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The standards for functional safety are changing how designers and manufacturers implement safety in processes, systems and product design. The onus on those responsible is to prove that these conform to the requirements of the most recently approved internationally recognised functional safety standards.
Functional safety must be developed and validated through all the relevant phases of the safety lifecycle, from the development of the safety requirements specification through the design phase, operations and maintenance and modification. This is becoming particularly important as an increasing amount of safety critical functions are being implemented and must be addressed.
Input of expert advice at the early stages of a safety lifecycle, including procurement, can not only facilitate the achievement of functional safety but also have a positive impact on project targets - including financial and timescales.
Liability risks are growing and customers expect, when working with suppliers, state of the art methodologies to be applied. Too often underlying standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 are only partially addressed. This can lead to defects and safety risks for the end user, suppliers and the public which could result in injury or death and/or environmental pollution.
