What is BS EN 61508-1 - Functional safety of programmable electronic safety-related systems about?
BS EN 61508-1 is the first part of the BS EN 61508 multi-series. This European standard sets out a generic approach for all safety lifecycle activities for systems comprised of electrical and/or electronic and/or programmable electronic (E/E/PE) elements that are used to perform safety functions.
BS EN 61508-1 covers those aspects to be considered when electrical/electronic/programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems are used to carry out safety functions.
In particular, BS EN 61508-1 :
Applies to safety-related systems when one or more of such systems incorporates electrical/electronic/programmable electronic elements
Is generically based and applicable to all E/E/PE safety-related systems irrespective of the application
Covers the achievement of a tolerable risk through the application of E/E/PE safety-related systems, but does not cover hazards arising from the E/E/PE equipment itself (for example electric shock)
Applies to all types of E/E/PE safety-related systems, including protection systems and control systems
Is mainly concerned with the E/E/PE safety-related systems whose failure could have an impact on the safety of persons and/or the environment; however, it is recognized that the consequences of failure could also have serious econ...