the periphery, the refresh rate of the VDUs shall be kept at 70 Hz
or above, preferably at least 75 Hz.
Recommended, if technically possible by manufacturer, that display refresh rate is

appropriate to the dynamics of the system being monitored and is at least twice the dominant
process time constant but not more than ½ second.
7.1.4 Image polarity
Screens with dark symbols against a light background are preferred because they are less
susceptible to reflections and have better luminance ratios in the field of view.
7.1.5 Screen luminance
This should be adjustable.

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7.2 LARGE SCREEN/VIDEO WALL PROJECTOR
7.2.1 Large screen/video wall projector can be considered for operator to collect, visualize, and
distribute data and information to give a complete overview on the ongoing situations and to
increase efficiency and productivity through sharing information and collaborative work.
Large screen also can be used for the purpose of management dashboard for the management
to quickly receive an overview on what is happening inside the control room and make swift
reaction planning and provide direction to the Operators.
7.2.2 The screen should be put in the front central of control room. The curvature of video wall
must cover all areas/fields of Operator’s viewing angles.
Figure 7.1: Examples of large screen and video wall
7.2.3 Viewing distances should consider physical restrictions, such as ceiling height or the height of
the consoles in the control room. Ideally the display size should be selected according to the
amount of information required, and the required or available viewing distances.
There are two concerns of viewing distances:
i. Image size and viewing distance
A single letter or digit might be perceivable up to a distance which is 300 to 400

times the height of the letter (please refer to Figure 4-3 for details). Other studies

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have shown that the minimum required character or object size must be greater
than a 16-arc minute, that is, 16/60°.This implies that the maximum viewing
distance is 215 times the height of the character. It is recommended to choose
215 times as the maximum limit instead of 300 to 400 times to get a clearer view
of objects/images on the screen.
.
Figure 7.2: Distance view
ii. Ratio of image height and viewing distance
The ratio between viewing distance and image height is 5:1. A viewing distance of
4 times the height of the image is recommended as providing the optimum
information from an image
In addition, Deutsches Institut fur Normung (the German Institute for

Standardization /DIN) No. 19045- 1 has a guideline for control room:
a. Minimum viewing distance : 1.5 x height of the display
b. Maximum viewing distance : 6 x height of the display
Figure 7.3: The ratio between viewing distance and image height

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7.2.4 Viewing angles horizontally and vertically
7.2.4.1 Vertical angles

The optimum viewing angle is 15° above and below normal line of sight, and the maximum
will be 90° above normal line of sight.
7.2.4.2 Horizontal angles

The optimum viewing angle is 15° on the right and left side of the straight sight. The maximum
will be 35° for eye rotation and 95°for head and eye rotation on the right and left side of the
straight sight.
7.2.5 Contrast and brightness
Image brightness should be at least at the level of the average luminance level in the field of
vision, provided that a sufficient contrast ratio can be obtained.
7.2.6 Resolution
For large screen/video wall projector, the resolution shall be at least Full HD 1920 pixels x
1080 pixels.
7.3 CONTROLS
7.3.1 Operating stereotypes
The relationship between an operation of the controls and the resulting movement shall
correspond with familiar patterns and habits for local staff. For example, if a process is
regulated by turning a knob clockwise, the pointer on the corresponding display shall also
move clockwise. This is called compatibility. The movement stereotypes for a cursor,
keyboard, mouse, etc. are shown below. Panel operators should be included in the design
process to confirm the stereotypes.
Function Movement
Switch on Up
To right
Forwards
Turn clockwise
Pull a switch
Switch off Down

To left
Backwards
Turn anticlockwise
Press a switch
To right Turn clockwise

To right

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Function Movement
Up Up
Forwards
Downs Down
Backwards
Increase Forwards
Up
To right
Turn clockwise
Reduce Backwards
Down
To left
Turn anticlockwise
Table 7.1: Control function stereotypes
7.3.2 Compatibility
For the display of information, all types of compatibility shall be considered, however only two
types are emphasized in this PTS. Any control display relationship that is consistent with a
prevailing mental stereotype is deemed compatible.
7.3.2.1 Movement Compatibility
Movement of the control relates to the movement of the response.
7.3.2.2 Spatial Compatibility
Location of the control relates to the position of the response within the display.
7.3.3 Keyboard
7.3.3.1 Mechanical keyboards are preferable
7.3.3.2 If auditory feed-back is used, for example by means of a bleep, it shall be possible to adjust
the sound level.
7.3.3.3 The keyboard should be connected to the VDU by means of a flexible cable.
7.3.3.4 The keyboard should not be thicker than 4 cm at its centre.

