Certification

Safety Integrity Levels (SILs) are a measure of the impact that a Safety Instrumented Function (SIF) has over the risk associated with a specific hazard. The higher the SIL level is, the more efficient that function will be at reducing the risk it mitigates. In other words, SIL can be seen as an indicator of the acceptable failure rate for a security function. SIL rating is a fundamental parameter to consider when comparing products; it is also an increasingly important requirement in various public and private tender invitations for the supply of mechanical systems and electrical and electronic products. SIL standards, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), focus on functional safety. IEC standards define four SILs – 1 to 4 – a SIL is determined on the base of both quantitative and qualitative factors based on several methods used in combination, these include risk matrix, risk graphs and Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA). The higher the SIL, the more serious the potential impact of a failure is, therefore the lower the acceptable failure rate is. SIL certification, within a given system, depends on multiple factors, these include: type of technologies; system architecture; number of system components; probability of failure on demand (PFD) of each component; diagnostic test intervals. A product with SIL certification is deemed “suitable for use within a given SIL environment”, in this way the entire system is taken into account. What is SIL 3? SIL 3 is one of the SILs defined by the IEC 61508 standard. SIL 3 is defined by a risk reduction factor of 1.000 – 10.000 of failure on demand and 10-8 – 10-7 for probability of failure per hour. It is a quantitative assessment of the acceptable failure level for a security function. Why is SIL 3 important? The SIL of a Safety Instrumented Function (SIF) in a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) is based on a number of methods such as Safety Layer Matrix (SLM), Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) or Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). The above methods take into a ccount the types of accident that can occur, their probability, the way they are related and their consequences in terms of cost. The recommended SIL level is therefore the appropriate level for the risks that your organisation faces. If SIL 3 is deemed the appropriate SIL, it means that SIL 3 is the minimum integrity level that can reduce the risk – that is, the cost per unit of time – associated with a particular hazard to an acceptable level. What does SIL 3 mean for device choice? SIL 3 is not designed to give a rating of a specific device, but of the function that a device (or a set of devices) performs. Is SIL 3 expensive? Evaluating the cost of a safety function is a difficult task. You need to be mindful that it is not just the upfront cost of implementing it, but also the cost associated with the risk that it mitigates. Implementing and maintaining SIL 3 will incur additional operating costs, it requires a specific skill set to be developed within the operating team and devices rated for SIL 3 use can be more expensive. Therefore, SIL 3 is only recommended under critical and specific circumstances. However, the cost of not implementing the appropriate SIL significantly outweighs the cost of implementing it. In conclusion SIL 3 is recommended only under special circumstances. Nevertheless, where it is deemed appropriate, SIL 3 is critical to ensuring the adequate safety of an operation.

The bizSAFE programme, supported by the Ministry of Manpower was designed to help companies build workplace safety and health capabilities. The programme includes SGSecure elements to help companies to put in place measures to manage potential terror threats. bizSAFE Level 3 recognises that your company has conducted risk assessments for every work activity and process in your workplace, in compliance with the requirements in the WSH

The ATEX Directive covers explosions from flammable gas/vapors and combustible dust/fibers (which, contrary to common belief, can lead to hazardous explosions[3]). The following are classifications for zones that can produce explosive atmospheres. Gas/Vapor/Mist: The following zones are each defined as a place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture of air or dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist... Zone 0 – is present continuously or for long periods or frequently. Zone 1 – is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. Zone 2 – is not likely to occur in normal operation, and if it does occur, will persist for a short period only. Dust/Fibers: These are defined as a place in which an explosive atmosphere is in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in the air. Zone 20 – is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently. Zone 21 – is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally. Zone 22 – is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only. Effective ignition source Effective ignition source is a term defined in the European ATEX directive as an event that, in combination with sufficient oxygen and fuel, can cause an explosion. Methane, hydrogen, and coal dust are good examples of possible fuels.[4] Effective ignition sources are:[5] Lightning strikes Stray currents Static electricity Some frequencies of electromagnetic waves (Light waves) Ultrasound (Any sound waves of higher frequency than what humans can hear; generally considered to be from ~20Hz to ~20kHz) Electrical switches (Toggling an electrical switch (particularly turning it off) can cause arcing inside the switch) Open flames (This may range from a lit cigarette to welding activity) Hot gasses (This can include a gas that just has hot particulates in it) Mechanically generated impact spark (For example, a hammer blow on a rusty steel surface compared to a hammer blow on a flint stone. The speed and impact angle (between surface and hammer) are important; a 90-degree blow on a surface is relatively harmless) Mechanically generated friction sparks (The combination of materials and speed determine the effectiveness of the ignition source. For example, 4.5 m/s steel-steel friction with a force greater than 2 kN is an effective ignition source. The combination of aluminum and rust is also notoriously dangerous. More than one red-hot spark is often necessary in order to have an effective ignition source) Electric sparks (For example, a bad electrical connection or a faulty pressure transmitter) Electrostatic discharge (Static electricity can be generated by air sliding over a wing, or a non-conductive liquid flowing through a filter screen) Ionizing radiation Hot surfaces Exothermic reactions (A chemical reaction that expels heat from the involved substances, into the surrounding area) Adiabatic compression (When air is pushed through a narrow passage quickly, causing the passage's surface to heat up)

