Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited -- MRT

Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited -- MRT

       This week we went to Bangkok metro public company limited take part in the field trip . the first part is : introduction by PPT ( history , department system and so on ) , the second part is inspect the central control room ( CCR ) , the third part is put questions .

Introduction :

      MRT-mass rapid transit take the heavy transportation task in Bangkok with BTS , the MRT chaloem ratchamongkhon line ( the MRT system ) has become the first metro in Thailand because its initial system section of hua lamphong to bang sue is the first railway system in Thailand that kept on underground level .

        For the safety , the staff ( operator , engineer , learder ) cooperate with each other by communication , each step interlocking with other with SCADA system ; The staffing including : line controller ( LCO ) / depot controller ( DCO ) / engineering controller ( ECO ) / communication & security controller ( CSO ) / chief controller ( CCO ) ; Emergency training :  CCR training / derailment exercise / Eire exercise / bomb & hostage / scenario exercise & external exercise .

        Mental workload : the total of all assessable influences impinging upon a human being from external sources and affecting it mentally .

I raised 3 questions :

1. Bangkok have a lot of groundwater , how to do water proof measures , is there have any difficulty in the construction and normal operation period ?  ( answer : they have strong monitor system and pumps working without stop ) 
2. how do you arrange the time and adjust for per person in a day ? ( answer : they have 3 groups to shift in each 5 positions , every group work 8 hours without rest , I think why not have 4 group in one day or 4 group 3 operate each day ) 
3. Because in the 8 hours without rest , how to adjust the mental workload on the working time ? ( answer : occasionally , somebody need only work 4 hours , and the operators can walk around in the control room and talk with each other )

I noted some information from < ISSA > in mental workload ：

        The mental workload comes from : noise / hazards arising from machinery , equipment and materials / chemical hazards / hazards arising from electricity / hazards arising from fire and explosions / hazards arising from whole-body or hand-arm vibrations / falls / physical strain or stress 

        Basic human needs : for self-determination / to develop competence / for a sense of belonging and gain recognition .

        Work must not cause illness - this is vital ; a large share of the prevention efforts in the enterprise focuses on this maxim .

        Workload and requirements can no longer be coped with include :

• complaints of employees about mental workload and physical problems at the workplace 
• reduce motivation , poor company climate , mobbing , addictive behaviour  
• infighting for competences , insufficient coordination , duplication of work 
• lack of flexibility and commitment on the part of employees 
• downtimes due to absenteeism , sickness leaves , fluctuation 
• rejects , need for reworking ,complaints 
• failure to comply with deadlines , both internally and vis-a-vis customers or business partners
• excessive overtime work , additional requirements in terms of time and material 
• excessive throughput times , inventories and overhead costs 

       Occupational overload or underload may have short-term consequences ( stress , monotony , mental satiation and mental fatigue ) , which may tend to become long-term consequences such as psychosomatic or mental diseases whenever the employee has to cope with unfavourable working requirements over a prolonged period of time .

        I choose some information form the checklist and evaluation lists related to the control room for us to analysis .

 Stress :

1. the responsibility is too high 
2. instructions leave little room for the execution of work 
3. the future of department or enterprise is uncertain 

• i very often overlook or disregard information 
• i am restless and nervous 

 Mental fatigue :

1. the freedom of body movements is restricted 
2. breaks are hardly possible 
3. impaired visibility 
4. poorly designed tools 
5. annoying working environment 

• i feel exhausted and tired 
• my concentration decreases 
• i have to overcome fatigue
• i feel strong need for a rest

 Monotony :

1. the tasks are predominantly operational 
2. the tasks are boring
3. the tasks are monotonous and repetitive 
4. permanent attention is required , without something to do
5. the workroom is too dark 

• i feel i`am not challenged enough 
• i do other things or my thoughts wander although permanent attention would be required 
• i feel bored 
• i dozed off or daydream

Mental satiation :

1. there is no chance of avoiding or postponing the task 
2. poor working conditions 

• i work to rule 
• i have little chance to make use of my qualifications
• i am marking time and not getting anywhere
• i am dissatisfied