Functional safety engineering
Safety-System Design
Safety-system design translates the safeguarding concept into clearly defined functions, devices, logic, outputs, reset behaviour and testable requirements.
- Delivery
- Survey to handover
- Coverage
- Great Britain
- Application
- Project-specific
System intent
Designed around the task—not simply the available component.
Safety-system design translates the safeguarding concept into clearly defined functions, devices, logic, outputs, reset behaviour and testable requirements.
We develop the guarding arrangement in the context of machine movement, product flow, operator behaviour, cleaning and foreseeable intervention. The scope is then defined clearly for detailed engineering and installation.
Key engineering decisions
What the design needs to resolve.
These points are reviewed together because a change to access, stopping or production flow can alter the required safeguarding approach.
- 01
Function definition
Describe what initiates the function, which hazard is controlled and what safe state is required.
- 02
Risk reduction target
Determine the design target and supporting architecture using the project risk assessment.
- 03
Device and logic
Select sensors, logic and final elements with suitable characteristics and diagnostics.
- 04
Testability
Write requirements so each function, fault and operating mode can be verified during validation.
Application review
Design considerations.
- Existing machine documentation and circuit condition
- Control voltage, drives, contactors and valves
- Operating modes and access zones
- Stop category and retained energy
- Reset, restart and diagnostics
- Modification and conformity implications
Typical project output
What can be included in the scope.
The precise deliverables are agreed before work proceeds and depend on whether the project covers mechanical guarding only or an integrated safety-system modification.
- Safety-requirements specification
- Device and architecture selection
- Electrical design or modification scope
- Logic description
- Validation plan
- As-built records and backups as agreed
