Synopsis
The fifth of the twelve planned workshops, this event broke away from the tradition of running a two-day workshop; feedback from the TLG member, TÜV, indicated that within Germany there already are a large number of IEC61508 events and the majority are one day. It was considered that a SIPI event would be valuable in demonstrating a non-commercial approach to knowledge dissemination and the concept of a Focus Group was introduced.

In Cologne during March ten people attended the project’s one-day Focus Group. Dr Peter Wratil of Innotec presented a view, appropriately titled ‘IEC61508 Vision and Reality’, outlining the issues faced by the machinery sector in implementing IEC61508. German industry is debating a number of technical issues such as harmonized safety standards, relevance of IEC61508 to the German machinery sector, the impact withdrawal of national standards in September 2004 will have on safety-related industry, the steps taken by German industry to demonstrate compliance, system integration of safety related sub-systems and components and the impact of new technologies.

The TLG member, TÜV, supported by the attendees agreed to maintain the Focus Group and expand its membership.

Speakers
The main speakers provided views from opposite sides of the regulatory fence and helped to generate stimulating discussion on a variety of topics related to the content, interpretation and application of the standard.