Acmena provides human factors integration services for MTM's new driver facility design.

Challenge

Specialising in providing human factors integration services for the Australian rail industry, Acmena was engaged by Kinsley Group to provide support for the design of Metro Trains Melbourne’s (MTM) new driver facilities at the Footscray and Watergardens precincts. The facilities were commissioned to cater for the increased number of drivers and signal maintenance technicians required to support the expanded Metro Tunnel timetable. Acmena’s specialists were brought in to integrate human factors principles into the design process and ensure Kinsley’s designs were optimised to support human performance and were compliant with MTM’s HF standards and Rail Safety National Law.

Approach

Adopting a pragmatic and collaborative approach, Acmena focused on delivering value by scaling the scope and complexity of its HF effort to suit each design package. As part of its Early Human Factors Analysis, Acmena conducted a workshop with end-users to identify user needs, and confirm change impacts and risks. Inputs from the workshop were combined with findings from Safety in Design workshops to identify systems, design elements and processes likely to impact or create a risk for the users. An analysis of HF standards and requirements, including ARISO (RISSB) was also conducted to help ensure each design package was compliant.

Outcome

Acmena was able to provide effective advice for redesigning the facilities, helping the client to successfully deliver designs that were compliant with relevant standards and requirements. The HF analysis enabled the limited spaces to be configured to enhance driver welfare and optimise operational effectiveness. Acmena’s collaborative approach resulted in positive engagements with end users and early acceptance of the designs. Both facilities have been successfully completed and commissioned.

Profile

• Cost: Confidential
• Client: Kinsley Group
• Objective: Support MTM network improvements by designing new facilities at the Footscray and Watergardens precincts to accommodate increased number of drivers and signal maintenance technicians.
• Services provided: Human Factors Integration, Standard compliance – ARISO (RISSB)

Related Content: Modelling the Human Factor into the Design Process