What is the difference between 13849 and 62061?

In the field of industrial safety, two standards are highly regarded around the world: ISO 13849 and IEC 62061. Both standards aim to ensure the safety of machinery and equipment, but they have several key differences. Understanding these differences is crucial for manufacturers, engineers, and safety professionals. This article explores the disparities between ISO 13849 and IEC 62061, providing a thorough analysis of each standard.

ISO 13849: Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems

ISO 13849 focuses on the safety-related parts of control systems. It provides guidelines and requirements for the design and implementation of safety functions in machinery. The standard utilizes performance levels (PL), which indicate the reliability of safety-related control systems. PL is determined based on factors such as the probability of dangerous failures and the severity of potential injuries. ISO 13849 employs a qualitative approach, assigning a PL ranging from "a" (lowest) to "e" (highest) to each safety function.

IEC 62061: Safety of machinery - Functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems

While ISO 13849 is more focused on the control systems, IEC 62061 takes into account a broader range of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic control systems used in machinery. The standard emphasizes functional safety, which refers to the system's ability to execute the necessary safety functions under defined conditions. Unlike ISO 13849, IEC 62061 uses a quantitative approach by employing a Safety Integrity Level (SIL) classification. SIL represents the level of risk reduction provided by a safety function, with SIL 1 being the lowest and SIL 4 being the highest.

Differences and considerations

While both ISO 13849 and IEC 62061 address machinery safety, they have some notable differences that should be considered. First, the PL and SIL classifications are not directly interchangeable. A PL "e" does not necessarily equate to SIL 4. Implementers must carefully evaluate the requirements of each standard and ensure proper translation between the two. Moreover, IEC 62061 places more emphasis on the systematic capability and lifecycle of safety-related control systems, requiring a comprehensive analysis of the entire system's functionality.

Another important consideration is regional acceptance. ISO 13849 is widely accepted in European countries and is often specified in relevant legislation such as the Machinery Directive. On the other hand, IEC 62061 has broader international acceptance, particularly outside of Europe. Manufacturers must take into account the specific regulations and guidelines applicable to their target markets when choosing between these two standards.

In conclusion, both ISO 13849 and IEC 62061 play crucial roles in ensuring machinery safety. ISO 13849 focuses on safety-related parts of control systems, using performance levels for classification, while IEC 62061 encompasses a wider range of control systems and employs Safety Integrity Levels. Understanding the differences and making informed decisions based on regional acceptance and specific requirements are essential for implementing effective safety measures in the manufacturing industry.