Control Room Layout and Design

Toni Ivergard and Brian Hunt

CONTENTS

6.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………. 155

6.2 Principles for Positioning of Equipment and Furniture in the Control

Room…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 156

6.2.1 Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………….. 156

6.2.2 Relationships between Different Workplaces…………………………….. 157

6.3 Planning of Information, Control, and Other Work Surfaces…………………. 160

6.4 Design of Information and Control Panels…………………………………………….. 163

6.5 Supporting Surfaces……………………………………………………………………………….. 169

6.5.1 Work Function…………………………………………………………………………….. 170

6.5.2 Special Functions………………………………………………………………………… 173

6.6 Examples of Control Room Design in a Process Industry……………………… 174

References and Further Reading……………………………………………………………………….. 176

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter begins with a description of the principles governing the location and positioning of equipment in a control room. This is followed by a discussion on the relationship between the positioning the equipment and the individual information and control devices. Amongst other things, when positioning equipment, it is impor­tant to take account of the frequency and sequence of use, the degree of importance, and the basic functions provided by a particular device. The knowledge and experi­ence of the operator are also engaged, as the operator’s expected behaviour in differ­ent situations must be taken into account.

There follows a description of the design of control and information panels, particularly with regard to the human anatomy and physiology in different work­ing postures. The various types of supporting surfaces required in a control room, depending on the types of tasks carried out there, are also discussed. Some examples of control room design are presented toward the end of this chapter.

Updated: October 2, 2015 — 12:55 am