SIL verification and Calculation Workshop 

A workshop that teaches you the essential skills you need to perform SIL verifications and calculations. 

Join and learn how to perform and document the verification of SIFs step by step. Learn SIL Verification from Dr Michel Houtermans, a functional safety master with over 30 years of experience.

NEXT INTAKE

Live Online STARTS ON Jan 13, 2025 at 9:00 (Paris time) ENDS ON Jan 15, 2025 at ±15:00

A WORKSHOP THAT TEACHES YOU HOW TO DO SIL VERIFICATION INCLUDE SIL CALCULATION

In this workshop, you will discover what it means to perform SIL verifications and calculations according to IEC 61511. It does not matter whether you have never completed a verification in your life or whether you are already a seasoned verifier. This workshop gives you the knowledge you need to perform and document them correctly.

We will explain the theory and give you practical examples. Then you can apply what you learned right away through exercises. It is a workshop, so you will have to do some work.

This workshop brings SIL verification up to the level it deserves, and you will play the lead role. Want to know if this workshop is for you?

Ask yourself:

  • Does SIL verification actually exist?
  • Does SIL calculation actually exist?
  • Is a PFD calculation work, or is it verification? Or is it both?
  • How long does it take to verify the SIL compliance of one safety function?
  • What is the most critical starting information for any SIL verification?
  • Is a verification successful when the safety function is not compliant?
  • Do you know who is allowed to do verification and who is not?
  • Do you know how to document verification work?
  • Does functional safety management need to be verified?
  • Do you know if verification needs to be validated, or does validation need to be verified?
  • Do you know what SLATS is and why it is essential for SIL verification?
  • If a cause and effect diagram does not really represent requirements, what does it mean then?
If you know the answers to the above questions, congratulations, you are a verification expert. If not, this course is for you.

12
Hours estimated effort
1255
Students enrolled
The Curriculum

Explore the SIL Verification and Calculation curriculum

The SIL Verification and Calculation online training program for SIL practioners with a good understanding of functional safety.

In each lesson you will join Dr Michel Houtermans for a 10-20 min video lesson on the key principles of practical and fast SIL verification.

Throughout the program you will find the same practical approach that make Michel one of the most advanced SIL Verifier and Certifiers amoung the practioners in the worlds.

This is a no-nonsenses training program. This program teaches you how the standard wants you to SIL verification.


Module 1 - Introduction

In this module we give a short introduction into safety instrumented functions and the role they play in terms of layers of production. Further more we address the rules that apply to SIFs.

Key topics:

  • We need safe processes
  • Layers of protection philosophy
  • Importance of safety instrumented systems
  • SIS and SIF
  • What safety functions should (not) do
  • The rule book
  • What matters

Module 2 - Introducing SIL Verification

In this module we explain what SIL Verification is, and what it is not. We clarify a few terms, including terms used in industry that are not used in the IEC 61511 standard. In the end you will understand how they relate together.

Key topics:

  • The safety life cycle and the work
  • Verification and assessment
  • SIL verification
  • SIL assessment
  • SIL certification
  • Typical SIL verification activities
  • Functional safety management

Module 3 - Verifying the Safety Instrumented Function

Module 3 is were the actual verification work starts. We start with the most fundamental verification activity and that is the verification of the defined safety instrumented function

Key topics:

  • Defining the SIF
  • No SIF, No SIL verification
  • About SIF description
  • The S.L.A.T.S. concept
  • Good examples

Module 4 -Verifying the Safety Requirements Specification

Once the SIF is clearly defined the safety requirements can be defined. In this module you learn how and what you need to verify when you verify the SRS.

Key topics:

  • Projects fail everywhere
  • Requirements versus specification
  • The need for safety requirements
  • The need for SMART requirements
  • Attributes of SMART requirements
  • What is an SRS
  • Overview of requirements
  • The role of a cause and effect diagram
  • Verification of an SRS

Module 5 -Verifying the Hardware

Based on the SRS safety devices are selected and bought that will eventually implement the SIF. In this module you learn how to verify that safety equipment is actually SIL compliant.

Key topics:

  • Verifying the hardware
  • How to select SIL compliant devices
  • When is a device SIL compliant
  • Three compliance routes
  • Full compliance route
  • How to read a certificate
  • Proven in use route
  • Prior use route
  • Verification of devices

Module 6 -Verifying the Architecture

The SIL compliant devices are used to build the architecture of the SIF. But there are rules for building the architecture. In this module you learn how to verify the architecture according to IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 rules.

Key topics:

  • Subsystems
  • Three architectural constraints options
  • Option 1 - IEC 61508 Full compliance
  • Option 1 - Diverse solutions
  • Option 2 - IEC 61508 Proven in use
  • Option 3 - IEC 61511 Prior use
  • Architectural constraints not met?
  • Verifying architectures

Module 7 -Performing or Reviewing the PFDavg and PFH calculations

Only after the architecture has been decided and the devices have been selected is it possible to perform a PFD calculation. In this module we teach you how to verify the PFD calculation. Or how to perform the calculation yourself, which then needs to be verified. We will give a demonstration of our online PFD calculation tool as well.

