What is BS EN ISO 77842:2010

Have you ever come across the term BS EN ISO 77842:2010? Are you curious to know what it entails? In this article, we will dive into understanding the basics of this technical standard and explore its significance across various industries.

Understanding BS EN ISO 77842:2010

BS EN ISO 77842:2010 is an international standard that provides guidelines for the development and implementation of safety functions in machinery. It focuses on functional safety aspects related to the design, operation, and maintenance of machinery, with the goal of reducing risks and preventing accidents.

This standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It is based on other existing regulations and standards, such as the Machinery Directive and the ISO 13849 series.

Key Elements of BS EN ISO 77842:2010

The BS EN ISO 77842:2010 standard covers several key elements essential for ensuring functional safety in machinery:

Safety Functions: The standard emphasizes the need for identifying and defining safety functions within a machine. Safety functions are measures implemented to reduce or eliminate hazards and prevent harm to operators or users.

Performance Levels: The standard introduces Performance Levels (PL) as a measure of the reliability and effectiveness of safety functions. PL represents the probability of a safety function performing its intended purpose and achieving the desired risk reduction.

Risk Assessment: BS EN ISO 77842:2010 emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards associated with machinery operation. The standard provides guidance on evaluating risks and determining appropriate safety measures.

Validation and Verification: The standard highlights the significance of validating and verifying safety functions to ensure they meet the intended requirements. Validation involves checking if the implemented safety measures are effective, while verification involves confirming if the safety functions are correctly designed and installed.

Application of BS EN ISO 77842:2010

BS EN ISO 77842:2010 is applicable to various industries where machinery plays a crucial role. It is particularly relevant in manufacturing, construction, automotive, and other sectors where the use of complex machinery poses potential risks to operators and workers.

Compliance with this standard ensures that manufacturers, designers, and operators follow a systematic approach towards functional safety. It helps minimize accidents, reduce occupational hazards, protect human lives, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness and efficiency.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 77842:2010 serves as a valuable resource for promoting functional safety in machinery. Its guidelines support the development and implementation of safety functions, performance evaluation, risk assessment, and validation processes. Adhering to this standard can significantly contribute to creating a safer working environment, reducing accidents, and safeguarding both operators and users of machinery across various industries.