Addressing Machine And System Operational Risks In The Safety Lifecycle

CSA Group

July 21, 2019

In manufacturing, it is not enough to say that the operation of machines and systems is critical to the creation of the end product. “Operation” is only one part of the equation. Efficient production of end products depends on the correct operation of machines and systems in all scenarios. History shows there is a great need for industry to provide evidence of the reliability of automated safety systems to ensure the safety of people, the environment, and corporate assets. IEC 61508 and related standards provide the systematic capability lifecycle approach necessary to achieve functional safety. New and existing plants are being measured against the criteria of this standard and market requirements for elements/sub-systems that are suitable for SIL-rated systems are now commonplace. 

In the whitepaper we discuss:

  • Benefits of Evaluation and Certification to Functional Safety Standards
  • Real Life Examples of the Basic Principles of Functional Safety
  • SIS Implementation
  • Steps to Achieving Functional Safety

Download the full whitepaper here

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Electrical Permit Requirements for Alarm System and Voice, Data, Video Installations

    Electrical Permit Requirements for Alarm System and Voice, Data, Video Installations

    January 19, 2026 Other than the exceptions listed below, electrical permits and inspections are required for all electrical work involved in the installation of intrusion and similar alarm systems in all structures. Electrical permits and inspections ensure that low -voltage systems are installed safely and in compliance with Code requirements. A permit and inspections must Read More…

  • The Role of Lighting in the AI-Powered Home

    The Role of Lighting in the AI-Powered Home

    January 14, 2026 Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, joins Derek Richardson, Founder and CEO of Deako, for a wide-ranging conversation on how lighting is becoming a core layer of the intelligent home. The discussion explores how Deako’s plug-and-play lighting approach is removing long-standing barriers to adoption by simplifying installation, reducing costs, and Read More…

  • What Canada’s Lighting Pulse Means for Contractors and Plant Buyers in 2026

    What Canada’s Lighting Pulse Means for Contractors and Plant Buyers in 2026

    January 14, 2025 By John Kerr From the ground, many contractors and plant teams are experiencing the same thing: jobs are there, but they are smaller, more price‑sensitive, and slower to release compared to past years. The Canadian Pulse of Lighting confirms that impression and offers some clear signals about how contractors and plant electrical Read More…

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – 26th Edition[i] – A Road Map: Section 54

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – 26th Edition[i] – A Road Map: Section 54

    January 12, 2026 By Bill Burr The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Leviton Canada Partners with The Titan Group to Strengthen Midwest Presence

    Leviton Canada Partners with The Titan Group to Strengthen Midwest Presence

    January 19, 2026 Leviton Canada is proud to announce its partnership with The Titan Group, who will now represent Leviton’s Residential and Commercial & Industrial product lines across the Midwest provinces, effective January 1, 2026. “We’re excited to begin our partnership with Titan,” said Bill Tischner, Western Sales Director. “Their industry expertise, commitment to service, Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Xavier Biot as Vice President, Strategic Accounts

    Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Xavier Biot as Vice President, Strategic Accounts

    January 19, 2026 Hammond Power Solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Xavier Biot as Vice President, Strategic Accounts. In this role, he will lead HPS’s strategic account teams. He will partner with customers to align transformer and power quality solutions with evolving electrification, sustainability, and operational needs. His focus will be on helping Read More…

  • ABB Chosen to Supply Technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

    ABB Chosen to Supply Technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

    January 12, 2026 ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries). One of the largest ferry operators in the world, BC Ferries provides year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, carrying Read More…

  • Federal Government Invests in Four Ontario Steel Companies

    Federal Government Invests in Four Ontario Steel Companies

    January 12, 2026 Through targeted investments, the Government of Canada is committed to providing support to help businesses in all sectors, including steel and automotive, to respond, adapt and compete amid shifting market conditions. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Read More…