According to an official statement approved by the Home Office, the new tests could well supplement and augment the existing testing regime for security equipment.
The current project is funded under the innovative research call in explosives and weapons detection (2010) initiative, a cross-Government programme sponsored by a number of departments and agencies under the CONTEST strategy.
The overriding aim is to maximise the effectiveness of security screening equipment by assessing usability issues (including how products integrate into the working environment).
Security screening equipment is already subject to a wide range of technical tests in order to achieve accreditation: the new human factors testing process will seek to improve on these procedures still further.
Equipment, procedures, facilities and training needs
John Wood, CCD’s executive chairman, will lead the new research project that sits witin the remit of CCD Human Factors (CCD Design being its sister business arm).
“We’ve been asked to assess the need for a human factors testing process which will fit into the existing test regimes for equipment assessment, particularly with a view to extending their range to include usability issues,” explained Wood.
“The process we deliver will include consideration of equipment, procedures, facilitates and training requirements. The programme will also review other existing testing regimes both here in the UK and abroad, ensuring that if they’re deemed appropriate, the processes developed can be incorporated in the other test houses with minimum disruption.”
Science behind ergonomics and human factors
CCD Design has been involved in security-related projects for the Home Office, HM Prison Service and both the UK and overseas police services since the late 1970s, all the while ensuring that equipment and facilities are both practical and easy to use.
CCD is a consultancy that puts the science of ergonomics and human factors at the heart of the complex buildings, workspaces and products it creates. The consultancy uses its knowledge of how people engage with their environment to design better, more effective spaces and products.
It has extensive experience in the rail, road and air transport sectors, emergency services, security, oil and gas, energy and private utilities sectors.
For its part, CCD Design is acknowledged as a global leader in Control Room design, having designed more than 350 in the last 30 years.
CCD Design’s clients include Network Rail, CERN, BAA, Siemens, Eurostar, NATS, easyJet, Thames Water, Dow Corning, Tube Lines and British Airways
For further information access the website (a dedicated link has been provided at the foot of this page)