What is EN ISO 13849-2:2021?

EN ISO 13849-2:2021 is an international standard that specifies the requirements and principles for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems (SRP/CS) in machinery. It provides guidance on how to achieve the necessary level of safety for machinery by identifying and assessing risks, and implementing appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate these risks.

Understanding the Scope

The scope of EN ISO 13849-2:2021 includes safety-related electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems (SRECS) used in machinery. It applies to the SRP/CS throughout the life cycle of the machinery, from concept to disposal. The standard outlines the different phases involved in the safety lifecycle, starting from risk assessment and continuing through hazard analysis, system design, validation, and follows up during the operational phase.

Key Requirements and Principles

EN ISO 13849-2:2021 emphasizes a systematic approach to achieving functional safety in machinery. It sets out the key requirements and principles that need to be considered during the design and integration of safety-related control systems. These include:

To identify all hazards and potential risks associated with the machinery and its intended use.

To determine the required safety performance levels (PLr) for safety functions based on a quantitative assessment of the risk.

To perform a thorough analysis of all components, subsystems, and their interactions to ensure they meet the necessary safety requirements.

To implement measures to reduce and control risks, such as using reliable components, redundancy, and fault-detection mechanisms.

To validate the safety functions and provide documentation to demonstrate compliance with the standard.

Benefits of Compliance

Complying with EN ISO 13849-2:2021 brings several benefits to both machinery manufacturers and users. Here are some key advantages:

Enhanced safety: The standard helps to identify and mitigate potential risks, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Legal and regulatory compliance: Adhering to recognized international standards ensures compliance with legal requirements and regulations related to machinery safety.

Improved marketability: Machinery that meets the required safety standards is more attractive to customers and may give manufacturers a competitive edge in the market.

Reduced liability: Implementing proper safety measures reduces the risk of liability claims resulting from accidents or injuries caused by the machinery.

Increased reliability: Following the principles and requirements of the standard leads to the use of reliable components and systems, increasing the overall reliability of the machinery.