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7.3.3.5 Membrane keyboards are only suitable for an extremely low typing speed.
7.3.3.6 The keyboard should be placed at an angle of 5° to 15° from the horizontal.
7.3.3.7 The layout of the keys should be "QWERTY" type.
7.3.3.8 If much numerical data has to be entered, the keyboard should be fitted with a numerical
keypad. The choice then has to be made between a calculator layout and a telephone-type
layout.
7.3.4 Cursor
7.3.4.1 There are two layouts for the cursor control keys:
i. The inverted T: 3 keys for left, down, and right, in a row, and the up key placed
above them in the middle.
ii. The "cross" layout: the direction of cursor movement should be indicated on the
keys.
7.3.4.2 The cursor should not disturb the legibility of the screen data.
7.3.4.3 The cursor should only blink if immediate action is required.
7.3.4.4 The cursor shall not resemble a symbol already in use.
7.3.5 Mouse
7.3.5.1 A mouse is eminently suitable for point and selects tasks. It is unsuitable for data entry.
7.3.6 Touch screen
7.3.6.1 Touch screens should be used for selecting subjects, browsing, data entry/retrieval and
applications in which it is undesirable or time consuming to divert attention from the screen.
This technique can only be used if high precision is not required. Direct feedback (e.g.
auditory) should be provided.
7.3.6.2 The sensitive zones should be large enough for finger touch (at least 4 cm2) and should take
account of screen parallax.
7.3.6.3 A drawback of the use of a touch screen is the static loading of the user’s arm and the constant
recalibration.
7.3.7 Overview of various input media
Table below provides an overview of typical characteristics of various inputs devices.
Touch Screen Mouse
Eye-hand coordination + 0

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Touch Screen Mouse
Unobstructed view of display - +
Freedom from parallax problems - +
Input resolution capability - +
Flexibility of placement within workplace - 0
Minimum space requirements + -
Minimum training requirements + 0
Comfort in extended use - 0
Suitability for:
Pointing + +
Rapid pointing + 0
Pointing with confirmation - +
Drawing - 0
Tracing - -
Continuous tracking, slow targets 0 +
Continuous tracking, fast targets - 0
Alphanumeric data entry - -

Table 7.2: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Standard Pointing
Devices (+ advantage, 0 neutral, - disadvantage)

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8.0 PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
8.1 TOUCH TARGETS

2
These shall be the same size as the item to be selected, but in any case at least 2 cm .
Retrieval times are considerably shorter with a well-designed screen than with a poorly
designed screen. The number of misreading is similarly reduced.
8.2 CURSORS
Cursors shall not hinder the reading of other information and should flash only if immediate
action is required. Cursors shall be easy and quick to move; this agility shall be controllable by
the user (especially useful if the user has limited dexterity capabilities), see (7.2.5).
8.3 CODING OF VISUAL INFORMATION
8.3.1 The coding methodology shall be consistent (always used in the same way). Redundant coding
(two or more coding forms in use at the same time) should be used for information points
which are crucial for the interpretation of the process.
8.3.2 Coding should be used when rapid processing is needed.
8.3.3 The following coding methods are available:
i. Colour: colour coding should only be used redundantly, i.e. in addition to other
coding (for meanings of stereotypes, (7.2.2).
ii. Brightness: no more than two levels of brightness shall be used; these should still
be clearly differentiable at the screen's maximum brightness setting.
iii. Reverse video: in order to speed up a retrieval task, a word or code can be inserted
in a block with reversed contrast (foreground and background colour reversed).
iv. Size of a shape or character: no more than 3 different sizes shall be used.
8.4 ALERTING BY AUDITORY SIGNALS
8.4.1 No more than two different auditory signals should be used.
8.4.2 One continuous signal shall be produced with adjustable volume, at least 15 dB(A) above
background noise level (and shall be at least 65 dB(A)).
8.4.3 One intermittent signal shall be produced for high-priority alarms, duration and volume
adjustable, at least 15 dB(A) above background noise level (see also ISO 7731).

