9.4 Factors Affecting Performance - Sleep And Fatigue To Alcohol, Medication And Drug Abuse Flashcards
what is sleep?
a vital physiological function to allow the mind and body to be restored
what is the rule of thumb regarding sleep?
1 hour high quality sleep is good for 2 hours activity
what is circadian rhythm?
the term used to describe the body clock
what does circadian rhythm control?
the physiological and behavioural functions of wakefulness and sleep and other internal cycles such as temperature, hunger and digestion
what does fatigue do?
reduces the persons alertness, ability to focus and hold attention on a task
how can fatigue be divided?
physiological fatigue
subjective fatigue
what is physiological fatigue?
reflects the bodys need for replenishment and restoration.
tied to health, recent physical activity, health
how can physiological fatigue be satisfied?
with a period of sleep
what is subjective fatigue?
the perception of how sleepy a person feels,
what symptoms of fatigue may be noticed? (9)
-diminished perception
-diminished motor skills and slow reactions
-problems with short-term memory
-channelled concentration
-easily distracted
-poor judgement and decision making
-abnormal moods
-diminished performance
-loss of initiative
what is the most critical factor in fatigue related accidents?
time since awakening (TSA)
what does duty time refer to?
time spent carrying out work
what are the first signs of chronic fatigue?
-moodiness
-headaches
-finding familiar tasks more complicated than usual
what are the disadvantages to working shifts?
-working unsociable hours
-working when human performance is known to be poorer
-problems associated with general de-synchronisation and disturbance of the body various rhythms
where may human error occur?
during handover at the end of a shift due to a rush to to go home
what is it an offence to do under Uk and EASA regulations?
to carry out their duties whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs
what is the blood alcohol limit for engineers and air crew?
engineers = 80mg/100ml blood
aircrew = 20mg/100ml blood
what can alcohol do to the body?
it is a depressant on the central nervous system, dulling sense and increasing mental and physical reaction times
small amounts leads to a decline in performance affect judgement
what is the general rule regarding alcohol?
engineers should not work for at least 8 hours, after drinking even small quanities
what is classed as medication?
any over-the-counter or prescribed drugs used for therapeutic purposes
what must an engineer consider when taking medication?
whether their illness has made them temporarily unfit for work
can a engineer use pep pills?
the use of pep pills is not permitted.
if coffee is insufficient, then you are unfit for work
what do illicit drugs do?
affect the central nervous system and impair mental function.
significant effects upon performance
