What is BS EN ISO 14518:2015?

Introduction

BS EN ISO 14518:2015 is a technical standard that provides guidelines for the design and implementation of safety-related parts of control systems, referred to as SRP/CS. SRP/CS are responsible for carrying out safety functions in machinery or equipment.

The Purpose of BS EN ISO 14518:2015

The main purpose of BS EN ISO 14518:2015 is to ensure the safety of personnel and property by preventing or minimizing risks associated with machinery or equipment operation. It sets out requirements for the design, development, and assessment of SRP/CS, encompassing both hardware and software aspects.

Compliance with this standard helps organizations adhere to international safety standards and meet legal requirements pertaining to machinery safety. By following the guidelines of BS EN ISO 14518:2015, manufacturers can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by machinery malfunctions.

Key Components of BS EN ISO 14518:2015

BS EN ISO 14518:2015 covers various aspects related to SRP/CS design and implementation. These include:

Requirements gathering: The standard emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying and defining safety requirements for SRP/CS while considering possible hazards and risks. This step forms the foundation for subsequent design decisions.

Hardware and software architectural design: BS EN ISO 14518:2015 provides guidance on designing safe and reliable SRP/CS architectures. It outlines principles for partitioning, structure, redundancy, and fault detection to enhance system resilience.

Verification and validation: To ensure that SRP/CS meet specified safety requirements, comprehensive verification and validation processes are essential. This standard describes the procedures for testing, inspection, and analysis to verify compliance with safety-related objectives.

Documentation: Thorough documentation is necessary to support the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of SRP/CS. BS EN ISO 14518:2015 outlines the required documentation throughout the product life cycle.

Conclusion

BS EN ISO 14518:2015 is an important technical standard that focuses on ensuring the safety of machinery or equipment by guiding the design, implementation, and assessment of SRP/CS. Compliance with this standard provides organizations with a systematic approach to managing risks associated with machinery malfunctions, thereby protecting personnel and property.

By following the guidelines outlined in BS EN ISO 14518:2015, manufacturers can enhance the safety of their products, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and promote a safer working environment.