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8.5 DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR VISUAL DISPLAY INFORMATION
8.5.1 Interface mismatch
i. A solution for this problem is a systematic integration of the information needs of

the operator in the design process (see Table 6), not only regarding normal
operating circumstances, but also in upset situations or abnormal . This general
design procedure can be employed in existing and new situations.
ii. The visual display design procedure addresses the following key questions:
Step 1: How do the operators view the process? Which main and sub-
components do they distinguish and what relationships are there
between them?
Step 2: Which information from the process is really necessary for a good
overview? How accurate must this be and how must it be shown on
the screen?
Step 3: How must the results of steps 1 and 2 be integrated in a prototype?
Step 4: How do the operators rate the (re)designed graphic in comparison
with the old one. How do they perform a number of typical interface
activities using the old and new interface designs?
DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR VISUAL DISPLAY INFORMATION
Step Purpose Method Result
1 Functional • Structured discussions • Description of the total process,

classification (user between shift teams consisting of a number of main groups,
classification of consisting in turn of subgroups
relationships • Consensus seeking
between the process between shift teams • Optimum browsing sequence between
parts) main and sub-groups
2 Process information • Desirability scores by • Relative necessity of the various sorts

necessary for operators and process of dynamic information and their
overview: • Numeric engineer desired precision, with guidelines
info • Graphic (non-
numeric) info • Questionnaire for • Specifications for graphic
operators with regard to representation of structural info
colour coding, etc. (process charts), with guidelines
3 Integration of results • Guidelines form step 2 • Proposal for VDU graphic, and its
from steps 1 and 2 (e.g. spatial separation of configuration on the process control
dynamic and structural system
process Information)

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DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR VISUAL DISPLAY INFORMATION
Step Purpose Method Result
4 Evaluation, after a • Questionnaire for • Final version of VDU graphic

minimum period of operators
experience with the
proposal • Performance tests by
operators with the
proposed VDU picture
(search, comparison and
interpretation tasks)
Table 8.1: Summary table of general design procedure.

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9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
In this PTS, reference is made to the following other Standards /publications: Unless
specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together
with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
PETRONAS STANDARDS
Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
PTS Requirements, General Definition of Terms & Reading PTS 00.01.03
Guide
Design and Engineering of Buildings PTS 11.14.01
Blast Resistance Building Design PTS 11.14.03
Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC) System PTS 12.24.01
For Onshore Application
Alarm Management : Design and Implementation PTS 14.12.08
Requirement
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Process plant control desks utilizing human-computer EEMUA 201
interfaces – A guide to design, operational and human
interface issues
Ergonomics danger signals for public and work areas – ISO 7731
Auditory danger signals. 0
Lighting of work places– Part 1: Indoor ISO 8995-1
Ergonomic design of control centres – Part 2: Principles ISO 11064-2
for the arrangement of control suites

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APPENDIX 1: HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE (HMI) AND CONTROL ROOM DESIGN CHECKLISTS
These checklists identify any bottlenecks in existing control rooms, panel rooms and other relevant
human machine interfaces, and include a checklist for project management purposes. The relevant
checklist can also be used to determine the scope of a new building and/or HCI project.
1. CONTROL ROOM
N/A Yes No Specification
SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
1 Are the consoles configured in accordance with the logical

process sequence?
2 Are the alarm displays configured in accordance with the

logical process sequence?
3 Are the consoles functionally grouped per production

process?
4 Is there a clear and visible separation between the console

configurations of the various parts of processes?
5 Have mirror-image configurations been avoided for

identical processes?
6 Have efforts been taken to minimize reflections in the

console configuration?
7 In the console layout (one on top of the other, C-form,

U-form, circle), has account been taken of the number of
operators controlling the process? Has account been taken
of "normal" operating conditions?
8 Has it been made possible for operators to retain an

overview of the control room even with minimum manning
(e.g.: visibility of panels, acoustic alarms, etc.)?
9 Has the need been avoided for operators to constantly walk

back and forth in the control room, with minimum
manning?
10 In the console configuration, has account been taken of the

fact that during an upset an operator can cope with 3
monitors at maximum (e.g., an overview monitor, detail
monitor and alarm display)?

