Control Room Considerations: What You Need to Know

A control or operations room is where operators monitor and control a large physical facility or physically dispersed service. As such, this area is essential for the smooth running of large plants.

So the operators need to be alert and comfortable to perform their vital duties.

There are several things you’ll want to consider when designing a control room for optimal performance.

They include the control room consoles (furniture and workstations), floor layout, and environment.

Let’s see what you need to know about each of these considerations.

Optimize Efficiency of the Control Room

 

The room layout should facilitate a smooth workflow. That means that the size of the room should accommodate all the necessary equipment and staff while allowing for easy movement of people.

Again, the equipment should be accessible to facilitate smooth operations. One of the things you’ll want to consider is the quick accessibility of monitors, mouses, and keyboards.

Also, ensure that all the operators can see the displayed data without obstruction. So you’ll want to go for a display solution that extends from the desktop to large wall videos. This approach helps operators share large amounts of data for timely problem analysis, collaboration, and decision making.   

Keep in Mind the Ergonomic Design of the Control Room Consoles

 

Ergonomic designs ensure that the working environment is efficient and comfortable. Essentially, the work should fit the worker.

So the first step to remember is to define the room objectives and determine how many people and equipment utilize the room.

Next, place the consoles so that an operator can function with little head and eye movement. You’ll want to consider the following.

●      The distance to the large wall displays should be less than twice the display’s largest image height

●      The primary monitor should be in a 30-degree cone of viewing

●       The height of the console should allow the shortest operator to see over the top of mounted displays

●      The clearance beneath the work surface should accommodate the tallest operator

This ergonomics design promotes the operator’s wellness, reduces the risk of human error, and optimizes performance.

Think of IP Networks

 

Internet Protocol (IP) networking technology allows for flexibility and scalability, unlike directly connected systems.

For instance, IP-based networks in conjunction with Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) allows operators to access, monitor, and troubleshoot control room assets from any networked computer.

Secondly, the IP technology provides information to multiple users simultaneously, increasing visualization, collaboration, and timely decision making.

Consider Minimizing Heat and Noise

 

The operators need to keep awake and alert at all times. So you’ll want to keep the environment conducive.

Consider keeping sources of heat and noise away from the work area. Such devices include CPUs, servers, and rack-mount equipment.

Another way to keep the environment conducive is to give room finishes that achieve a noise reduction coefficient (NRC).

Moreover, air condition the room to maintain it at 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit and 40-65 percent relative humidity.

Conclusion

 

Control room operators are under constant pressure to think critically and make timely decisions. You can help your staff perform optimally with an excellent control room design, equipment, and environment. So you’ll want to keep your staff in the picture and adapt the work for the worker.