What is IEC 62061 and what does it cover?

IEC 62061 is the sector specific standard for electrical and/or electronic and/or programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems within machinery safety. The series of documents have been developed following the basic safety publication IEC 61508 for application within machinery safety.

The standard covers the following aspects of functional safety within machinery safety:

  • Functional Requirements specification
  • Safety Integrity Requirements

As machinery can be used with often access to hazardous zones and potential harm to people the standard provides specific guidance on the handling of these ‘High Demand / Continuous Demand’ safety systems.

The standard utilises different terminology which is more aligned to the industries which it serves. A safety related system becomes a Safety Related Control System for instance.

The application of IEC 62061 supports the technical file within the EU with regards to the successful application of the CE mark to the equipment, which it protects, and the Provision of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 assessments within the United Kingdom