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News Release from: 61508 Association
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 05 August 2003
Safety system pressure group formed
Companies using the international safety system standard IEC61508 have banded together to promote the benefits of accredited certification to the standard.
Companies using the international safety system standard IEC61508 have banded together to promote the benefits of accredited certification to the standard The 61508 Association has grown out of an informal group of manufacturers, users and certifiers of safety related systems
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 28 Sep 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The 61508 Association has already established strong links with the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and with The CASS Scheme.
The HSE played a major role in the development of the standard as an aid to demonstrating the adequacy of safety related systems.
The CASS Scheme set up a certification scheme which defines the methodology for demonstrating the conformity of these systems with the standard.
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One of the association's founder members Rob Stockham said: "The transition from an informal 'club' to The 61508 Association is a significant step forward to all those throughout the safety life cycle and supply chain, who need help, honest information and a forum to exchange ideas.
The participation of the HSE and The CASS Scheme gives credibility to the Association and provides the vital opportunity for all concerned to learn from each other and continue to develop the best ways to adopt and use IEC61508".
The HSE has issued a statement on accredited certification to IEC61508 by the CASS route.
It recognises the value of schemes such as CASS in helping duty holders to demonstrate that the functional safety of safety related systems has been properly addressed.
In the context of regulatory regimes where safety cases are required, the adoption of schemes such as CASS could provide useful evidence as part of the demonstration that risks have been reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
The association will pursue its aim through meetings with influential organisations, publication of articles on the benefits of accredited certification of conformity with IEC61508 and helping members and others involved with safety related systems to find information relating to the application of IEC61508.
Through discussions between members, common problems can be identified and joint efforts applied to finding solutions.
By representing all companies interested in accredited certification to IEC61508, the association can use its influence to enhance the value of safety-related systems.
Companies interested in joining or just finding out more about the practical application of IEC61508 and related standards can participate as guests for a limited period before deciding to become members.
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