Human Factors Analysis of Aircrew Operational Tasks in a Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Cargo Compartment

Human Factors Analysis of Aircrew Operational Tasks in a Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Cargo Compartment

DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TORONTO (CANADA)


Teeple, Tracy ; Rutley, Mark ; McHarg, Jason ; Coady, Lori


The Joint Operational Human Sciences Centre (JOHSC), at the request of Director Air Requirements (DAR), conducted a human factors analysis of aircrew operational tasks in a Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) aircraft cargo compartment. The aim of this study was to provide guidance on minimum cargo compartment dimensions based on operational duties performed by Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs). Specifically, it includes an analysis of the entire workspace envelope, to determine compartment length, width and height requirements. A secondary aim was to address concerns regarding future risk of musculoskeletal injury to SAR Techs working in the cargo compartment of a FWSAR aircraft. The full range of operational tasks performed by SAR Techs in the current FWSAR aircraft was observed at squadrons in Trenton, Ontario and Comox, British Columbia. Space critical aerial delivery tasks and four relevant types of equipment were selected for analysis, including postural and spinal load assessments of manual materials handling (MMH) and anthropometry based on current SAR Tech demographics. Potential risk of musculoskeletal injury to SAR Techs during operational tasks was evaluated. Results were used to provide guidance based on ergonomics principals, standards in the industry, and current operational FWSAR procedures. Relevant anthropometry, secular growth trends, personal protective equipment (PPE) and workspace dimensions were considered. Based on a 99th percentile SAR Tech male (BoSS XXI), a minimal cabin compartment height of 198.7 cm, or rounded up 200 cm, is recommended. However, this value does not account for any head room clearance required under turbulent conditions.




Descriptors : *AIR SEA RESCUES, *HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING, AERIAL DELIVERY, CANADA, CARGO, FIXED WING AIRCRAFT, MATERIALS HANDLING



Human Factors Analysis of Aircrew Operational Tasks

Sleep and Modeled Performance of Arctic Patrollers during Operation Nunalivut 2010

DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TORONTO (CANADA)
Paul, Michel A ; Bouak, Fethi

July 2011



The goal of this work was to monitor sleep (via wrist actigraphs) in Arctic Patrollers and generate cognitive effectiveness models for each patroller using a program called Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FASTTM). Actigraphic data were collected from 23 Arctic patrollers of whom 3 were Inuit Rangers (who ranged from 25 to 62 years of age), from one ranger instructor (48 years of age) and from 19 troops who were freshly deployed from various regions across southern Canada (who ranged from 21 to 54 years of age). The patrols ranged from 5 to 14 days in duration. Sleep data were recorded for several days at Canadian Forces Station Alert prior to departing on patrol and throughout the patrols. The following sleep parameters (primary sleep period minutes, total daily sleep minutes, number of daily naps, daily nap minutes, sleep latency in minutes, number of sleep episodes in the primary sleep period, and WASO (Wake After Sleep Onset) in minutes) were recorded and graphed for each day as well as averaged over 16 days. Total daily sleep minutes along with daily work periods were inputted to FASTTM to generate models of cognitive effectiveness for each of the 23 Arctic patrollers. Results and Discussion: Inuit Rangers obtained more sleep in their primary sleep periods, have fewer sleep episodes and have less wake time within their primary sleep periods than their freshly deployed counterparts. On several days the FASTTM models for 2 of the 3 Inuit Rangers predicted levels of performance equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.05%.




Descriptors : *MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), *SLEEP, ARCTIC REGIONS, CANADA, COGNITION, DAILY OCCURRENCE, FATIGUE(PHYSIOLOGY), PATROLLING, PERCEPTION(PSYCHOLOGY), SCHEDULING
Sleep and Modeled Performance of Arcit Patrolllers during Operation Nunalivut 2010

General Recommendations on Fatigue Risk Management for the Canadian Forces

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA557295&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Cheung, Bob ; Vartanian, Oshin ; Hofer, Kevin ; Bouak, Fethi


April 2010
A recent Advisory Publication (ADV PUB Number ASMG 6000, 7 Jan 2010) on Fatigue Countermeasures in Sustained and Continuous Operations recommended that all Air and Space Interoperability Council (ASIC) nations should have national policies regarding fatigue management. Currently, there is no existing doctrine and training program for fatigue risk management available in the Canadian forces (CF). The focus of this document is on the management of sleep hygiene and circadian entrainment, rather than physical, muscle fatigue, or fatigue at the cellular level. Recommendations for fatigue management are based on best practices derived from the latest scientific findings and the collation of appropriate common policies from other military forces that will enable aircrew to perform at their best. It includes a series of summaries that address what is and what is not known regarding the efficacy, implementation and limitation associated with fatigue countermeasures commonly employed. A stratified approach is adopted to ensure that promotion of sleep is the first priority under routine fatigue management, followed by generally approved pharmacological intervention. Employment of those prescription medications permitted by CF policies will be suggested only as a last resort. This document is written primarily for the Air Force; however, the general recommendations to fatigue risk management also apply to the Navy and the Army as they, too, experience sleep loss due to changing time zones and changing operational schedules. The intended key users for these recommendations include commanders, unit trainers, mission planners, medical officers, unit safety officers, and all personnel who support operations. They are well advised to familiarize themselves with the causes of fatigue and the various options in fatigue risk management. This guide is considered to be a living document. The material will be updated as new technological information and empirical scientific data emerge
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CANADA, *FATIGUE(PHYSIOLOGY), *MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), *MILITARY PERSONNEL, *RISK MANAGEMENT, ADVISORY ACTIVITIES, CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS, CONTINUITY, COUNTERMEASURES, MEDICAL PERSONNEL, MEDICINE, MILITARY COMMANDERS, MISSIONS, OFFICER PERSONNEL, PHARMACOLOGY, POLICIES, SAFETY, SLEEP DEPRIVATION

General Recommendations for Fatigue Risk Management for the Canadian Forces

Influence of combined whole-body vibration plus g-loading on visual performance

http://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/publications/Readability_Vibration_Report_20081113.pdf

Influence of combined whole-body vibration plus g-loading on visual performance

B.D. Adelstein; B.R. Beutter

NASA Technical Memorandum 2009-215386

G-Loading, Vibration, Visual Performance Whole-Body Vibration