Application of Human Factors to the Drinking Water Industry
Robert Klein, William E. Kerwin · American Water Works Association · 1989
Although automation has changed the nature of the operator's job throughout the drinking water industry, it has not diminished the operator's importance. New technologies may relieve operators from some of the tasks they have traditionally had to perform, but these same changes have also added new pressure. The increased sophistication of treatment facilities has added complexity to already complicated systems. Operators must now familiarize themselves with plant technology as well as understand process variables to ensure proper functioning of automated systems. Regardless of the level of automation, it is still the operator's responsibility to keep the plant running as designed, in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements.