Alarm system elements (e.g., displays and controls) should conform to general HSI guidelines as well as alarm system guidelines.
Additional Information:
While the alarm system guidelines take precedence over other more general HFE guidelines, it should be kept in mind that the alarm system is a part of the overall HSI. As such, it should conform to the same guidelines for general display and control design. For example, if the alarm system uses a touch screen interface for operator input and query of the system, the review guidelines for touchscreens (Section 3.2.4, Touch Screens, Light Pens, and Graphic Tablets) should be used to evaluate that aspect of the interface. As another example, if the alarm displays are integrated into P&ID VDU displays, the P&ID aspect to the display, such as icons and symbols, should be evaluated using Sections 1.2.8, Mimics and Diagrams, and 1.3.4, Icons and Symbols. In the event of overlap or conflict in guidelines, the guidelines for alarm systems take precedence when reviewing the alarm system.