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SPACE REQUIREMENT
11 Is there sufficient space in the control room for:
- required overview of the entire configuration
- console maintenance (N.B.: including access behind

the monitors)
- sitting, standing, walking
- making separations
- number of operators
- peripherals
- administration
- discussion
- document storage
- special circumstances such as plant shutdowns (space

for drawings, procedures, etc.).
CONFIGURATION OF OTHER WORKPLACES
12 Is the configuration of the other workplaces functional?
13 Has account been taken of the tasks to be performed, e.g.

working surface of sufficient size for reading drawings, and
sufficient chair space for discussions?
14 Is it critically important for the console to be visible from

these workplaces and has account been taken of this (note:
height of plant pots, dividing walls, etc.)?
15 Has the fitting of ventilation grilles directly above

workplaces been avoided?
16 Have measures been taken so that operators do not feel

hemmed in, particularly in small control rooms (< 36 m2),
e.g. by means of: vertical glazing panels in walls; windows;
wall decorations, etc.?

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17 In the control room layout, has sufficient attention been

paid to ensuring that normal speech is intelligible?
18 Has the housing of "unnecessary" equipment in the control

room been avoided (because of the heat and noise
generated, such equipment should be housed in separate
rooms as far as possible)?
DAYLIGHT/WINDOWS
19 As regards the ingress of daylight and windows, has

sufficient account been taken of specified minima (e.g. area
of light-admitting openings to be 1/20 of floorspace, total
width of light-admitting openings to be 1/10 of room
perimeter)?
20 Are the windows sufficiently blinded against sunlight glare

(e.g. by using vertical light-obscuring slats)?
21 Has sufficient account been taken of the required

luminance ratio (10:3:1)?
Table 1: Checklist for Control Room

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2. CONSOLE LAYOUT
DIMENSIONS AND FORM
1 Do the console dimensions comply with anthropometric

data, for seated and standing personnel?
- height of monitor
- angle of monitor to horizontal
- height of working surface
- depth of working surface
- leg room underneath console
- thickness of working surface
- use of double monitors (one on top of the other)
- footrests and their angle to horizontal
2 Is there sufficient room for:
- writing by operators
- communication facilities
- support of lower arms and wrists, etc.
3 Are the graphic panels with alarms placed up in the tertiary

face zone?
4 Is there sufficient writing space for operators alongside a

fixed keyboard?
5 Have measures been taken to ensure that loose keyboards

cannot drop off the console (note: cord length)?
CONFIGURATION
6 Can operators sit straight in front of the most important

monitors?
7 Are monitors set at the right working height and the right
angle for operators, including any standalone PCs?

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8 Is information displayed on monitors compared in the

horizontal direction?
9 Has it been made possible for the operator to survey

several monitors from one position
NOTE: Console in a curved bay of at least 10°?
10 In the layout of important monitors, has sufficient space

been allowed for several operators to work at the console
(upsets, calamities, etc.)?
11 In the selected number and positioning of communication

facilities, has the need been avoided for operators to
constantly move around?
12 Is there sufficient room for instrumentation staff to work?
13 Is accessibility for maintenance adequate?
14 Can components be readily fitted and dismantled?
15 Can cables be readily routed through the console?

Table 2: Checklist for Console Layout

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3. PHYSICAL FACTORS
LIGHT
1 Is the lighting plan attuned to the configuration of the

various workplaces (to avoid reflections)?
2 Are there blinds (which shall limit sidelong light emission to

40 degrees relative to horizontal) to prevent reflections?
3 Does the illumination at the operator's working surface

measure 200 lx to 500 lx?
4 Is the illumination variable (dimmer)?
5 Is the illumination variable from the console or from a spot

easily accessible to the Operators?
6 If colour monitors are used, has a maximum permissible

horizontal illumination of 320 lx been allowed for?
7 Do the luminance ratios between the visual task, immediate

surroundings and periphery comply with the ratio 10:3:1?
8 As regards the placement of the light fittings, has it been

ensured that they do not fall in the operator's field of vision,
in relation to the monitors?
9 Does the colour temperature lie between 3300 K and

4000 K?
NOTE: 3300 K with limited ingress of daylight or 4000 K with daylight plus artificial light.
10 Is the colour reproduction index (Ra) of the fluorescent

lamps approximately 83?
CLIMATE
11 Does the climate control take account of the heat generated

by the number of operators and equipment?
12 Is the air refresh rate by mechanical ventilation

approximately 50 m3 per hour per operator?
13 As regards the intake of outdoor air, has account been taken

of abnormal circumstances (which could adversely affect
quality - risk of noxious and other odours)?

