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.
We will discuss this among other things in this webinar.
Steve Gandy joined exida as VP of Global Business Development, from Metso, bringing with him 35 years of experience of industrial controls and safety experience. He was responsible for sales and operations in Asia for Metso, setting up their India subsidiary and China energy and process team. Steve was also responsible for managing Metso’s VAR partners in the region, as well as developing new markets in Vietnam, Egypt, Indonesia, Ukraine and Guam.