Functional safety
In general, safety means protection from electric shocks, intense heat and fire, hazardous radiation or incorrect function.
The functional safety according to IEC 61508 represents an internationally valid safety standard for such equipment, in which safety functions are fulfilled by electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems. In other words, it deals with that part of safety depending on correct function of devices and control systems, which ensure their safety. The correct application of the functional safety standard aims to lower the potential risk of personal injuries, damage to production or disturbance of environment.
TÜV SÜD Czech provides support to Czech firms in preparing the assessment of components or whole systems according to EN (IEC) 61508 and 61511, and performs inspections, as well as the follow-up certification. The certification according to the functional safety standard is one of the requirements directed ever more frequently towards the technology suppliers, whether it deals with a power plant, processing industry or theatre. For the first time, the standard IEC 61508 requires a quantitative documentation of the residual risk for the complete safety appliance comprising a sensing device, control unit, and an actuating device.
Besides the certification itself, TÜV SÜD Czech arranges special workshops in this field, as well as the assessment of conformity of products and services in the area of technical inspections and management systems, where requirements of both ISO 9001 and EN 61508 mingle together.
Definition of Safety Integrity Level (SIL):
- SIL1: not more than one dangerous safety function failure per 10 years
- SIL2: not more than one dangerous safety function failure per 100 years
- SIL3: not more than one dangerous safety function failure per 1000 years
- SIL4: not more than one dangerous safety function failure per 10000 years
For comparison, EN 954 distinguishes between 1-4 safety categories.
Risk analysis represents one of basic concepts when processing the functional safety projects and its individual phases include, among others, the hazard identification, hazard analysis, and the risk evaluation. The basic principle anchored in the standard IEC 61508 is the balance between safety measures and risk. The risk analysis enables to identify hazardous situations and safety functions for the required safety integrity level.
Areas to which the functional safety is commonly applied:
- Electrical engineering
- Processing industry
- Power engineering
- Infrastructure and networks
- High-rise buildings
- Fire protection
- Entertainment and sports facilities
The advantages of certification with TÜV SÜD Czech consist mainly in a long-term technical and professional co-operation at resolving even the most demanding projects, the certificate
proving the correctness of procedures, and the octagon as a marketing tool and means of
differentiation from the competition.
International references
GE Energy
Fraport (Frankfurt Airport)
ABB
Honeywell Building Solutions
