Pilz offers three levels of safety validation

Pilz, the automation company for the safety validation of plant and machinery now offers machine manufacturers and operators a choice between three different levels of safety validation…   selecting the scope and depth of validation that matches their exacting needs for a standard-compliant design of the plant and machine, plus maximum safety. 

After risk assessment, creation of the safety concept and safety design then system implementation, safety validation  is the final step towards the safe commissioning of plant and machinery. It is intended to ensure that protective measures are implemented correctly, and that the safety system is fully functional. International standards such as ISO 13849, IEC 62061 and IEC 61508 form the basis. They specify that machine manufacturers or operators must regularly confirm that the safety design has been implemented correctly. However, the requirements may vary depending on the specific application: Does it involve additional machines of a type that is already validated? Have only minor changes been made to the machine? Or have complex and significant changes been made to the machine, therefore CE marking must be repeated? Which level of validation is appropriate in each case? 

Pilz provides support with tailor-made validation and, for this purpose, has extended its range of machinery safety services: “Until now we have offered validation as a full- service package” says John McAuliffe, Vice President International Service Group at Pilz. “However, in certain cases, for example when buying machinery from manufacturers with whom you already have a good working relationship, when identical machines are already installed or when minor changes are made to existing machines, then a scaled-down check may be sufficient.” For the first time, Pilz enables machine manufacturers and operators to have a validation that individually meets their needs, as well as confirmation of compliance with the relevant standards. That means greater efficiency during implementation. 

Three customized levels include Level One, that contains a basic validation check that highlights key non-conformances. Level Two carries out a more thorough examination, particularly in functional safety. This guarantees that the machine provides adequate safety measures. And finally, the Level Three validation service is an intensive, detailed conformity check, as required for CE conformity. At all three levels, machine manufacturers and operators benefit from the specialist knowledge of Pilz experts. 

Pilz