Out for Comment: IGEM/SR/15 Edition 6 - Integrity of safety-related systems in the gas industry
We are currently seeking comments on IGEM/SR/15 Edition 6 - Integrity of safety-related systems in the gas industry.
This standard is applicable to safety-related control and protection systems in the gas and process industries, including gas terminals, transmission, distribution and storage and industrial, commercial and domestic gas installations. It is also relevant to offshore installations. In view of the general similarity of equipment in its many applications, this standard is considered to be suitable for wider application in the process industries. It is largely aimed at designers and safety assessors but, nevertheless, some essential aspects of operation and maintenance are included.
The standard embraces the whole of the control or safety system concerned and extends from field sensors (or other input devices) through to the field devices (for example, valves, pumps, fans) and includes human factors. The term process refers to all the equipment of the physical process together with the control and protection systems. It applies to all electrical and electronic systems and, although not specifically included in BS EN 61508, the principles can also be applied to mechanical and/or pneumatic items.
The term “programmable electronic system” (PES) is the generic description used for all electronic control systems which employ digital computing. PESs consist of both electronic hardware and software code which provides the functionality.
An assessment includes the following elements:
- Identify hazards and establish maximum tolerable risks so as to target appropriate safety integrity levels (SILs) for safety functions
- Establish if the hardware reliability meets the requirements implied by the integrity targets
- Ensure that the principle that risks need to be shown to be “as low as reasonably practicable” (ALARP) has been applied to the reliability assessment
- Establish if the architectures, i.e. measures associated with redundancy and proportions of hazardous failures, have been met
- Demonstrate that the life-cycle methods and controls have been applied appropriate to the SIL in question
- Show that all the organisations (from user to equipment supplier) have suitable functional safety competence.
If you wish to comment on this Standard, please download the draft and comment form and return by the deadline of 5 August 2026.
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This is a draft document and should not be regarded or used as a fully approved and published Standard. It is anticipated that amendments will be made prior to publication. Using or sharing it outside the official source may lead to errors, safety risks, and missed updates.
It should be noted that this draft Standard contains intellectual property belonging to IGEM. Unauthorised copying or use by any unauthorised person or party is not permitted.
This is a copyright document of the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers. Enquiries should be addressed in the first instance to IGEM Technical Officer Andrew Richardson on 01509 678150, or [email protected]