Course information
Functional Safety (IEC 61508) training is available in the following formats
Learning objectives
- Explain the fundamentals of functional safety and why it is critical in managing industrial risks
- Understand the structure, scope, and intent of IEC 61508 and its sector-specific adaptations (e.g. IEC 61511)
- Apply the functional safety lifecycle, from concept and design through operation, maintenance, and decommissioning
- Identify safety functions and determine required Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) using risk-based methods
- Assess, design, and implement safety-related systems (hardware and software) to meet SIL targets
- Conduct verification, validation, and assessment activities to demonstrate compliance with functional safety requirements
- Integrate human, organisational, and management factors into functional safety programs
- Recognise the roles, responsibilities, and competencies needed for functional safety management
- Understand documentation, change management, and lifecycle maintenance obligations for ongoing SIL assurance
- Appreciate common challenges, failure modes, and good practices in implementing functional safety standards
Key contents
- Introduction to functional safety: purpose, benefits, and key terminology
- Overview of IEC 61508: scope, principles, and sector applications
- The functional safety lifecycle: concept, risk assessment, design, implementation, operation, modification, and decommissioning
- Risk assessment methods and hazard identification techniques relevant to SIL determination (e.g., LOPA, QRA)
- SIL determination and assignment: risk reduction targets and integrity requirements
- Design and implementation of safety instrumented systems (SIS), safety hardware, and software
- Verification, validation, testing, and proof testing strategies
- Functional safety management systems: roles, responsibilities, competence requirements, and independence
- Change management, documentation, and audit trails across the lifecycle
- Common pitfalls, failure modes, and good practices in functional safety implementation
- Overview of relevant tools, software, and techniques used in functional safety assessments
- Case studies and real-world examples from the process, energy, and manufacturing sectors
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of system engineering, instrumentation, or safety concepts is recommended. No prior experience with IEC 61508 or SIL assessments is required.