For plant operators, process safety is a top priority when handling hazardous processes. Hazards to people, the environment and equipment must be minimized without compromising the production process. Our certified Solution Partners for functional safety support you in achieving the overall risk-reduction goals. They help you implement the best possible protection thanks to reliable safety systems that place the plant in a safe condition in time if the trigger limits are exceeded. With in-depth know-how in the implementation of such systems and all aspects of functional safety, as well as detailed knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, they are the ideal partner for the safety of your production processes.

The National Institute of Metrology, Standardization, and Industrial Quality (INMETRO) is a Brazilian federal autarchy, linked to MDIC, the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. In Brazil, certification bodies must be accredited by INMETRO. Electrical and electronic products that meet Brazilian requirements and that are certified by an INMETRO accredited organization must carry the mandatory INMETRO mark along with the mark of the certification organization, such as UCIEE (União Certificadora para o Controle da Conformidade de Produtos, Processos ou Serviços). Some main attributions of INMETRO are: To execute the Brazilian Metrology and Evaluation of Conformity policies; To verify the observance of the technical and legal requirements related to measurement units and methods and instruments, as well as its application to material products; To keep the standards of the units of measurement, as well as to implement and keep the chain of traceability of measurement unit standards in the country, to guarantee that they are internally consistent and compatible with equivalent international standards, aiming at, in the primary level, to its universal acceptance and, in the secondary level, to its use as supporting the productive sectors of the economy, with a focus in the quality of goods and services; To fortify the participation of Brazil in the related Metrology and Evaluation of Conformity international initiatives, and promoting the interchange with international entities and organisms; To act as CONMETRO Executive Secretariat, providing technical and administrative support to its advisory committees; To foment the use of quality management methods and techniques in Brazilian companies; To plan and execute the activities of accreditation (credenciamento) of calibration and essay laboratories, proficiency essay suppliers, and organisms of certification, inspection, training, and other activities necessary to the development of technological services infrastructure in Brazil; and To co-ordinate, in the scope of SINMETRO, the obligatory and voluntary certification of products, processes, services and the voluntary certification of staff.

nnovative process control technology is the central element in automated process plants, such as in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries. It’s also a key component on the path to digitalization. By controlling, regulating, visualizing and monitoring processes, it ensures that your plant operates reliably, fail-safe and efficiently. SIMATIC PCS 7 or SIMATIC PCS neo form the basis of your end-to-end digitalization concept – including plant engineering, simulation, commissioning, automation and efficient plant operation. Our Solution Partners have a strong focus on the process industry. Together, develop the right solutions for your projects, which enables you to increase production efficiency, ensure product quality and flexibly meet changing requirements.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is an American maritime classification society established in 1862. Its stated mission to promote the security of life, property, and the natural environment, primarily through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets. ABS's core business is providing global classification services to the marine, offshore, and gas industries. As of 2020, ABS was the second-largest class society with a classed fleet of over 12,000 commercial vessels and offshore facilities. ABS develops its standards and technical specifications, known collectively as the ABS Rules & Guides. These Rules form the basis for assessing the design and construction of new vessels and the integrity of existing vessels and marine structures. The primary responsibility of ABS as a classification society is to verify that ABS-classed ships and marine structures comply with the established ABS Rules for design, construction, and periodic survey. If a vessel is found not to comply with the Rules, and the recommendations of ABS are not followed, then the society will suspend or cancel classification. ABS Rules are derived from principles of naval architecture, marine engineering, and associated disciplines. For vessels built to ABS class, ABS engineers must approve the vessel design during engineering review. After design approval, ABS field surveyors attend to the vessel from keel laying to delivery at the shipyard. During the construction of a vessel built to ABS class, surveyors witness the tests of materials for the hull and specific machinery items as required by the Rules. They also survey the building, installation, and testing of the structural and principal mechanical and electrical systems. Offshore & Energy Services ABS also develops standards for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of offshore drilling and production units and gas carriers of all types. These standards cover mobile offshore drilling units (such as jackup rigs, semisubmersible rigs, and drill ships), floating offshore production installations (spars, tension leg platforms, semisubmersibles, and FPSOs/FSOs), fixed offshore installations, pipelines, risers, and single point moorings. ABS was responsible for classing the first mobile offshore drilling unit, the first production spar, the first semisubmersible offshore wind turbine and the first offshore support vessel in the Gulf of Mexico to use hybrid power. Statutory Services ABS also acts as a Recognized Organization on behalf of more than 100 governments. A Recognized Organization is authorized by a flag State to conduct plan review and statutory surveys on ships registered under that flag on behalf of the nation's maritime administration. Typical regulations include the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), SOLAS, MARPOL regulations, and the Load Line Convention. In addition to the national or international tonnage certificates, Panama and Suez Canal tonnage certificates can be issued by ABS on behalf of those authorities.

