According to IEC 61511, safety functions implemented on a general-purpose computer in BASIC must adhere to which standard?

According to IEC 61511, safety functions implemented on a general-purpose computer in BASIC must adhere to which standard?

• A. IEC 61511
• B. IEC 61508
• C. No standards apply as this is not permitted
• D. Both I and II

Answer: (B)

The reason the answer is IEC 61508 is that this standard provides the necessary framework for achieving functional safety in different sectors, including those using software-based systems like general-purpose computers programmed in BASIC. IEC 61508 serves as a foundational safety standard for all safety-related systems, particularly those relying on software for the execution of safety functions. IEC 61511, while significant, is a standard that applies specifically to the process industry and is built upon the principles established in IEC 61508. Therefore, any safety functions that are implemented on general-purpose computers must first comply with the IEC 61508 standards, ensuring that the software architecture and its functionality meet established safety integrity levels. This foundational nature of IEC 61508 secures that safety functions will manage risk appropriately, even when developed using general-purpose software languages. The other options imply either that there are no applicable standards or that both IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 are necessary, which overlooks that IEC 61508 is the primary standard dictating safety practices in software implementations like those described.

The reason the answer is IEC 61508 is that this standard provides the necessary framework for achieving functional safety in different sectors, including those using software-based systems like general-purpose computers programmed in BASIC. IEC 61508 serves as a foundational safety standard for all safety-related systems, particularly those relying on software for the execution of safety functions.

IEC 61511, while significant, is a standard that applies specifically to the process industry and is built upon the principles established in IEC 61508. Therefore, any safety functions that are implemented on general-purpose computers must first comply with the IEC 61508 standards, ensuring that the software architecture and its functionality meet established safety integrity levels. This foundational nature of IEC 61508 secures that safety functions will manage risk appropriately, even when developed using general-purpose software languages.

The other options imply either that there are no applicable standards or that both IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 are necessary, which overlooks that IEC 61508 is the primary standard dictating safety practices in software implementations like those described.