exida Recorded Webinars

Given the risks involved, especially with hoists, conveyors and now with driverless vehicles being used both above and below ground, the need for functional safety is more apparent. Depending upon the level of risk and approach, a combination of risk-based, performance-based, standards such as IEC61508, IEC61511 and machinery standards such as ISO13849 and IEC62061, is required. Undertaking the proper risk assessment approach and using techniques such as Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) can help identify the correct level of mitigation and risk reduction required. With the level of automation and complexity involved, ensuring the equipment is correctly designed, implemented and maintained, to achieve the given level of risk reduction is paramount. Ensuring that operators and maintenance staff are properly trained and competent will ensure that failures, such as occurred at the Impala mine, are few and far between.