MACHINERY & MACHINE SAFETY I SO 13849 applies to parts


of machinery control systems that are assigned to providing safety functions. It provides safety requirements and guidance on the principles of design, and the integration of safety-related parts of control systems (hardware or software). Ultimately it is organisations and people that are responsible for realising functionally safe products and systems. While the focus of interest has always been the safety of operating and maintenance staff, the other goal is to minimise the costs of operation and servicing or maintenance. Effective functional safety management is therefore vital. This includes  individuals involved, proof of their competence   However, the wide range of functional safety standards creates a complex regulation  the appropriate product or


system-related standard. Therefore, it often   this important decision?


QUALITY


Quality, undoubtedly, should be one of the   organisation that has an established and transparent culture of quality, where processes are constantly reviewed and improved, and which continuously strives to be the best, will provide you with a foundation for success. Find  consistency of successful projects is a good signpost that future projects will be successful  


There are five key questions to ask when determining the quality of a functional safety testing and certification provider: 1. Are they following good practices and industry regulations?


 standards?


3. Have they been inspected/audited by relevant regulatory authorities for the 


4. Do they allow customer inspections or audits?


5. How do they review their own processes? EXPERIENCE


You will want to select a functional safety provider with experience and expertise in your product or industry. This is particularly  can provide solutions to problems in real-time. Ideally, there will be a mix of experienced engineers and technicians, innovative and cutting-edge technology and professional  the best possible results for your project.


CAPABILITIES


It may sound obvious, but it is imperative to 


26 MARCH 2025 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


FINDING THE RIGHT FUNCTIONAL SAFETY EXPERT


By Stewart Robinson MIET MInstMC, advisory consultant and functional safety expert at TÜV SÜD, a global product testing and certification organisation


organisation will be able to provide you with all the services you need for your product development programme. What is critical here is not to accept things at face value.    whether all activities and services are provided directly by the provider’s employees, or via sub-contractors. Having all the testing and   timelines by ensuring technical rigour and 


COMMUNICATION


Moving beyond the more technical criteria, communication is a crucial factor when  A healthy relationship between the client and provider is pivotal for the successful completion of your functional safety testing program to time and budget. Ultimately the provider you select will be an extension of your  


TIMELINESS


When evaluating functional safety testing    completion. If you are considering an integrated  to evaluate the experience and expertise of the project manager who will run your programme, as their role will be pivotal. Ideally, the TIC  should be able to provide real-life examples and case studies of successful programmes they have completed.


It is clear that a holistic approach to functional safety is therefore required, which  across all project phases, from design and development to manufacturing and installation,  decommissioning. Given this complexity, TIC organisations need to provide holistic services, which offer system owners and manufacturers one-stop multi-disciplinary support.


TÜV SÜD www.tuvsud.com


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