What is EN ISO 13949-1:2019?

EN ISO 13949-1:2019 is an international safety standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the design of safety-related parts of control systems. It is specifically focused on the design aspects related to electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic systems (E/E/PES) used in machinery. This standard aims to ensure the safety of machinery operation by reducing the risk of injury to operators and other personnel.

Requirements of EN ISO 13949-1:2019

The standard defines a set of requirements that must be met when designing safety-related control systems. These requirements include the identification of safety functions, determination of performance levels (PL), selection of appropriate methods for achieving safety, validation of safety functions, and implementation of necessary measures to reduce risks.

One of the key concepts introduced by EN ISO 13949-1:2019 is the Performance Level (PL). The PL represents the level of risk reduction that can be achieved by a safety function. The higher the PL, the more reliable and effective the safety function is. The standard outlines different methodologies, such as qualitative or quantitative analysis, to assess the PL required for each safety function based on the associated risks.

Implementation of EN ISO 13949-1:2019

Implementing the requirements of EN ISO 13949-1:2019 involves a systematic approach to safety design. This includes defining clear safety objectives, conducting thorough risk assessments, selecting suitable components and technologies, verifying the safety functions, and documenting all relevant information.

Designers must also consider factors like fault behavior, diagnostic coverage, and common cause failures during system development. The standard provides guidance on how to achieve these requirements and emphasizes the importance of documentation to ensure traceability and enable future modifications or improvements to the safety systems.

Benefits and Applications

Complying with EN ISO 13949-1:2019 offers several benefits to machinery manufacturers and users. Firstly, it helps in ensuring the safety of machine operators and reducing the risk of accidents. By following the guidelines provided, manufacturers can design robust safety systems that protect personnel from hazards associated with machinery operation.

Secondly, compliance with this standard enables manufacturers to meet legal and regulatory requirements related to machinery safety in many countries. It also enhances the reputation of both manufacturers and users by demonstrating their commitment to providing safe working environments.

The applications of EN ISO 13949-1:2019 are broad and cover various industrial sectors where machinery is used, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and more. Any industry that uses machinery with safety-related control systems can benefit from implementing this standard to ensure the highest level of safety for its employees.