Which characteristic defines effective alarm management?

The characteristic defining effective alarm management is a low frequency of alarms. Effective alarm management focuses on ensuring that alarms are meaningful and actionable, which reduces the likelihood of alarm fatigue among operators. A low frequency of alarms implies that alarms are well-designed, relevant, and triggered only when necessary, helping to prioritize operator response to critical situations. This selective approach enhances safety, as operators are less overwhelmed and can respond more efficiently to genuine alarms that require attention, thereby improving overall system performance and safety.

Other options, such as high volume of alarms, frequent testing of alarms, and sudden activation of alarms, do not contribute positively to effective alarm management. High volumes of alarms can lead to confusion and desensitization, while frequent testing of alarms, although important for validation, does not define the effectiveness of the alarms themselves. Sudden activation may indicate potential issues in system stability rather than effective management.