Key topics:

  • Why the PFDavg/PFH calculation?
  • SIL target
  • Risk reduction target
  • How to calculate PFDavg or PFH
  • Simplified equations
  • PFDavg and PFH equations
  • 6 Steps to make a calculation
  • Verifying calculations
  • What to do if simplified equations do not work

Module 8 -Verifying the Application Program

The application program is at the core of each SIF. In the industry the application program is the least verified topic and the least understood topic. In this module we teach you what to pay attention to and how to verify the application program.

Key topics:

  • Verifying the software
  • Embedded, application and utility software
  • Application program safety requirements specification
  • General application program requirements
  • Application program design requirements
  • Application program implementation requirements
  • Previously developed functions
  • Application program verification requirements
  • Modifications
  • Parametrisation
  • Verification application programs

Module 9 -Basic Safety and User Documentation

In this module we teach you how to verify basic safety properties so that the end-user gets a SIF that works in its intended environment. Furthermore, the end-user gets a new SIF and does not know how it works. We teach you the content and how to verify the user documentation.

Key topics:

  • Functional safety versus basic safety
  • Basic safety parameters
  • Functional safety versus the user
  • User/safety manuals
  • SIF/SIS manual
  • Verification manuals

Module 10 -Validation

Last but not least we need to verify the FAT, iFAT and SAT. In the module we teach you the difference between the different validation tests and how to verify them

Key topics:

  • Common validation tests
  • How about pre-FAT
  • The validation verification objective
  • (integrated) Factory acceptance testing
  • Verifying the (i)FAT
  • SAT versus (i)FAT
  • SAT verification

Exam

For those who opted to be certified as FS Specialist in SIL Verification and Calculation there will be an online exam.

Role Certification - Professional SIL Verifier

For those who want to take certification to the highest level there is the optional Role Certification as SIL Verifier. See certification options below.
KNowledge and ROLE Certifications

YOur certification optionS

You can follow this workshop with or without certification. When you choose to do the exam you can get a Risknowlogy FS Specialist certificate or a FS Specialist with distinction certificate in the field or SIL Verification and Calculation. 


There Is a Higher Level of Certification As Well.

This option is outside the scope of this course. It is a higher-level certification and focuses on practical experience you have as a SIL verifier. With this course, you can get a combo deal if you want to include the certification of your practical experience as well. If you do not have practical experience yet we will help you. To achieve this certification, you need to:

Submit 2 case studies using our templates. You get the templates as part of this course.
Submit two references.
Interview.

The certification title depends on the number of hours you can prove. Based on this course, you can achieve Professional. But if you have enough hours also qualify as Expert or Master SIL Verifier.


NOTE: As a bonus we give you the checklists and report templates to complete your higher-level certification absolutely free.

Knowledge Certificate - FS Specialist in SIL Verification and Calculation

Role Certificate - Certified SIL Verifier

Dr Michel Houtermans

Founder of Risknowlogy, Functional Safety Master with 25+ years experience

Founder of Risknowlogy, Functional Safety Master
with 25+ years experIence

Dr. Michel Houtermans, Founder and Managing Partner of Risknowlogy GmbH, is an eminent expert in risk, reliability, and functional safety. With an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Risk and Safety Management, he has significantly contributed to the industry. Under his leadership, Risknowlogy has become a global leader in functional safety certification, offering advanced training and tools for risk management. One of the first TUV Functional Safety Expert is renowned for his expertise, shared at various international forums. He has trained over 5000 engineers, developed numerous certification programs, and authored two books and many publications. His fluency in Dutch, English, and German further enhances his international reach and impact.

What students say about the program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Self-Study, Live Online and In-Person

  • Self-Study: Self-study refers to the process of learning independently without direct supervision or guidance from a teacher or instructor. In many instances we do have periodic live Q&A sessions.
  • Live Online: During live online training participants attend live sessions conducted by an instructor or trainer through MS Teams or Zoom
  • In-Person: During in-person training participants and trainers gather together physically in the same location for example your company office or a hotel.

Can I cancel and get a refund if I'm and not satisfied?

We want you to be nothing but satisfied with your Risknowlogy training course. We do offer refunds, but some conditions apply depending on the course mode:
Self-Study courses
  • The course comes with a 7 day money back guarantee.
  • Exception: Once you have earned your Course Certificate, you are no longer eligible for a refund, even if you earn your Certificate within the 7 days refund period.
Live Online courses
  • You can request a refund up until 1 day before the training course starts.
In-Person courses
  • You can request a refund up until 7 days before the training course starts.
Please note: Charged credit card cost or bank wire transfer cost may not be refundable.

When can I do the exam?

This depends on the course mode you are attending:
  • Self-Study: The exam is available at any time. You can do it as soon as you feel confident.
  • Live Online: As soon as the course is finished
  • In-Person: As soon as the course is finished

Can I take a retake exam?

Should you fail the exam you can contact us for a free retake exam. If you want to achieve a higher score, then you can take a retake exam, but it will not be for free. Contact us for details.

Does this training come with a certificate?

This training comes with a knowledge certificate. Once you pass the exam you will get the FS Specialist in SIL Verification and Calculation certificate.

Is there a higher level of certification possible?

Yes, you can get your practical experience as a SIL Verifier certified. This is called Role certification. 

Will I get a personal Safety Passport®?

Yes, everybody who follows a Risknowlogy training gets a personal, online Safety Passport®.
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