ABSTRACT
Control room layout is a significant factor in efficient system control. The job of the operator can be extremely demanding, and well-designed rooms and workstations can increase the physical comfort of the operator; reduce stress levels, and improve efficiency. Control rooms can be described as complex sociotechnical systems. The room represents a domain for significant levels of interaction, such as computerplant, human-computer, and human-human interactions. Depending on the control room, certain levels of direct manipulation between humans and plant may also be possible. ISO 11064-3:2001 points out the differences between the terms control room, control suite, and control center:
A • control room is a core functional entity, along with its associated physical structure, where operators are stationed to carry out centralized control, monitoring, and administrative responsibilities (ISO 11064-3:1999, definition 3.4). A control suite is a group of functionally related rooms, colocated with the • control room and including it, which houses the supporting functions to the control room, such as related offices, equipment rooms, rest areas, and training rooms (ISO 11064-3:1999, definition 3.6). A control center is a combination of control rooms, control suites, and local • control stations which are functionally related and all on the same site (ISO 11064-3:1999, definition 3.1).
