What is BS EN 61508:2018?

The BS EN 61508:2018, also known as IEC 61508, is an international standard for the functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems. It sets out the requirements for designing, implementing, operating, and maintaining systems that have a significant impact on safety.

Importance of BS EN 61508:2018

This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, chemical, and healthcare. It provides guidelines and best practices to identify and mitigate potential hazards related to system failure or malfunction. The BS EN 61508:2018 takes a holistic approach, considering the entire lifecycle of a system, from design and development to operation and maintenance.

Key Requirements of BS EN 61508:2018

The BS EN 61508:2018 specifies several key requirements that need to be fulfilled for achieving functional safety. These include:

Safety Integrity Level (SIL): The standard introduces SILs, which are levels used to quantify the necessary risk reduction measures for a given system. SILs range from SIL1 (lowest) to SIL4 (highest), with each level indicating the required level of risk reduction.

Hazard and Risk Assessment: The standard emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough hazard and risk assessment to identify potential hazards and assess their associated risks. This step is crucial for determining the appropriate SIL for a system.

Verification and Validation: BS EN 61508:2018 requires a systematic approach to verify and validate a system's safety functions throughout its lifecycle. This includes testing, analyzing, and documenting the system's performance to ensure that it meets the specified safety requirements.

Safety Management: The standard highlights the need for a comprehensive safety management system that includes clear responsibilities, competent personnel, and appropriate documentation. It also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of the system's safety performance.

Conclusion

The BS EN 61508:2018 is a crucial international standard that provides guidelines for achieving functional safety in various industries. By following its requirements, organizations can mitigate potential hazards, reduce risks, and enhance the overall safety of their systems. Implementing this standard not only ensures compliance with safety regulations but also instills confidence among stakeholders and customers regarding the reliability and integrity of the systems they interact with.