Product category:
Gas monitoring and analysis
News Release from: Draeger | Subject: SIL compliance
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 August 2005
Draeger saves time and effort over SIL
compliance
The need for safe system design is placing more and more focus on Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Standards: an innovative approach by Draeger Safety is making SIL compliance easier
The need for safe system design is placing more and more focus on Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Standards This is particularly true in any application where there is a need to constantly monitor and detect explosive or toxic gases and vapours, as well as oxygen deficiency and/or enrichment
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 26 Oct 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, an innovative approach by Draeger Safety is not only making SIL compliance easier, but it is also saving organisations both time and effort in meeting the requirements.
Whilst some organisations have taken the individual component route to SIL compliance, Draeger has adopted a complete system approach utilising REGARD Controllers.
Doug Longstaff, Product/Technical Operations Manager, explains, "Following extensive customer consultation and many hours of data checking we found that, whilst individual components may be verified against a SIL target, it counts for nothing unless the entire system has been verified".
"By offering a complete system approach, including installation as well as the controllers, cables, input and output devices and service and maintenance procedures, we are able to guarantee Life Cycle Safety reliability in accordance with SIL requirements for as long as the integrity of the system is maintained: For the first time, this means that SIL compliance can be achieved at, almost, the touch of a button".
System integrity is essential.
For instance, should a user change the system parameters by, perhaps, performing service and maintenance at seven months instead of the recommended six, the probability of failure will have been changed and SIL will no longer be valid.
For this reason, Draeger supports each of its SIL installations with a set of comprehensive user notes that combine recommended guidelines with comments and examples to ensure that the ramifications of any changes are clearly understood.
Editors note: Otherwise known as BS EN 61508, SIL is the international standard for electrical, electronic and programmable electronic safety related systems.
It sets out the requirements for ensuring that systems are designed, implemented, operated and maintained to provide the required SIL level.
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