What systems does IEC 61508 cover?
IEC 61508 applies to safety-related systems when one or more of such systems incorporate electrical and/or electronic and/or programmable electronic (E/E/PE) devices. It covers possible hazards caused by failure of the safety functions to be performed by the E/E/PE safety-related systems, as distinct from hazards arising from the E/E/PE equipment itself (for example electric shock etc). It is generically based and applicable to all E/E/PE safety-related systems irrespective of the application. It is recognized that the consequences of failure could also have serious economic implications and in such cases the standard could be used to specify any E/E/PE safety-related system used for the protection of equipment or product. The range of E/E/PE safety-related systems to which IEC 61508 can be applied includes: emergency shut-down systems fire and gas systems turbine control gas burner management crane automatic safe-load indicators guard interlocking and emergency stopping systems for ma
