Integrating control and safety — where to draw the line
20 January, 2009 by Robin McCrea-Steele*New digital technology now makes it feasible to integrate process control and safety instrumented functions within a common automation infrastructure. While this can provide productivity and asset management benefits, if not done correctly, it can also compromise the safety and security of an industrial operation. This makes it critically important for process industry users to understand where to draw the line. Cyber-security and sabotage vulnerability further accentuate the need for securing the Safety Instrumented System (SIS).
Proven in prior use: a DIY challenge
18 May, 2008 by Dr Eric Scharpf, CFSE, and Dr William Goble, CFSE*Australian and international safety standards permit users to apply a ‘proven in prior use’ methodology to justify their safety integrity level (SIL)-rated safety instrumented system (SIS) equipment. But, before you choose that option, be sure you can accept the responsibility and you have the proper tools and procedures.
