Application of human error criticality analysis for improving the initiator assembly process

In the design, development, and production phases of the initiator of a mis sile system, engineers usually focus on the function approach of hardware a nd software but sometimes ignore the "human error" which is another importa nt factor affecting the quality of the product and the safety of operators. In order to assure the safety of operators and to upgrade the quality and reliability of the initiator, the human error criticality analysis (HECA) m ethod was applied to identify the critical human tasks, critical human erro r modes, and the human reliability information of initiator assembly tasks in this study. Several corrective actions have been taken based upon the an alysis results. It is concluded that not only was the reliability of the hu man assembly process enhanced by 9% but also the risk occurrence probabilit y and safety severity decreased significantly. Finally, corrective actions are suggested for which quantitative outcomes can be estimated. Relevance to industry. The results of this study indicate that the HECA method is very effective i n identifying the critical human tasks and critical human error modes, and can be applied to evaluate the system safety and human reliability in the m anufacturing process of industry. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.