What is the difference between functional safety and safety?

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the terms "functional safety" and "safety" are often used interchangeably. However, there are significant differences between these two concepts that distinguish them from each other. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the dissimilarities between functional safety and safety.

Understanding Functional Safety

Functional safety refers to the capability of a system or equipment to ensure that it continuously functions correctly and safely, even in hazardous or abnormal conditions. It involves various measures, including design, hardware, software, and management processes, to mitigate risks associated with malfunctioning or failure of the system. The primary goal of functional safety is to prevent or minimize harm to people, property, and the environment.

The Essence of Safety

In contrast, safety, in its broadest sense, encompasses all the measures taken to protect individuals, assets, and the environment from potential hazards. While functional safety focuses on specific systems and their functioning, safety takes into account a more holistic approach, considering the overall wellbeing and protection of everything and everyone involved.

Different Approaches and Objectives

Functional safety relies on systematic analysis, identification of potential failures, and implementing appropriate risk reduction measures. It follows international standards and regulations to ensure that safety requirements are met throughout the system's lifecycle. Safety, on the other hand, emphasizes hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of preventive measures to avoid incidents or accidents.

While functional safety primarily concerns high-risk systems, such as those found in industries like automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing, safety extends beyond these specialized domains. It applies to various aspects of our daily lives, including workplace safety, public safety, product safety, and environmental safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, functional safety and safety are distinct concepts that address different aspects of protecting people, assets, and the environment. Functional safety predominantly focuses on ensuring proper functioning and risk reduction of specific systems, whereas safety encompasses a wider scope, considering the holistic wellbeing and protection of various facets of life. Both functional safety and safety play crucial roles in creating a secure and sustainable environment.