scope:

The VDI/VDE 2180 series of guidelines consists of the following parts:

Part 1 Introduction, terms, concept

Part 2 Management system

Part 3 Plant engineering, realization and operation

Part 4 Calculating methods

Part 5 Recommendations for practical use

This guideline applies to installations in the process industry, such as the chemical and petrochemical industries, especially when they are subject to the German "Störfallverordnung" (Major Accidents Regulation). It is based on the harmonized standard DIN EN 61511 (VDE 0810).

The use of this guideline assumes that all relevant laws, regulations, accident prevention regulations and other rules, standards and technical rules, etc. are observed in engineering, implementation and operation.

The protection of these installations using process control engineering (PCE) resources is described. General principles are also described and assistance is provided for the engineering, implementation and operation of such installations.

Process installations are preferably protected with non-process control systems. Safety instrumented systems (SIS) are used if other measures are not applicable, inadequate or - assuming a comparable reduction of risk - not cost-efficient. The use of measures which are simple, comprehensible and immediately effective will usually result in solutions which are both reliable and cost-efficient.