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14 Have measures been taken to counteract the spread of dust

and/or fibres?
15 Is the installation sufficiently maintenance-friendly

(inspection and cleaning facilitated)?
16 Is equipment which may result in "dry air" kept outside the

control room (e.g.: printers, photocopiers, etc.)?
17 Does the indoor climate during the heating season satisfy the
following criteria:
- - average convection and radiation temperature

between 21 °C and 23 °C?
- - air temperature difference between 1.1 m and

0.1 m above floor level less than 3 °C?
- average air speed lower than 0.15 m/s?
18 Does the indoor climate outside the heating season satisfy

the following criteria:
- Average convection and radiation temperature between

23 °C and 26 °C?
- air temperature difference between 1.1 m and 0.1 m above

floor level less than 3 °C?
19 Is there sufficient and effective sun blinding?
20 Is the heating controllable by the operator?
NOISE
21 Have sufficient measures been taken to eliminate unwanted

noise so as to improve the intelligibility of speech? For
example: fan noise, acoustic alarms, communication, noise
from adjoining rooms, noise of opening doors, silencer hoods
for printers, etc.
22 Are the acoustic alarms adjustable?
23 Are there silence settings on the alarms?

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24 Is the monitor feedback signal adjustable?
25 Is the sound level below 45 dB(A) in the control room?
26 Is the monitor sound level below 55 dB(A)?

Table 3: Checklist for Physical Factors

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4. USE OF MATERIALS AND COLOURS; FURNITURE
LIGHT
1 Is the lighting plan attuned to the configuration of the

various workplaces (to avoid reflections)?
2 Are there blinds (which shall limit sidelong light emission to

40 degrees relative to horizontal) to prevent reflections?
3 Does the illumination at the operator's working surface

measure 200 lx to 500 lx?
4 Is the illumination variable (dimmer)?
5 Is the illumination variable from the console?
6 If colour monitors are used, has a maximum permissible

horizontal illumination of 320 lx been allowed for?
7 Do the luminance ratios between the visual task, immediate

surroundings and periphery comply with the ratio 10:3:1?
8 As regards the placement of the light fittings, has it been

ensured that they do not fall in the operator's field of vision,
in relation to the monitors?
9 Does the colour temperature lie between 3300 K and

4000 K?
NOTE: 3300 K with limited ingress of daylight or 4000 K with daylight plus artificial light.
10 Is the colour reproduction index (Ra) of the fluorescent

lamps approximately 83?
CLIMATE
11 Does the climate control take account of the heat generated

by the number of operators and equipment?
12 Is the air refresh rate by mechanical ventilation

approximately 50 m3 per hour per operator?
13 As regards the intake of outdoor air, has account been taken

of abnormal circumstances (which could adversely affect
quality - risk of noxious and other odours)?

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14 Have measures been taken to counteract the spread of dust

and/or fibres?
15 Is the installation sufficiently maintenance-friendly

(inspection and cleaning facilitated)?
16 Is equipment which may result in "dry air" kept outside the

control room (e.g.: printers, photocopiers, etc.)?
17 Does the indoor climate during the heating season satisfy the
following criteria:
- - average convection and radiation temperature between

21 °C and 23 °C?
- - air temperature difference between 1.1 m and 0.1 m

above floor level less than 3 °C?
- - Average air speed lower than 0.15 m/s?
18 Does the indoor climate outside the heating season satisfy

the following criteria:
- Average convection and radiation temperature between

23 °C and 26 °C?
- air temperature difference between 1.1 m and 0.1 m above

floor level less than 3 °C?
19 Is there sufficient and effective sun blinding?
20 Is the heating controllable by the operator?
NOISE
21 Have sufficient measures been taken to eliminate unwanted

noise so as to improve the intelligibility of speech? For
example: fan noise, acoustic alarms, communication, noise
from adjoining rooms, noise of opening doors, silencer hoods
for printers, etc.
22 Are the acoustic alarms adjustable?
23 Are there silence settings on the alarms?

