MEASUREMENT OF HABITABILITY

Quantitative approaches to the evaluation of human environments are discussed and large-scale studies of habitability, environmental stresses, and health aboard Navy ships are described. In earlier studies illness rates were found to vary considerably from ship to ship, and detailed investigations were undertaken of differences in physical and social environments that might account for the large differences observed in accident and illness rates. Major sources of data were systematic observations by trained research staff, questionnaires reflecting crew's perceptions of living and working areas, photography of the same spaces, and ship's records, including dispensary visits. Comparisons were made of two ships on quantitative environmental indices and crew's perceptions, and examples of varied shipboard environmental conditions were presented. A sample questionnaire for evaluating human habitats was offered for purposes of illustration. (Author)

Supplemental Notes:
- Presented at California Council of the American Institute of Architects, Conference on Habitability, Nov 73, Monterey, Calif.
Corporate Authors:
Naval Health Research Center

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH United States 45431
Authors:
- Gunderson, EKE
- McDonald, B W
Publication Date: 1974-5

Media Info

Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Environment; Environmental impacts; Fatalities; Habitat (Ecology); Health care; Industrial hygiene; Military vessels; Occupational safety; Shipboard personnel; Ships; Stress (Psychology); Vehicle design; Workplace layout
Uncontrolled Terms: Morbidity; Ship design; Shipboard
Old TRIS Terms: Crew safety; Habitability; Hygiene; Shipboard health care
Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00158483
Record Type: Publication
Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
Report/Paper Numbers: 74-47
Files: TRIS
Created Date: Aug 31 1977 12:00AM