Thus, it is important to thoroughly assess the risks that engineering controls can introduce before they are implemented to avoid costly retrofits. As Architect Frank Lloyd Wright suggests: can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledge hammer on the “You construction site”. Take home points Understand bus features As discussed above, there is great variation in how each bus is constructed and operates. Operators must understand what door interlock/external door buttons are installed on their buses and how they work. Understand vulnerability of buses and bus operations What scenario of bus rollaway is your bus vulnerable to, if at all? Operators should test their buses in a controlled environment to determine in what circumstances their bus will be subject to a rollaway. It is also important to note that because operators have different types of buses, the risks posed from bus rollaways are different. Further, each operator has different bus operations making the overall risk of rollaways unique to each operator. Apply human factors at all stages Application of human factors tools, methods and standards at all stages of the risk assessment and design process will ensure human performance capabilities and limitations are adequately taken into account. This will avoid expensive retrofits and ensure efficiency in the design and implementation of controls. It will also ensure that the unique bus rollaway risks faced by each bus operator are effectively taken into account. Review controls It goes without saying that controls must be reviewed periodically to ensure they are effective and functioning as intended. Any controls implemented will need to adopt this approach.
Thus, it is important to thoroughly assess the risks that engineering controls can introduce before they are implemented to avoid costly retrofits. As Architect Frank Lloyd Wright suggests: “You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledge hammer on the construction site”. Take home points Understand bus features As discussed above, there is great variation in how each bus is constructed and operates. Operators must understand what door interlock/external door buttons are installed on their buses and how they work. Understand vulnerability of buses and bus operations What scenario of bus rollaway is your bus vulnerable to, if at all? Operators should test their buses in a controlled environment to determine in what circumstances their bus will be subject to a rollaway. It is also important to note that because operators have different types of buses, the risks posed from bus rollaways are different. Further, each operator has different bus operations making the overall risk of rollaways unique to each operator. Apply human factors at all stages Application of human factors tools, methods and standards at all stages of the risk assessment and design process will ensure human performance capabilities and limitations are adequately taken into account. This will avoid expensive retrofits and ensure efficiency in the design and implementation of controls. It will also ensure that the unique bus rollaway risks faced by each bus operator are effectively taken into account. Review controls It goes without saying that controls must be reviewed periodically to ensure they are effective and functioning as intended. Any controls implemented will need to adopt this approach.
Human-factors-analysis-of-bus-rollaways.docx