If you operate machinery in your facility, you know the importance of ensuring the safety of your workers. One way to do this is by implementing functional safety measures, which are designed to prevent accidents and injuries caused by malfunctions or failures of the machinery or process control system. But what is functional safety and how is it used in machinery safety standards?
Let’s explore!
What is Functional Safety?
Functional safety is the part of the overall safety of a machinery or process control system that depends on the correct functioning of the safety-related parts of the control system. It is typically used in the context of machinery safety standards, which are designed to protect workers from hazards associated with moving machinery.
Some Relevant ISO and B11 Standards
The ISO and B11 standards are two of the most widely recognized machinery safety standards that address functional safety. The ISO standard, ISO 13849-1, Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems – Part 1: General principles for design, specifies the general principles for the design of safety-related parts of control systems. The B11 standard, B11.19, Safety of Machinery – Human Body Access to Machinery – Principles for Design, provides guidelines for the design of machinery to prevent injuries caused by unexpected start-ups or restarts of the machinery.
Why is Functional Safety Important in Machinery Safety?
Functional safety is important in machinery safety because it helps to prevent accidents and injuries caused by malfunctions or failures of the machinery or process control system. By implementing functional safety measures, you can ensure that your workers are protected from the hazards associated with moving machinery, such as crushing, shearing, and amputation.
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