What is BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015

Introduction

BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for the design and implementation of safety-related control systems. It focuses specifically on the functional safety of machinery and equipment. This standard is an essential tool for engineers, designers, and manufacturers who need to ensure their products meet the necessary safety requirements.

Key Principles

The BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015 standard is based on several key principles. Firstly, it emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to safety. This means that safety should be considered from the early stages of design all the way through to the final implementation of the control system. Secondly, a risk assessment process must be carried out to identify and evaluate potential hazards associated with the machinery or equipment. This allows for the determination of the required Performance Level (PL) of the safety function.

PL Levels and Safety Integrity

The BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015 standard defines five levels of Performance Levels (PL), ranging from 'a' to 'e'. Each level represents a different degree of reliability and risk reduction capability. The higher the PL level, the lower the probability of a dangerous failure occurring. Safety Integrity Level (SIL) can also be used to assess the reliability of safety functions according to the IEC 61508 standard. By implementing safety functions corresponding to the appropriate PL or SIL, engineers can effectively reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.

Design and Verification

The design and verification process described in BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015 involves several steps. First, a safety requirements specification must be developed, which defines the desired safety functions and their PL or SIL. This is followed by the selection and implementation of suitable components, such as sensors, actuators, and controllers. Each component's performance data, including its reliability and failure rate, should be considered during the selection process. Finally, a validation plan must be created to ensure that the safety functions are performing as intended.

Conclusion

BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015 is an important standard for ensuring the functional safety of machinery and equipment. By following its guidelines, engineers and manufacturers can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. The systematic approach, risk assessment process, and the determination of appropriate PL or SIL levels are crucial steps in designing and implementing safety-related control systems. Ultimately, implementing BS EN ISO 13849-1:2015 helps create a safer working environment for both operators and users of machinery and equipment.