DEVELOPING A DATABASE TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESENCE OF MUTUAL MISCONCEPTIONS BETWEEN DESIGNERS AND OPERATORS OF PROCESS PLANTS

摘要

In this paper the development work concerning a novel system - Mutual Misconception Database is reported. The term misconception for this paper refers to the possession of an incorrect belief by the individual about some aspect of the complex system. Marine and process plant (off-shore and on-shore) accident case histories, which are available in public domain, are used in developing the system. It is based on the premise that mutual misconceptions occur between designers and operators. Prior to the commencement of this work, the authors could not locate any tools designed specifically for the identification of mutual misconceptions in accidents. This prompted the development of a mutual misconceptions database system, which should eventually assist in the elimination of the presence of these mutual misconceptions. In the body of this paper, the rationale that underlies the development of the database, the manner in which accidents were analysed, together with an example accident analysis including brief description of the database system are presented. Many interesting observations are made relating to misconceptions at appropriate places of the paper. The paper concluded with an examination of the potential uses of the database system that has been developed particularly as the starting point for the developing intelligent agenda-setting mechanisms that are integrated with other computer-based systems.