Functional safety solutions

Protect your people, equipment and work environments

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Functional safety is such a crucial element of machines and automation at bulk materials handling sites. Aiming to minimise safety risks to operators, wider team members and the equipment deployed, functional safety solutions differ in complexity.

MRA’s team of TUV-certified engineers can help you meet your functional safety goals and compliance requirements. Operating as an independent body within the organisation, we aim to sustain integrity in our recommendations, while being sensitive to the costs and overcomplication of SIL solutions.

Capabilities in this area include:

SIL-rated safety systems (AS61508)
Anti-collision systems (ACS)
Emergency shut-down systems

Safety assessments and reviews
Design/site audits to AS4024
Isolation systems and failure mode/reliability assessments

Functional safety compliance
Functional safety workshops
Functional safety documentation
Third-party reviews

Benefits

With MRA’s extensive bulk materials handling experience, we’ve dealt with functional safety requirements as simple as temperature sensors and as complex as emergency brakes and PLCs.

Our safety knowledge helps to save lives, eliminate risks and ensure your machines perform optimally.

Functional safety requirements are always evolving as technologies advance, which is why we work closely with engineering teams to ensure all systems are functionally safe and compliant.

FAQs

Can MRA perform the entire 61508 lifecycle?

Whilst MRA has the ability and knowledge to perform the entire lifecycle, we typically perform the realisation phase for our clients.

What are some of the most common industrial applications for functional safety that you experience?

Plant or Machine shutdown systems, including estops, end of travel etc., and the implementation of process safety resulting from client hazops.

How is MRA qualified to be a functional safety partner?

MRA has been undertaking Functional Safety projects since 2005, in process control for bulk material handling systems. MRA has five engineers with TÜV Rheinland certification.

What our clients say

Geoff Irvine

Rockwell Automation

“We are delighted to have collaborated with MRA and this high value application.
The Smart Stockyard Management System is a key piece in bringing the “Connected Mine” to life for our mining customers.”

What our clients say

Anthony Manousso

Anglo American

“The coding that MRA developed within the ControlLogix PLC is extremely efficient and reliable. We are now using it for 98 percent of loading. This TLO system is an integral part of our pit to port operation.”

What our clients say

Travis Burton

Port Kembla

“The stockpile modelling and laser optimisation were major factors in our efficiency gains.”

Achieving Compliance with Minimal Impact to Machine Operations

The client was required to update their stockyard machine to a machine anti-collision system. This system also required the machines to operate in close proximity with the reclaimer operating under the Stacker counterweight.

The goal was to achieve compliance with the AS61508 standard, while minimising impact to normal machine operations and easily meeting ongoing proof testing requirements.