Good alarm system performance cannot be provided by technology alone. Sustained alarm system performance is achievable through informed and motivated management of the system by the system owner, following a clear alarm management lifecycle approach:

The principals of good alarm management are captured in the EEMUA 191 guidance and have been formalised in the alarm management standards IEC62682 and ISA 18.02, which utilise an alarm management lifecycle approach as the core mechanism for the definition, design, implementation, operation and maintenance of alarm systems for hazardous processing plant and machinery. The principles of these standards and the KPIs defined within them are a benchmark against which your company will be measured by industry regulators. It is therefore important that alarm system owners can demonstrate best practice through compliance with the alarm system lifecycle framework by virtue of supporting procedures and formally documented working practices. In addition, well managed alarm systems have been shown to deliver improved process up time and increased efficiency that can deliver operational financial benefit.

Operators and regulators around the world see compliance with IEC 61508 and 61511 as the optimum way of managing the integrity of Safety Instrumented Functions (SIFs) e.g. plant trips.

Compliance requires effective:

• Target Safety Integrity Level (SIL) studies
• SIF design and validation processes
• Inspection and testing procedures

TÜV Rheinland has vast experience of helping operators to improve their performance in all of these areas.

IEC 61508 and 61511 compliance - efficiently

Hazardous area management

To cost effectively manage hazardous areas a number of aspects need to be considered:

• Area classification studies
• Equipment selection
• Equipment risk assessments
• Equipment inspection and maintenance procedures
• Work and access management systems

TÜV Rheinland has vast experience of helping operators to improve their performance in all of these areas.

Controlling risks - cost effectively

Link to Mechanical integrity

Emergency response

Pressure relief systems can have a significant financial and safety impact on your business.

We will help you secure better business performance by delivering:

• Excellent safety and environmental performance
• Reduced lifetime costs
• Improved asset reliability

Our unique lifecycle approach to pressure relief considers all these aspects for both new and existing plant and processes.

We have experience in all aspects of relief system design, specification, installation, verification, operation, review and audit covering:

• Relief valves
• Bursting discs
• Discharge and disposal systems
• Pipework
• Instrumentation