Functional safety
To achieve safe operation of the process the Control Engineer will ensure that the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the control and safety systems comply with IEC61508 (Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems) and other safety related standards.
We have particular expertise in meeting the requirements of IEC61508 and supplying systems to SIL1 and SIL2. We use formal methods in conducting HAZOP to identify the hazard and then subsequently producing the risk assessment and eventually the safety case.
Our service support team will assist in maintaining the safety integrity of the system throughout its operating life cycle. Periodic reviews of the process and protection system are routinely undertaken.
Control system failures are categorised into either hardware failures or systematic failures.
The safety impact of random hardware failures is reduced by using simple protection systems or redundancy and diverse components.
Systematic failures are not random and can be due to inadequate: specifications, design, testing, operating, maintenance or training. We defend against this type of failure by robust quality processes; diverse review procedures professionally qualified and trained staff.
If you want to understand more about functional safety come and talk to us or join one of our training events.