16 May, 2018

Q & A: Category 2 and Testing Intervals

by Doug Nix
in Control Functions, Functional Safety, Interlocks, ISO 13849, Q & A /
6 Comments
Logical block diagram for ISO 13849-1 Category 2 architecture.

During the Free Safety Talks that we did with Schmersal Canada and Franklin Empire, we had a “hot question” come up regarding Category 2 architecture and the testing interval requirement. The definition of Category 2 in 6.2.5 does not include any mention of a minimum testing rate, but 4.5.4 “Simplified procedure for estimating the quantifiable…

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15 May, 2018

Q & A: Can Safety PLCs be used for Lockout?

by Doug Nix
in Functional Safety, Hazardous Energy Control Procedures, ISO 13849, Lockout, Ontario, Q & A /
3 Comments
Disconnect Switch with Lock and Tag

The question of lockout and the use of safety PLCs as a means to meet the lockout requirements comes up more and more frequently these days. Can Safety PLCs be used for lockout? Safety professionals don’t always agree on this controversial topic! During the Free Safety Talks that we did with Schmersal Canada and Franklin Empire,…

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