Posted to News on 2nd Sep 2008, 16:03
More dates for EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 courses
Pilz Automation Technology has scheduled more EN ISO 13849-1 / EN 62061 training courses for 2012. Since 31 December 2011, EN 954-1 has ceased to provide a presumption of conformity to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, so those responsible for the design, verification and validation of safety-related control functions on machines should now be using either EN ISO 13849-1 or EN 62061 instead. And this includes modifications made to safety functions on existing machines. David Collier, the Business Development Manager at Pilz Automation Technology, states: "Being able to use one of these standards is now a must, and it is beneficial to have an understanding of both."
As many will already know, the reliability of a safety function needs to be considered when working to the functional safety standards, as well as Diagnostic Coverage, the category and steps to reduce Common Cause Failures.
When it comes to addressing reliability of the safety-related parts of a control function, the most widely promoted means of verification is the 'parts count' method provided in Annex D of EN ISO 13849-1, which analyses the control function by channels and requires channel MTTFd (mean time to dangerous failure) to be calculated by use of the following equations:
For a symmetrical system (either single-channel or composed of redundant, identical channels):
For an asymmetrical system (composed of redundant, diverse channels):
Anyone who has tried to apply this in the real world, however, may have struggled because component data for the MTTFd is unavailable, especially for complex devices such as safety relays, light curtains, variable-speed drives, servo drives and coded non-contact switches. Pilz has therefore developed a training course that provides delegates with the necessary information and a tool (PAScal software) for applying the standards appropriately. Pilz trainers take delegates through three ways to do this, using whatever component reliability data is available (MTTFd, B10d, PFH, or PL).
Critically the 'subsystematic' approach of EN 62061 to analysing a safety-related control function is brought in to play to help delegates understand how safety function integrity can be verified; this is one reason why it is beneficial to understand both standards, and why EN 62061 is also introduced during the course.
Pilz has developed the course for automation, electrical, maintenance and project engineers, as well as automation managers, maintenance managers and safety specialists.
The course includes the latest version of the Pilz PAScal safety calculator software (v1.6.0), with instruction and practical examples of its application. By using PAScal, the SIL and PL of alternative designs can be simply and quickly calculated and the results evaluated for cost efficiency. The software also produces reports that can be used as part of the machine's Technical File. Importantly, the time to dangerous failure of components (T10d) is highlighted so that designers can warn users in instructions when specific components should be replaced to ensure safety functions remain dependable throughout the machine's mission time (Tm).
Pilz has increased the number of dates for its popular course, Safety design incorporating EN ISO 13849-1/EN 62061. Courses are scheduled to run at the Pilz training facilities in Corby, Northamptonshire, on the following dates during 2012: 1 February, 19 March, 9 May, 17 September and 12 November. Pilz trainers can also bring the course to a client's site at a date to suit both parties, which is proving to be a popular option for many companies.
Follow the link for details and to book scheduled courses or, to arrange an on-site course, call Pilz on +44 (0)1536 460766 or email [email protected].
