Leveraging ISO 11064
to Boost Operator Performance
Control room environments can change drastically based on the nature of operations and communicational needs.
The consoles and features in a transmission control room can vary greatly from a distribution control center, and even more so when compared to a command center aimed at monitoring Oil refineries.
As the goals of the operation change so does the equipment, procedures and personnel needed to fulfill it.
As leading control room console designers and manufacturers, two common types of layouts that we have built for our clients are collaborative work environments and focused work environments.
Both are suited to multiple mission critical industries and each type demands specific ergonomic and functional design considerations, as outlined by ISO 11064 principles, to ensure optimal operator performance and safety.
Below, we will discuss some relevant principles for each of these two types of control room console layouts, providing examples to illustrate their application.
Collaborative Work Environment
In a collaborative work environment, operators need to communicate round the clock and be able to work together effortlessly. A control room setup like this entails workstation layouts that foster a natural flow of information. This setup is common in industries such as power distribution centers, network operations centers, and emergency response centers.
ISO 11064 applicable principles
Human-Centered Design Approach – Control Room Layout (ISO 11064-3)
- Principle: The design should prioritize the integration of both human and machine characteristics and capabilities, with the environment and operational management processes to ensure ease of communication and interaction.
- Example: Consoles should be arranged in an open-plan layout, allowing operators to see and hear each other easily. Adjustable monitor arms and shared display screens can facilitate group discussions and collaborative decision-making
Consoles Tailored to Task and Job – Layout and dimensions of workstations (ISO 11064-4)
- Principle: Design consoles to support collaborative tasks and workflows.
- Example: In a power distribution center, operators may need to monitor and manage multiple substations collaboratively. Consoles should be equipped with multiple monitor arrays to display different data sources, and communication tools like intercoms and headsets should be easily accessible to ensure the flow of information amongst all team members.
Operational and Environmental Considerations (ISO 11064-6)
- Principle: Ensure that the background noise of the room is quiet enough to maintain a degree of aural privacy and that auditory alarms are loud enough to be heard even during conversations and collaboration sessions. (refer to section A.5 Acoustic environment)
- Example: Following this principle becomes critical for control rooms where quick responses to alarms are critical, and background noise must be kept to a minimum like in a Transportation control center where operators need to hear calls clearly while still being alerted to any critical system alarms.
Flexibility and Adaptability – Control Room Layout (ISO 11064-3)
- Principle: Ensure the design can adapt to changing team sizes and roles.
- Example: In an emergency response center, the number of operators may vary depending on the situation. Modular consoles that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different team sizes are a must, ensuring a smooth transition from low-demand periods to high-capacity scenarios.
User Involvement in Design Process – Evaluation of Control Centers (ISO 11064-7)
- Principle: Engage operators and all relevant stakeholders in the design process to understand their collaborative needs.
- Example: Operators can provide feedback that helps drive the design of consoles that support their needs, even in the scenario of multiple teams working together like in transmission and distribution operations. This ensures consoles support the functional needs of those in the control room and assets in the field.
Here is a condensed version of this information for you to download and use whenever you find it necessary
Focused Work Environment
Focused work environments are highly prevalent in process control industries, chemical plants, oil refineries, and power generation facilities. In these environments, the failure of a single piece of equipment can trigger a chain reaction, potentially shutting down entire facilities, this is why it’s crucial to maintain a high level of focus and alertness. The console set up for these environments is about communicating information specific to operator’s process. These operators are in charge of the process efficiency and safety.
ISO 11064 applicable principles
Human-Centered Design Approach – Control Room Layout (ISO 11064-3)
- Principle: Design consoles to support individual operator needs, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
- Example: Operators may need to independently monitor complex systems in a petrochemical processing plant. Consoles with personalized environment controls, such as adjustable lighting and temperature settings, can enhance focus and reduce fatigue. Functional accessories like highly adjustable single, dual, or multiple monitor mounts, custom-mapped push button enclosures, easily accessible power outlets, carefully positioned speakers, and radio turrets help keep all necessary equipment within easy reach, streamlining their process.
Consoles Tailored to Task and Job – Principles of the design of control centers (ISO 11064-1)
- Principle: Design consoles to minimize distractions and support task-specific requirements.
- Example: Control room consoles within oil refineries often feature Integrated speaker systems to enhance alarm management. These systems are ergonomically positioned to ensure alarms are audible without overwhelming operators, supporting quick identification and response to critical events. Ensuring that auditory signals are clear, distinct, and positioned to minimize cognitive overload, ultimately improving safety and operational efficiency.
Operational and Environmental Considerations (ISO 11064-6)
- Principle: Create a work environment that minimizes noise and visual distractions.
- Example: In Oil refineries, control room consoles are often separated and acoustically insulated to minimize distractions and enhance operator focus. This layout design ensures operators can maintain necessary visual and auditory isolation to prevent unnecessary interaction, while key communication channels remain open when required. The separation supports a controlled acoustic environment, reducing noise-related stress and cognitive load through white noise generators and directional speakers, while still enabling efficient team collaboration when critical situations demand coordinated actions.
Health and Safety Focus – Principles of the design of control centers (ISO 11064-1)
- Principle: Ensure consoles promote operator health and reduce physical strain.
- Example: In any production facility, the consoles should include sit-stand functionalities and easy access to key systems through push-button enclosures. These enclosures should map multiple functions of the equipment being monitored, allowing operators to easily oversee all their designated processes while keeping alert and changing positions throughout their shifts. This setup helps reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues in the long term.
User Involvement in Design Process – Evaluation of Control Centers (ISO 11064-7)
- Principle: Embed ergonomic principles into the design to support long periods of focused work.
- Example: In a power generation control room, where operators must maintain constant vigilance and focus for long shifts, ergonomic design is essential to prevent fatigue and maintain concentration. Workstations need to be adjustable to fit individual operator needs, with features such as height-adjustable monitors, angled surfaces to reduce glare, and easily accessible controls. These designs support long periods of focused work, reducing physical strain and promoting sustained alertness—key factors in ensuring safe and efficient plant operation.
Here is a condensed version of this information for you to download and use whenever you find it necessary