What is BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012?

BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012 is a technical standard that pertains to the safety of machinery and provides guidelines for the design and evaluation of safety-related control systems. It focuses specifically on the prevention of hazardous situations caused by malfunctioning machinery.

Understanding the Scope of BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012

This standard outlines requirements for designing and implementing safety-related parts of control systems (SRP/CS) to achieve or maintain a specified level of safety performance. It applies to various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automation.

The scope of BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012 covers both the hardware and software aspects of safety-related control systems. It emphasizes the need to consider not only the performance level of individual components but also their interaction within the overall system.

Key Elements of BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012

To comply with this standard, several key elements must be addressed during the design and evaluation of safety-related control systems:

1. Risk Assessment: A thorough risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and evaluate the associated risks. This forms the basis for determining the required safety performance level.

2. Safety Functions: The standard requires the identification and implementation of safety functions necessary to mitigate identified risks. These safety functions should be designed to prevent or minimize harm in case of equipment failure.

3. Performance Level: BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012 introduces a concept called Performance Level (PL) to quantify the effectiveness and reliability of safety-related control systems. The PL reflects the probability of the system successfully performing its safety function.

4. Validation and Verification: The standard emphasizes the need for validation and verification of safety-related control systems. This involves testing and analyzing the system's performance to ensure it meets the specified safety requirements.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012

By complying with BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012, organizations can benefit in several ways:

1. Enhanced Safety: The standard provides a systematic approach to ensure that machinery and related control systems are designed to minimize risks and protect operators and users from harm.

2. Legal Compliance: Adhering to the requirements of this standard helps organizations meet legal obligations pertaining to machinery safety regulations in many countries.

3. Improved Reliability: Implementing a safety-related control system that conforms to this standard can enhance the reliability and availability of machinery, leading to increased productivity.

4. Competitive Advantage: Organizations that prioritize safety and follow recognized standards demonstrate their commitment to quality and gain a competitive edge.

In conclusion, BS EN ISO 13849-2:2012 is a crucial technical standard that provides guidelines for designing and evaluating safety-related control systems. By complying with this standard, organizations can enhance safety, meet legal requirements, improve reliability, and gain a competitive advantage in today's market.