INTRODUCTION: Why standardization matters for business operations
Modern manufacturing in Ukraine depends on strict safety standards to ensure occupational safety, operational efficiency and compliance with legislation. Among the key standards that determine the safety of automated systems, the SIL (Safety Integrity Level) classification is of particular importance. Selecting components that meet established SIL levels is critical to ensure safe operation of the equipment.
EXPLANATION AND APPLICATION
SIL standards are established by IEC 61508 requirements that apply to automation and safety systems used in industrial facilities. They determine the level of reliability of the security system to ensure that the risk of dangerous situations is reduced. These standards apply to industrial equipment, including electric drives, sensors, reducers, valves, and other components included in safety systems.
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
| STRENGTH | Tolerable risk | Minimum level of reliability | Deadline for implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIL 1 | More than 10 cases per year | 10^6 | There is none |
| SIL 2 | 1-10 cases per year | 10^5 | 2025 |
| SIL 3 | 0.1-1 case per year | 10^4 | 2026 |
| SIL 4 | Less than 0.1 cases per year | 10^3 | 2027 |
IMPACT ON MRO OPERATIONS
Compliance with SIL standards affects the following aspects of the MRO's work:
- Change in component selection requirements: Not all parts can be used in safety systems.
- Additional documentation must be maintained to certify the compliance of each component.
- Increased cost of parts collection: High SIL components are more expensive.
- The need for regular inspection and testing of security systems.
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPONENTS
Security systems require the use of components that have the appropriate certifications:
- Pressure and temperature sensors - certification EN 60068, ISO 9001.
- Valves and fans - certification EN 13445, ISO 12100.
- Electric drives - certification EN 60034, ISO 13849-1.
- Control systems - certification IEC 61508, ISO 13849-2.
CONDUCT OF COMPLIANCE CHECK
- Determine the risk class of your security system.
- Select components that meet the established SIL level.
- Fill in documentation confirming compliance.
- Perform regular inspections and testing of the security system.
- Keep an archive of all certificates and instructions.
- Check all components during major repairs.
- Keep a log of compliance with standards.
- Conduct safety training for staff.
- Use risk analysis tools.
- Apply automated control systems.
- Carry out a compliance check annually.
- Keep all documents in the appropriate order.
- Keep a register of changes made to the security system.
- Perform compliance analysis when implementing new systems.
- Keep a log of changes in the documentation.
POPULAR SUBMISSION MISTAKES
Auditors often detect the following violations:
- Using components that do not have appropriate certificates.
- Insufficient testing of security systems.
- Incorrect use of SIL levels.
- Incomplete documentation.
- Insufficient staff training.
- Failure to perform regular inspections.
SANCTIONS AND COMPLIANCE
Failure to fully comply with SIL standards may result in:
- Financial fines: up to UAH 500,000 per violation.
- Liability insurance waivers.
- Liability for tort in injury cases.
- Refusal to receive relevant certificates.
- Refusal to receive state support.
CONCLUSION
Selecting components that meet established SIL levels is critical to ensure production safety. If necessary, you can find certified components in the UNITEC-D E-Catalog.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
- IEC 61508:2010 - Safety of automation systems.
- ISO 13849-1:2015 - Security in management systems.
- EN 60034:2012 - Electric drives.
- EN 13445:2017 - Valves and pipelines.
- ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management systems.
- ISO 12100:2010 - Machine safety.