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24 Is the monitor feedback signal adjustable?
25 Is the sound level below 45 dB(A) in the control room?
26 Is the monitor sound level below 55 dB(A)?

Table 4: Checklist for Use of Materials and Colours; Furniture

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5. INFORMATION DISPLAYS; CONTROLS
CONTROLS
1 Are response times attuned to the various activities, e.g.:

valve closure 0.1 s., call-up display 2 s, call-up trend 5 s, error
message 4 s, next page 1 s?
2 If response times are exceeded, is the operator given

feedback about response times?
3 As regards the movement effect of controls, has the

required compatibility been taken into account?
4 Do keyboards without tactile feedback have acoustic

feedback?
5 Does the acoustic feedback ("beep") have adjustable

volume?
6 Do keyboard layouts allow for correct wrist posture?
7 Are keyboard layouts consistent (e.g. QWERTY)?
8 Is there a separate numeric keypad for keying in many

figures?
9 Is cursor operation in accordance with the PC applications?
10 Does the cursor obstruct legibility of the display?
11 Does the cursor flash only when immediate action is

required?
12 Does the cursor bear no similarity to a symbol otherwise in

use?
13 In the choice of tracker ball, mouse or touch screen, has

attention been paid to required/desired degree of
precision?
14 Is there consistency in the tactile or acoustic feedback of

controls?
INFORMATION PRESENTATION

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15 Are equipment items displayed on the pictorials which

cannot be operated?
16 Has static and dynamic information been ranked according

Attention Hierarchy methodology?
17 Are data displayed which are not relevant for process

control?
18 Is there a standard layout for each monitor?
19 Is there consistency in the location of data on the monitor?
20 Have intersecting lines been avoided as far as possible?
21 Are the symbols as realistic as possible?
22 Are the touch targets big enough (2 cm2) to avoid unwanted

action.
23 In the grouping of information, has account been taken of

the conceptual model that the operator has of the process?
24 Has order been observed in the grouping principles applied:

firstly, layout options (symmetry, free space, framing, form,
size, different font), then colour or luminance differences?
25 In the presentation of numbers, has a grouping principle

been applied?
26 Is the text displayed limited to that which is needed to make

a decision?
27 Has the use of upper case only been avoided with long texts?
28 Have complete words been used as far as possible, avoiding

unnecessary abbreviations?
29 Is there consistency in the use of abbreviations?
30 Has the use of constantly flashing symbols during normal

operating conditions been avoided?
31 Has the flashing of information that has to be read been

avoided?
32 Is the use of colours based on requirements of this PTS?

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33 Is there a test button for lamps?
34 Are more than two acoustic signals used?
35 Are the acoustic signals at least 15 dB(A) louder than

background noise?
Table 5: Checklist for Information Displays; Controls

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APPENDIX 2: EXAMPLE OF 2-D AND 3-D VISUALISATION OF A CONTROL ROOM
Plan View
Figure 1: 2-D Visualisation of a Control Room
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Figure 2: 3-D Visualisation of a Control Room (Birdseye View)

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Figure 3: 3-D Visualisation of a Control Room (Horizontal Views)

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APPENDIX 3: ERGONOMIC DESIGN
1. INTRODUCTION
The influence of colour on people in a production or office workplace has not been rigorously
examined. Most studies on the effects of environmental colour have been preference studies,
where aesthetics are the prime consideration.
2. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
From these examinations the following observations about preferences can be made:
 In Western culture the order of colour preference is blue, red, green, violet,
orange and yellow. These preferences are broad and transcend racial and sexual
differences. Children may prefer red-containing colours, but these preferences
shift toward the blue end of the spectrum at maturity.
 Generally speaking blue, green and violet shades are considered cool colours,
while red, orange, yellow and brown are considered warm.
 Blue and green are considered soothing colours; orange, yellow and brown are
considered stimulating; red and violet are described as "aggressive", "alarming",
"discouraging" and "disturbing".
 Colour can influence a person's perception of size and distance within a closed
space. Walls covered with shorter-wavelength colours, such as blues and greens,
are said to recede, while walls covered with the longer-wavelength colours are
said to advance. Thus blues and greens cause a room to appear larger, while reds
achieve the opposite effect. Similarly, there is an interaction between brightness
and colour in the distance effect. Light colours tend to recede and dark colours to
advance.
 The formation of a reaction to a colour takes time, and the reaction, once formed,
is subject to adaptation. Thus a person's initial reaction may be quite pronounced,
but it will tend to diminish in magnitude with the passage of time. The end result
after complete adaptation has occurred could be relative indifference.
 As the saturation (intensity) of the colour is lowered to a pastel level, the

