Managing the Testing Process: Practical Tools and Techniques for Managing Hardware and Software Testing

7.7. Human Factors

Although the focus of this chapter has been on material objects and information related to them, you need to remember that people test in the test lab. The safety of the people who work in your lab must be of special concern to you as a manager. In addition, you need to consider the issues of how testers interact with your lab equipment (including possible damage to the equipment), and how to rim the lab so that the testers are as productive as possible.

7.7.1. A Safe Lab Is a Productive Lab

As noted earlier, I assume that you are working in a typical test lab, where no extraordinary chemical, electrical, radiological, or mechanical hazards exist. If your staff must handle, use, or store dangerous chemicals; radioisotopes; radiation-emitting devices; sharp or heavy test probes or tools; high-voltage or high-current components; mechanical presses, punches, or drills; extremely hot or cold articles; or any other compound or object that can injure, electrocute, burn, blind, deafen, sterilize, poison, genetically damage, cut, or kill, you will need to take precautions beyond those discussed in this book.

Most of the test labs I've worked in were less dangerous than the typical garage, bathroom, or kitchen. Nevertheless, everyone working in the lab must understand basic safety considerations and practice common sense. Thoughtless or careless behavior can result in harm to personal property, injury to oneself or others, or damage to the tools, systems, and facilities ...