This paper presents an analysis of influential factors in emergencies in the steam generator of a petrochemical facility. Secondly, the paper aims to understand and situate the generator; to structure the conditions observed in abnormal situations; to understand how these conditions influence safety; and to propose guidelines in order to enhance it. The case study research method was applied using qualitative procedures. The main research technique was the focus group with operators, based on a four-section structured questionnaire: human reliability, alarms, occurrences registers and training. The findings consist of four guideline recommendations to improve safety: rationalization and automation of procedures, redesign of alarms, redesign of the logging and information system and an operational simulator.
Human error; Emergency situation; Human reliability; Man-machine interaction