perceptual and psychological effects of the colour diminish.
3. GUIDELINES
From the above information about colour, the following guidelines for the use of specific
colours, brightness and saturation levels in the workplace have been developed:
 For large areas, colours that give uniform reflectivity should be chosen. Good
visual contrasts can be obtained without significant brightness contrasts. For
example doors, protruding wall segments or other barriers may be painted in a
different hue of the same brightness as the overall wall space. Thus these features

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will be easily identifiable without unnecessarily calling attention to them or

distracting the workers by using highly contrasting brightness.
 Bright or highly saturated primary colours should be avoided. They are

undesirable because they might cause a negative after-image, a persisting
sensation after the stimulus has ceased.
 Pastel colours are generally preferred for walls, large room units and tabletops or
work surfaces.
 In areas where highly repetitive work is performed or where there is a large area
of wall or floor space, some stimulating colours can be used to highlight a door or
partition. In addition, some pieces of equipment in the area may be painted in a
brighter shade of the colour to which the room is keyed. Equipment such as
conveyors, cabinets, shelving and small pieces of production machinery are often
painted this way. Large surfaces should not have these bright colours.
 A large area can be functionally divided by colour to give identity to different

groups working within it. Separate rooms can be keyed to a certain basic colour
to accomplish the same effect.
 In temperate climates the normal preference in the interior of buildings is for a

balance of colour on the warm side. Thus in windowed buildings and rooms, use
poorly saturated warm colours on walls and equipment to balance the coolness
of white areas of walls and the greys of metal and other equipment.
The selection of colour schemes should be coordinated with the decisions about illumination
type. High-pressure sodium lighting has only fair colour-rendering characteristics; subtle
shadings of colour that would be appropriate under white light may be lost under this type
of illumination.

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PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Human Factor Engineering – Human/ Machine

© 2017 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

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8.3 CODING OF VISUAL INFORMATION .............................................................................35

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1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1.2.1 General Definition of Terms

1.2.2 Specific Definition of Terms

1 Diffuse Reflection Equal reflection of light (luminous flux) in all

3 Illumination The amount of light that falls onto a surface.

4 Luminance ratio The brightness of a viewed object with respect

5 Vertical Illumination The light falling onto a surface (e.g. work

1.2.3 Specific Abbreviations

1 E/I/Q Electrical, instrumentation and quality

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2 HFE Human Factors Engineering

3 MOS Maintenance Override Switch

4 OOS Operational Override Switch

6 PCS Process Control System

8 PLC Programmable Logic Controller

9 PROSS Process Supervisory System

10 SAT Site Acceptance Test

11 VDU Video Display Unit

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

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2.0 HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING (HFE)

2.2 HFE IN DESIGN

2.2.1 Points for consideration

Important aspects of HFE in new construction or plant change projects are:

2.2.2 User participation

i. Definition of operator philosophy, e.g. distribution of tasks between

ii. Design of control room layout and dimensions.

iii. Design of operator console.

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iv. Dimensions, number of VDUs, layout of alarm displays.

vii. Keyboard layout.

viii. Room for writing and other tasks.

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3.0 CONTROL BUILDING

iii. potential for expansion

iv. desired free space around the building

v. emergency response and

vi. wind direction

3.1.3 Further considerations in the choice of location:

Within process area boundary Outside process area boundary

Less feeling of safety due to closer Greater feeling of safety

Civil engineering costs higher Civil engineering costs lower

Vertical Illumination The light falling onto a surface (e.g. work

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i. A relationship model should be developed that identifies critical features and

3.2.2 Emergency exits and escape routes

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3.2.4 Passages/passageways, doors and stairs

i. Dimensioning of passages and design of building shall incorporate suitable

ii. Dimensions of doors shall be minimum as follows: