What is Functional Safety?
When designing a “safe” machine, it is always best to design the system in a way that will not put those operating the equipment (or those around it and the environment) into a hazardous situation. However, in most cases, in order for equipment to do what it is designed to do, i.e., package a product, cut material, etc., it is inherently hazardous. Functional safety refers to components and automatic actions equipment can take in order to reduce the risk associated with identified hazards. Automated safety systems require detailed design, implementation, and validation/verification activities with personnel who are knowledgeable of the equipment and its operation.
Safety Design Life Cycle:
Identify hazards
Evaluate risk
Mitigate risk
Safe design, eliminate hazards
Protective measures such as safeguarding and control systems
Inform users of remaining risk
Verify risk mitigation measures
Benefits of Functional Safety:
Assurance of employee health and well-being
Assurance of environmental safety
Reduced risk associated with new technologies such as robotics and high speed motion
Reduction of liability and lost work
Meeting regulatory and OSHA compliance
Implementation
The benefits of applying machine safety can be realized with new or existing systems. There are a lot of aspects to consider when implementing safety measures. Outlier can augment your safety team as a control systems resource or design and implement functional safety systems as a whole.
Safety implementation with Outlier:
Understand how functional safety standards affect your new or existing equipment
Assist in safety component selection
Lead and review risk assessments
Prepare ISO 13849-1 performance level calculations and reports
Integrate safety functions on machinery or manufacturing lines
Program and configure safety components and systems
Commission, verify, and validate safety functions and faults
Safety Component
Selection
Components used in safety applications require rigorous testing by product manufacturers versus recognized standards to ensure performance when demanded in an unsafe situation. Always make sure components you have selected are rated to the application and identified risk. Outlier has experience with many major component manufacturers and can help you choose the right components for your situation.
