Breaking News - Safety Categories are Being Replaced...What do I do Next?
By Derek Jones, Manager Safety Business Development, Rockwell Automation
The industrial manufacturing environment is constantly evolving driven by the need to achieve a competitive edge. One of the most decisive factors for success is the automation of machinery and process to facilitate powerful, flexible and reliable operation. This requires the intensive use of complex and programmable technologies linked through communication networks to fast, accurate and powerful actuators.
It was realised some time ago that the standards that deal with the safety of machinery had not kept pace with developments in the automation of machinery. In order to ensure both the safety and productivity of contemporary machinery, safety related control systems themselves often need to use complex and programmable technologies. The machinery safety related control system standards such as EN 954- 1 (ISO 13849-1: 1999) whilst they have served us well for many years, were now too simplistic to cope with the technology. This meant a change to the familiar system of ‘Categories’.
So what is happening?
There are now two new standards for machine safety related control systems, EN ISO 13849-1:2008 and IEC/EN 62061. Both can be used to show conformity with the European Machinery Directive. They both have new system classifications, EN ISO 13849-1 uses PL (Performance Level) and IEC/EN 62061 uses SIL (Safety Integrity Level). PL and SIL can be said to be variations on the same theme and the decision on which standard to use is governed by what is best for your application. In general terms, if you are familiar with the use of the Categories from EN 954-1 and use relatively straightforward conventional safety functions then EN ISO 13849-1 (PLs) is probably your best bet. If you are specifically required to use SIL or if your application uses complex multi-conditional safety functionality then EN/IEC 62061 may be the most suitable. Note that EN ISO 13849-1 covers all technologies whereas EN/IEC 62061 only covers electrical based systems.
What should you do?
The ideal first step is to read both standards in order to understand their requirements and implications. Perhaps the most daunting aspect of both standards is the fact that they require some calculations based on reliability data that the safety component manufacturers should supply. Help is at hand in the form of software tools for the calculation. The BGIA in Germany provides a comprehensive calculation tool for EN ISO 13849-1 called SISTEMA. It is available free to use on the BGIA website. A link to the SISTEMA tool is available through the Rockwell Automation website where you can also register and download free the Rockwell Automation product ‘data library’ for use in the SISTEMA tool. (www.discoverrockwellautomation.com/safety).
Available support
With years of experience and involvement around standards, regional legislation and the practical implementation of safety and automation solutions, Rockwell Automation can offer you the support you need such as risk assessments services, design assistance and much more. Many years as a leading automation supplier allows Rockwell Automation’s customers to reap the advantage of partnering with a supplier that not only knows safety but is also an expert in automation control.
Rockwell Automation also offers training and informative events such as Automation University, a hands-on customer event where you can work with products and attend presentations on manufacturing automation, including specific topics on safety. The events also offer the opportunity to speak with Rockwell Automation specialists about your specific application challenges and discuss solutions. Other opportunities are available at Safety Solutions Seminars which are hosted locally to you or specific training opportunities at your plant. Contact your local Rockwell Automation representative to discuss your requirements or discover when key events are taking place near you.
| IMPORTANT: EN 954 -1 will be removed as a referenced standard from The Machinery Directive. The planned implementation date was 29th December 2009, however an extension to 31st December 2012 has been granted. Despite this extension, caution should be counselled for anyone who may think this is an extended opportunity to ignore the implementing changes. The change is inevitable and continuing to work to EN 954 -1 may be seen as second class by your customers. We can help you understand the requirements and manage the process with a set of tools and supporting services. | ||
| • GUIDE TO EN ISO 13849-1 • SAFEBOOK 3 • SAFETY SOLUTIONS SEMINARS • TRAINING • SISTEMA – PERFORMANCE LEVEL CALCULATION SOFTWARE (FREE OF CHARGE) | - Booklet outlining the transition path from EN 9 -1 to EN ISO 1 8 9-1 - Booklet covering the principles, standards and implementation of machine safety - Contact your local Rockwell Automation representative for more details - The Safety Services team can offer training and support to assist you in making the transition - Download now the Rockwell Automation library for use with the FREE SISTEMA Performance Level Calculation tool from BGIA Visit this website for more information www.discoverrockwellautomation.com/go/machine_conformity | |
Print Page
Locations Email Sitemap Legal Notices
Call 0870 242 5000 for General Enquiries 0870 241 1802 for Tech Support