Functional Safety Data Resources
For many years the most common way of classifying safety related systems on machinery has been to use the Categories of the standard EN 954-1 “Safety related parts of control systems”. This standard will be withdrawn December 31st 2011. After this date, EN 954-1 can no longer be used to provide a presumption of conformity with the European Machinery Directive. A new standard to replace EN 954-1 has already been published and is available for use: EN ISO 13849-1:2008, or “Safety of machinery - Safety related parts of control systems”. It provides a transition path from the previous five “Categories” (B, 1, 2, 3, 4) to the new classification of five “Performance Levels” (a, b, c, d, e).
In some circumstances it may be possible to use alternative standards such as EN (IEC) 62061. However, the majority of designers will likely turn to EN ISO 13849-1 because the standard has been specifically drafted to provide a transition path for those who design systems to Categories per EN 954-1. It covers all control system technologies (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic) and can be used either for a complete system or for a subsystem. For the next few years EN ISO 13849-1 is likely to become the most commonly used standard for machine safety systems. Click here to download our Safety Performance Levels brochure and learn more about the changing standards EN954-1 to EN ISO 13849-1.
What is the SISTEMA Tool?
The IFA SISTEMA calculation tool automates calculation of the attained Performance Level (PL) of the safety related parts of a machine’s control system in the context of EN ISO 13849-1. SISTEMA is available in English and German language versions and may be downloaded free of charge by following the link to IFA’s website (The Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance - formerly BGIA). Click here to download the SISTEMA Tool
How is Rockwell Automation Supporting SISTEMA?
Two resources have been created to use as an aid in determining the PL specs for a wide array of Rockwell Automation safety products. Data is now available in the form of an electronic library (download located on the left navigation) or pdf datasheet (download located on the left navigation). Each can be used with IFA's SISTEMA calculation tool based on EN ISO 13849-1.
The availability of the electronic library and/or datsheet is evidence of the recognition by Rockwell Automation of the impact of EN ISO 13849-1 and other functional safety standards on industry. It is one of a number of activities and tools launched to provide help and guidance on how to deal with changes in legislation and standards in an ever more competitive environment.
IFA's SISTEMA calculation tool used with the Rockwell Automation electronic SISTEMA library or pdf datasheet will provide machinery and system designers with comprehensive support in the evaluation of safety in the context of EN ISO 13849-1.
PLEASE NOTE: As of January 1, 2010, the former BGIA in Sankt Augustin is now be named the "Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance", abbreviated as "IFA". Current version of IFA SISTEMA Calculation Tool:
1.1.1 to be used with Rockwell Automation electronic SISTEMA Library version 1.1.1
Click here to download the latest Rockwell Automation SISTEMA Library
Click here to download the latest IFA SISTEMA Tool
Click here to download the Rockwell Automation Functional Safety Datasheet (pdf)