IECex Certification

Process plants are becoming more complex, and the range of tasks for plant operators is broadening. In order to best support the operating personnel, relevant process information must be available at all times. That is why we offer you customized solutions and special industry know-how with certified partners. Rapid fault diagnosis in critical process situations, better message analysis, and fast and accurate detection of process deviations are just some of the aspects in focus here. At the same time, our Solution Partners ensure maximum ease of use and high operational reliability with minimum engineering effort. In this way, you gain improved flexibility, scalability, availability and safety in your process automation.

IEC 62443-2-4 is a part of the IEC 62443 series of international standards that focus on the security of industrial automation and control systems, commonly referred to as "Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security" or "IACS Security." More specifically, IEC 62443-2-4 addresses the technical security requirements for the development of secure products used in industrial automation and control systems. This standard provides guidelines and recommendations for the secure development and testing of software components that are used in industrial environments to ensure the cybersecurity of these systems. Key areas covered by IEC 62443-2-4 include: 1. **Secure Development Process:** The standard outlines the processes and practices that should be followed during the software development lifecycle to ensure security considerations are properly integrated. This includes defining security requirements, secure design, coding guidelines, and testing. 2. **Security Controls:** IEC 62443-2-4 defines specific security controls that should be implemented within the software components. These controls help to mitigate common cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities. 3. **Security Testing:** The standard provides guidance on various testing activities, including vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, to identify and address security issues in the software. 4. **Security Documentation:** Documentation requirements related to security considerations, design decisions, and testing results are outlined to ensure proper tracking of security-related activities. 5. **Security Maintenance:** Recommendations for maintaining security over the software's lifecycle, including patch management and updates, are provided. The IEC 62443 series, including Part 2-4, is intended to help organizations in industrial sectors establish a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity for their industrial automation and control systems. These standards are particularly important as industries increasingly adopt digital technologies and networked systems, which can expose them to various cyber threats and risks. It's worth noting that the information provided is based on my knowledge as of September 2021. Standards and specifications might have evolved since then, so I recommend checking the latest sources for the most up-to-date information on IEC 62443-2-4 or any related standards.

ISO/IEC 27001 provides companies with a cybersecurity framework to manage risks and protect against threats. Compliance with this framework helps secure information assets such as financial information, personal data, and intellectual property. That includes information related to an organization’s business and employees, as well as their customers and suppliers. Cybersecurity should now be at the top of every company agenda. Cyber incidents such as data breaches and ransomware are regularly making headlines. This is exacerbated by global political tensions. In addition, the majority of enterprises now rely on cloud-based infrastructures, and in many countries around one-third of the workforce now works remotely, at least part of the time. As a result of these changes, organizations are required to reassess their risks and countermeasures in a structured way, in the context of their ISMS. Since ISO/IEC 27001:2013 was published in 2013, the changes in ISO/IEC 27001:2022 were necessary to help address the above-mentioned developments.

The PMP acknowledges candidates skilled at managing the people, processes, and business priorities of professional projects. PMI, the world’s leading authority on project management, created the PMP to recognize project managers who have proven they have project leadership experience and expertise in any way of working.