Human factors engineering in utility tunnel design

Abstract The authors examine human factors engineering in multi-purpose utility tunnels. The smart planning of utility tunnels can take the pain and stress out of the work for employees. The cross-section of these systems must be designed taking in account two space requirements, one for utilities and the other for worker operations. In order to fit the confined workplace environment of a utility tunnel to the employee, some design rules have been proposed. This manuscript shows human factors to be critical design parameters in the design and construction of ‘visitable’ utility tunnels. Human beings cannot be designed, but utility tunnels can.