IEC 61508-2 sets out a generic approach for all safety lifecycle activities for systems comprised of electrical, electronic or programmable electronic elements that are used to perform safety functions. This unified approach has been adopted so that a rational and consistent technical policy be developed for all electrically based safety-related systems. IEC 61508-2 applies to any safety-related system, that contains at least one electrical, electronic or programmable electronic element.
Systems comprised of electrical or electronic elements have been used for many years to perform safety functions in most application sectors. Computer-based systems (generically referred to as programmable electronic systems) are being used in all application sectors to perform non-safety functions and, increasingly, to perform safety functions. If computer system technology is to be effectively and safely exploited, those responsible for making decisions must have sufficient guidance on the safety aspects on which to make these decisions.
IEC 61508-2 specifies the requirements for activities that are to be applied during the design and manufacture of safety-related systems except software. These requirements include the application of techniques and measures that are graded against the safety integrity level, for the avoidance of, and control of, faults and failures. It also specifies the information necessary for carrying out the installation, commissioning and final safety validation of the safety-related systems.
The text of IEC 61508-2:2010 has been approved in Europe as EN 61508-2:2010 without any changes.
