Introduction to the Evolving Standards ISO 13849-1:2023 and EN IEC 62061
The industrial landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and heightened safety expectations. In response, machinery safety standards such as EN ISO 13849-1 and EN IEC 62061 are evolving to meet these new challenges. With a strict compliance deadline set for May 2026, these standards are more vital than ever as they ensure the integration of safety across the lifecycle of machinery, encompassing mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic controls. Adhering to these updated norms by the deadline is crucial for maintaining relevance in today’s rapidly changing industrial environment.
Analysis of EN ISO 13849-1:2023 and EN IEC 62061 Revisions
- EN ISO 13849-1:2023 : This standard governs the safety-related parts of control systems across all machinery types. It now requires manufacturers to conduct detailed risk assessments to ascertain necessary safety functions and the corresponding Performance Levels (PLs). Recent revisions streamline this process, enhancing the precision of PL calculations and introducing more robust system reliability methods. A case in point is the introduction of advanced simulation tools that allow for more accurate modeling of complex safety systems before physical implementation.
- EN IEC 62061 : Focusing on the safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable systems, this standard offers a comprehensive framework for addressing the entire machinery lifecycle, emphasizing system design, integration, and validation. The updates promote the use of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and methodologies that improve the prediction and mitigation of operational risks, showcasing a shift towards predictive maintenance strategies to enhance safety.
Real-World Impact of Revised Machinery Safety Standards
The updates to these standards have practical implications across various sectors:
- Automated Production Lines: Enhancements in EN ISO 13849-1 require precise safety function modeling. For instance, a robotic arm’s stopping performance in automated lines must now be calculated with greater accuracy, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency.
- Heavy Machinery in Construction: EN IEC 62061 necessitates robust safety controls for equipment like cranes, requiring systems that can reliably perform under fluctuating stresses.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment: The stringent safety requirements in pharmaceutical production mandate high-reliability controls, especially for processes involving hazardous materials.
- Food Processing Industry: Quick, safe reconfiguration of production lines is essential as per EN IEC 62061, ensuring safety controls adapt to changes without compromising standards.
Challenges Presented by New Standards
The revised standards introduce several complexities in design and compliance, compelling manufacturers to adopt sophisticated solutions:
- Sophisticated Diagnostics: Implement advanced diagnostic and monitoring systems to continuously assess the operational health of machinery, detecting anomalies before they lead to failures.
- Robust and Resilient Safety Functions: Design safety functions that are durable and adaptable, capable of performing under a variety of operational scenarios and environmental conditions.
- Maintaining High Safety Integrity Levels (SILs) or Performance Levels (PLs): Develop systems that consistently achieve and maintain high SILs or PLs through dependable and efficient safety measures.
onEdge’s Solution: Tailoring AMI Technology to Meet Modern Safety Standards
At onEdge, we understand the complexities introduced by the evolving machinery safety standards and have developed our Artificial Micro Intelligence (AMI) to directly tackle these challenges. Here’s how AMI provides comprehensive solutions:
- Advanced Diagnostics and Real-Time Monitoring: AMI technology excels in real-time data processing and analysis, which is crucial for the sophisticated diagnostic systems demanded by new standards. By continuously monitoring machine operations, AMI can detect and alert about anomalies at an early stage, preventing potential safety issues before they escalate.
- Robust and Adaptive Safety Functions: Our AMI solution is built to be both robust and flexible, enabling it to adapt to various operational scenarios and environmental conditions. This adaptability ensures that machinery operates safely under diverse conditions, maintaining compliance with required safety functions and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.
- Ensuring High Safety Integrity Levels: AMI’s technology is designed to support high levels of safety integrity. By integrating our solution, manufacturers can ensure that their machinery not only meets but exceeds the required Performance Levels (PLs) and Safety Integrity Levels (SILs). This is achieved through reliable safety measures that are continuously improved via AMI’s learning capabilities.
- Seamless Integration: AMI can be integrated smoothly into existing systems, offering manufacturers a scalable solution that bolsters safety functions without necessitating extensive system overhauls. This integration flexibility is key for manufacturers looking to upgrade their systems incrementally as they navigate the transition to newer standards.
By adopting onEdge’s AMI, manufacturers can effectively address the challenges presented by new safety standards, enhancing both compliance and operational efficiency. Our team at onEdge is dedicated to collaborating with manufacturers to tailor AMI solutions that meet specific needs, ensuring that your machinery is not only compliant but also at the cutting edge of safety and technology.
