What is BS EN ISO 17354:2012?

BS EN ISO 17354:2012 is a technical standard that specifies the requirements and recommendations for the design, operation, and maintenance of safety systems used in industrial processes. It focuses on the application of safety instrumented systems (SIS) to protect against hazards in various industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, and power generation.

The Purpose of BS EN ISO 17354:2012

The main objective of BS EN ISO 17354:2012 is to ensure that safety systems are properly designed, implemented, and managed to reduce risks to an acceptable level. The standard provides guidance on the selection, installation, and operation of safety instrumented systems to achieve functional safety within these industries. It aims to prevent or mitigate incidents that could lead to major accidents, injuries, or damage to the environment.

Key Requirements of BS EN ISO 17354:2012

BS EN ISO 17354:2012 outlines several essential requirements that need to be met when implementing safety instrumented systems. These include defining the safety requirements, performing hazard and risk assessments, determining the required safety integrity level (SIL), designing the safety functions, selecting appropriate equipment, and establishing verification and validation procedures. The standard also emphasizes the importance of maintaining documentation, conducting audits, and managing changes to maximize the effectiveness and reliability of the safety systems.

The Benefits of Compliance

Complying with BS EN ISO 17354:2012 brings numerous advantages to organizations operating in hazardous industries. Firstly, it helps companies meet legal and regulatory obligations related to occupational health and safety. Additionally, adherence to the standard can enhance the overall safety culture by promoting best practices in risk management and incident prevention. This, in turn, improves employee morale and reduces the likelihood of costly accidents or downtime. Moreover, compliance can enhance an organization's reputation by demonstrating a commitment to safety and reliability to stakeholders, customers, and regulatory bodies.