What systems does IEC 61508 cover?

IEC 61508 applies to ’safety-related control systems’ when one or more of such systems incorporate electrical and/or electronic and/or programmable electronic (E/E/PE) devices. It covers possible hazards due to failure of the E/E/PE safety-related systems to correct perform the safety functions, rather than safety hazards which the equipment could present such as electric shock, stored energy etc.