9.4 Factors Affecting Performance - Sleep And Fatigue To Alcohol, Medication And Drug Abuse

Question 1

what is sleep?

Answer 1

a vital physiological function to allow the mind and body to be restored

Question 2

what is the rule of thumb regarding sleep?

Answer 2

1 hour high quality sleep is good for 2 hours activity

Question 3

what is circadian rhythm?

Answer 3

the term used to describe the body clock

Question 4

what does circadian rhythm control?

Answer 4

the physiological and behavioural functions of wakefulness and sleep and other internal cycles such as temperature, hunger and digestion

Question 5

what does fatigue do?

Answer 5

reduces the persons alertness, ability to focus and hold attention on a task

Question 6

how can fatigue be divided?

Answer 6

physiological fatigue
subjective fatigue

Question 7

what is physiological fatigue?

Answer 7

reflects the bodys need for replenishment and restoration.
tied to health, recent physical activity, health

Question 8

how can physiological fatigue be satisfied?

Answer 8

with a period of sleep

Question 9

what is subjective fatigue?

Answer 9

the perception of how sleepy a person feels,

Question 10

what symptoms of fatigue may be noticed? (9)

Answer 10

-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

Question 11

what is the most critical factor in fatigue related accidents?

Answer 11

time since awakening (TSA)

Question 12

what does duty time refer to?

Answer 12

time spent carrying out work

Question 13

what are the first signs of chronic fatigue?

Answer 13

-moodiness
-headaches
-finding familiar tasks more complicated than usual

Question 14

what are the disadvantages to working shifts?

Answer 14

-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

Question 15

where may human error occur?

Answer 15

during handover at the end of a shift due to a rush to to go home

Question 16

what is it an offence to do under Uk and EASA regulations?

Answer 16

to carry out their duties whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Question 17

what is the blood alcohol limit for engineers and air crew?

Answer 17

engineers = 80mg/100ml blood
aircrew = 20mg/100ml blood

Question 18

what can alcohol do to the body?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

what is the general rule regarding alcohol?

Answer 19

engineers should not work for at least 8 hours, after drinking even small quanities

Question 20

what is classed as medication?

Answer 20

any over-the-counter or prescribed drugs used for therapeutic purposes

Question 21

what must an engineer consider when taking medication?

Answer 21

whether their illness has made them temporarily unfit for work

Question 22

can a engineer use pep pills?

Answer 22

the use of pep pills is not permitted.

if coffee is insufficient, then you are unfit for work

Question 23

what do illicit drugs do?

Answer 23

affect the central nervous system and impair mental function.
significant effects upon performance