• What Does IEC 61511 Mean by Competency?

    Jul 09, 2025

    When the latest edition of IEC 61511 was published in 2016, one of the key changes was the emphasis on competency and some further guidance on what this means. The relevant clauses in the IEC 61511:2016 are 5.2.2.1 to 5.2.2.3 under Clause 5.2.2: Organization and Resources. I am often asked what is competency? And, in […]

  • How can IEC 62443 certification help IACS service providers?

    May 28, 2021

    In the previous blog, it is discussed that how IEC 62443 can help an asset owner. In this blog, let us have a look at how IEC 62443 is useful for IACS service providers. IEC 62443-2-4 and/or IEC 62443-3-3 will apply to you if you are a system service provider who provides system integration service […]

  • Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow?

    Apr 12, 2018

    When I was a kid, I liked watching the Jetsons.  I felt certain that by the year 2000 we’d all be enjoying those flying saucers and futuristic homes.  Imagine my disappointment that in 2018 we still drive on 4 wheels… and my home cannot elevate itself above bad weather… and I still don’t have a […]

  • Functional Safety Assessment of Valve Assemblies (Part 1)

    Mar 29, 2018

    [:en][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this blog series, I will cover the emerging trends in the valve assembly market, how these trends relate to the IEC 61511 requirements, and what’s in a final element. When you look at the different devices that go into some of these safety systems, the final element becomes quite complex. I will also cover […]

  • Fake Fact: Final Elements should not be included in SIF evaluation

    Mar 15, 2018

    [:en][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ehh… If your safety action is stopping flow/closing a valve, how are you going to accomplish this if you consider that the remote actuated valve is not part of your SIF ? So, what is this myth based on? The title of IEC 61508 reads “Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems”. The argument typically made […]

  • You want what?? You want it when??

    Mar 09, 2018

    [:en][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Estimating time and cost for a project, or even part of a project, can be tricky.  Breaking down the tasks into subparts must be done or you don’t stand a chance.  Given enough time, you can develop an accurate estimate and put a good plan in place.  But sometimes you can’t flush out all the […]