Functional Safety
Functional safety involves a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating risks in system operations that is the linchpin that guarantees the reliable and secure operation of equipment and processes, safeguarding against accidents, injuries, and environmental damage. At AcuTech, we recognize that functional safety measures are not just safeguards; they instill confidence that systems will operate safely even in adverse conditions. Our comprehensive approach identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks associated with system failures, offering organizations a proactive strategy to minimize the impact of accidents or incidents on both human life and the environment.
AcuTech offers a holistic range of services to support organizations in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to their processes and systems. This encompasses Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) sessions, and Functional Safety Assessments (FSA) for compliance evaluation and improvement opportunities. Our expertise extends to Safety Instrumented System (SIS) design and implementation, Functional Safety Management (FSM) development, proof testing, and maintenance procedures, as well as comprehensive support for compliance, certification, emergency response planning, and documentation/reporting. Well–versed in methodologies such as LOPA, SIL verification, FMEA, and FTAs, our consultants offer in–depth knowledge of current and proposed process safety regulations. AcuTech’s commitment to hazard analyses, risk assessments, safety audits, and training programs equips your organization to adeptly navigate the intricacies of handling highly hazardous materials.
Specializing in customized consulting services tailored to the intricate needs of international petroleum and energy companies, AcuTech’s experts are ready to guide organizations through safety analysis methods, whether qualitative or quantitative. Security-focused consultants hold credentials such as Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE), Certified Functional Safety Professional (CFSP), or their equivalents. Partner with AcuTech to tap into our comprehensive understanding of process hazards and reinforce your dedication to safety. Let AcuTech be your trusted ally in navigating the intricate landscape of industrial processes, delivering tailored solutions that prioritize the well–being of your personnel and the safeguarding of your assets.
- Hazard & Operability Study (HAZOP)
- Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)
- Process Hazard Analysis (PHA)
- Functional Safety Assessments (FSAs)
- Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Reviews
- Functional Safety Management (FSM)
- Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA)
- Safety Integrity Level (SIL) Verification
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Fault Tree Analysis (FTAs)
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards developed by industry bodies and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards. A sampling of the relevant codes and standards can be found below.
- IEC 26262 – Road vehicles – Functional safety. IEC 26262 is an international standard that addresses the functional safety of electrical and electronic systems within road vehicles. It provides guidelines for the development of safety-critical systems to ensure their reliability and safety in automotive applications.
- IEC 60079 – Explosive Atmospheres. This standard provides requirements and guidelines for the design, construction, testing, and certification of electrical equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres. It aims to prevent ignition sources that could lead to explosions in hazardous environments.
- IEC 61508 – Functional Safety. IEC 61508 is a foundational standard for functional safety that provides a general framework for the design and implementation of safety-related systems across various industries. It sets out principles and requirements for ensuring the safety of systems that involve electrical, electronic, or programmable components.
- IEC 61511 – Functional Safety. Specifically tailored for the process industry, IEC 61511 outlines requirements for the specification, design, installation, operation, and maintenance of safety instrumented systems (SIS). It focuses on ensuring the safety of processes and facilities in sectors such as chemical, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.
- IEC 62061 – Safety of machinery. This standard addresses the functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic, and programmable control systems used in machinery. It provides requirements and guidance for the design, implementation, and validation of safety systems to reduce the risk of injury to machinery operators.
- ISO 13849 – Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems. This standard is applicable to the design of safety-related parts of control systems for machinery, providing requirements and guidance on achieving functional safety.
- ISA 18 – Alarm Management. ISA 18 provides guidelines for the design, implementation, and management of alarm systems in industrial processes. It aims to improve the effectiveness of alarm systems while reducing the likelihood of alarm floods and operator fatigue, thereby enhancing overall process safety.
- ISA TR 84.00.07 – Fire & Gas Systems. This technical report offers guidance on the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of fire and gas detection systems in industrial facilities. It addresses the selection of appropriate detection technologies and the integration of these systems into overall process safety strategies.
- ISA TR 84.00.09 – ICS Cybersecurity. ISA TR 84.00.09 focuses on cybersecurity for industrial control systems (ICS). It provides recommendations for securing ICS networks and devices against cyber threats, including guidelines for risk assessment, access control, and incident response.
- ISO 13849 – Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems. ISO 13849 provides requirements and guidance for the design of safety-related parts of control systems used in machinery. It addresses the functional safety aspects of control systems to minimize the risk of injury to machinery operators and bystanders.
- ISO 22734 – Hydrogen Electrolyzers. ISO 22734 specifies safety requirements and guidelines for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of hydrogen electrolyzers. It aims to ensure the safe production of hydrogen through electrolysis processes, addressing potential hazards associated with hydrogen production.
- API RP 14C – Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation, and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms. Developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API), this recommended practice focuses on the analysis, design, installation, and testing of safety systems for offshore production platforms.
- NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code. NFPA 70, also known as the National Electrical Code (NEC), provides requirements for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems. It covers a wide range of electrical applications and is widely adopted in the United States and other countries.
- NFPA 70B – Electrical Equipment Maintenance. NFPA 70B offers guidelines for the maintenance of electrical equipment to ensure its continued safe and reliable operation. It addresses preventive maintenance practices, testing procedures, and inspection schedules for various types of electrical equipment.
- NFPA 70E – Electrical Equipment Safety. NFPA 70E focuses on electrical safety in the workplace, providing guidelines for the identification and mitigation of electrical hazards. It covers topics such as electrical safety training, hazard analysis, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with electrical systems.
- NFPA 85 – Boilers. NFPA 85 addresses the safety of boilers and combustion systems, providing requirements for their design, installation, operation, and maintenance. It aims to prevent fires, explosions, and other hazards associated with boiler operations.
- NFPA 86 – Ovens and Furnaces. NFPA 86 provides guidelines for the safe design, installation, operation, and maintenance of ovens and furnaces used in industrial processes. It addresses combustion systems, heat transfer equipment, and related safety considerations.
- NFPA 87 – Fluid Heaters. NFPA 87 focuses on the safety of fluid heaters, providing requirements and recommendations for their design, installation, operation, and maintenance. It covers various types of fluid heaters, including steam generators, thermal fluid heaters, and process air heaters.
- NFPA 496 – Purged and Pressurized Enclosures. NFPA 496 addresses the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of purged and pressurized enclosures used to protect electrical equipment in hazardous environments. It provides requirements for the prevention of ignition sources and the safe operation of electrical systems.
- NFPA 497 – Hazardous Area Classification. NFPA 497 offers guidelines for the classification of hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts may be present. It provides criteria for determining the extent of hazardous zones and the selection of electrical equipment suitable for use in these environments.EN 61513 – Nuclear power plants – Instrumentation and control systems important to safety – Requirements for coping with common cause failures (CCF). Specifically applicable to the nuclear industry, this standard addresses instrumentation and control systems important to safety, with a focus on mitigating common cause failures.
- ANSI/ISA S84.01 – Application of Safety Instrumented Systems for the Process Industries. Published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and ISA, this standard provides guidelines for the application of safety instrumented systems in the process industries.
AcuTech consultants have contributed to the following standards, codes, and programs.
- Committee Member – ISA84: Instrumented Systems to Achieve Functional Safety in the Process Industries
- Committee Member – ISA99: Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security