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) –Reading (text) –Control manipulation –Speech –Depth perception

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 activity lighting Basis of measurement methodology: –IESNA RP-12 –ISO 8995

17 Lighting Requirements Relationship between age and light required for reading good print Source: Phillips Lighting Light Requirement (x 100 Lux) ~ 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

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 McSweeney