Crew Habitability: What You

Need to Know

Dr. Kevin McSweeney

Manager - Human Factors Department

ABS, Corporate Technology, Houston Texas

2

What is Habitability?

• The acceptability of a vessel (or facility) as determined by its physical arrangements, as well as the ambient environmental qualities of vibration, noise, indoor climate, and lighting

3

Why Habitability?

• Proper facility design and ambient environmental conditions are influential factors for enhancing human performance and reducing human error

• Ambient environment conditions where the crew work, sleep, eat, rest and relax can influence overall sense of comfort (habitability), well-being and perhaps crew recruiting and retention

4

Guide for Crew Habitability on Ships

• Crew Habitability– Basic notation (HAB)

aimed at supporting task performance

– Higher notation (HAB+) aimed at enhancing crew habitability

5

Guide Contents

Crew Habitability

Accommodations Design

Checklists for Various Spaces

Compliance Criteria& Measurement Methods

Ambient Environmental

Qualities

6

Accommodations Design

• Access/egress• Berthing• Sanitary spaces• Offices• Food services• Recreational

facilities • Laundry• Medical spaces

7

Ambient Environment

• Human Whole-

Body Vibration

• Noise

• Indoor Climate

• Lighting

8

Human Whole-Body Vibration

• Criteria included for:– Crew task performance– Enhanced habitability

• Basis of measurement methodology:– BS 6841

9

Vibration Frequencies of Interest

• 0.5 Hz to 25 Hz

– Motion induce instability (MII) modest discomfort and fatigue

– Internal body parts resonate

• 25 Hz to 80 Hz– Performance degradation due

to decay in sensations and perceptions

z-axis

y-axis

x-axis

10

Interference with Crew Activities

• Vibration Frequency range (Hz)– Reading (instruments) 0.5 - 12

– Reading (text) 0.5 - 50

– Control manipulation 0.5 - 30

– Speech 1 - 20

– Depth perception 25 - 40

11

Noise

• Criteria based on:– Normal activities in a

space– Frequency of occupation

of a space– Communications needs– Crew’s expectations

• Basis of measurement methodology: – ISO 2923

12

Noise Levels

• Adverse / improper levels can:– Cause speech interference

– Interfere with concentration and thought processes

– Disrupt sleep

– Cause fatigue and aggression

• Appropriate noise levels can:– Provide an environment for improved human

performance

– Have a positive psychological effect on people

13

Big Contributor – HVAC Noise

• Potential Solutions:– Configurations including largest feasible duct

diameter, gradual turns– Use of HVAC

silencers / resonators– Tuning of resonators

to the blade frequency– Reduction of pressure

changes– Proper Supports for

Exhaust and Piping Systems– Secure ventilation ductwork piping systems will

reduce vibration against shipboard structures

14

Indoor Climate

• Criteria based on human performance data

• Basis of measurement methodology :

– ANSI / ASHRAE 55a

15

What Determines Comfort?

• Environmental factors– Air temperature– Air speed– Humidity

• Individual factors– Activity– Clothing insulation

16

Lighting

• Criteria based on supporting tasks via general and activitylighting

• Basis of measurement methodology:

– IESNA RP-12

– ISO 8995

17

Lighting Requirements

• Relationship between age and lightrequired for readinggood print

Source: Phillips Lighting

Ligh

t R

equi

rem

ent

(x 1

00 L

ux)

~ 3x greater

~7x greater

Age (years)

18

Lighting

Visual performance vs. Light level (in Lux) for an assembly task

Young

Older

Source: Phillips Lighting

~7x greater

19

HAB and HAB+ Notation HAB and HAB+ Notation

20

Habitability Data Gathering

• Data collection efforts started in 2001 and continues today

• Data has been obtained from multiple sources:– Offshore installations– Commercial ships– Workboats

(OSV’s and crew boats)– Passenger vessels

21

Data Gathering

• Data from Pacific, Europe, and Americas

• Review of accommodations design and layout

• Focus on ambient environment characteristics (noise and vibration)

• Informal (but informative) interviews with crew members

22

Questions?

Dr. Kevin McSweeneykmcsweeney@eagle.org

281-877-5965