AS 61508.4-2011 PDF

Full title and description

AS 61508.4-2011 — Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems — Part 4: Definitions and abbreviations. This Australian Standard is an identical adoption of IEC 61508-4:2010 and provides the standardized definitions and abbreviations used across the IEC 61508 series (Parts 1–7).

Abstract

Part 4 of the 61508 series collects and explains the terminology, definitions and a table of abbreviations that are used throughout the functional‑safety family for E/E/PE systems. It groups related terms under headings so that expressions are presented in context; the part does not seek to add technical meaning beyond the definitions themselves. The Australian 2011 edition is a second‑edition adoption of IEC 61508‑4:2010.

General information

• Status: Current (reconfirmed 2023).
• Publication date: 28 March 2011 (AS edition adopting IEC 61508‑4:2010).
• Publisher: Standards Australia.
• ICS / categories: 25.040.40 (Industrial process measurement and control); 29.020 (Electrical engineering in general).
• Edition / version: 2011 (Second edition — identical adoption of IEC 61508‑4:2010).
• Number of pages: 28 pages (AS published PDF/print formats listed as 28 pages).

Scope

Provides definitions and abbreviations for terms used in the IEC/AS 61508 family. Sections cover safety terms, equipment and device terminology, systems and safety‑related aspects, safety functions and safety integrity concepts, fault/failure/error definitions and lifecycle activity terminology. The part is intended to create consistent vocabulary across Parts 1–7 of the standard series.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions of safety‑related terms used across the IEC 61508 series (safety, risk, safety function, hazardous event, etc.).
• Comprehensive table of abbreviations commonly used in functional‑safety documentation.
• Terminology for equipment, devices and system architecture (E/E/PE system definitions).
• Definitions around safety integrity, safety functions, failure modes (fault/failure/error) and the failure model.
• Lifecycle activity terms and confirmation/validation terminology used in Parts 1–7.

Typical use and users

Used as the authoritative vocabulary reference by functional‑safety engineers, system designers, software developers working on safety‑related systems, safety assessors, certification bodies, regulatory reviewers, technical authors and educators. It ensures consistent terminology in specifications, safety cases, assessments and certification artefacts.

Related standards

Part of the IEC/AS 61508 family. Directly related documents include IEC/AS 61508‑1 (general requirements), 61508‑2 (hardware requirements), 61508‑3 (software requirements), 61508‑5 (methods for determination of SIL), 61508‑6 (application guidance) and 61508‑7 (overview of techniques and measures). AS 61508.4‑2011 is the Australian adoption of IEC 61508‑4:2010 and is used alongside the other national adoptions of the IEC 61508 parts.

Keywords

functional safety; E/E/PE systems; definitions; abbreviations; safety integrity; SIL; safety function; fault; failure; lifecycle; Standards Australia; IEC 61508‑4.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 61508.4‑2011 is the Australian adoption of IEC 61508‑4:2010 and provides the authoritative list of definitions and abbreviations used across the IEC/AS 61508 functional‑safety series.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers terminology and abbreviation tables for safety terms, equipment and devices, systems (general and safety‑related aspects), safety functions and integrity, fault/failure/error models and lifecycle activity terms; its purpose is to ensure consistent vocabulary across Parts 1–7.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Functional‑safety engineers, system and software designers, safety assessors, certification bodies, regulatory reviewers, technical writers and educators use it as the common reference for terms and abbreviations in specifications, safety cases and certifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The AS 61508.4‑2011 edition is listed as current and was reconfirmed in 2023; it is the 2011 Australian adoption of IEC 61508‑4:2010 (second edition). Users should check with Standards Australia or their national standards body for any later revisions or reconfirmations.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 4 of the IEC/AS 61508 series (Parts 1–7) covering functional safety of E/E/PE safety‑related systems. Part 4 specifically supplies the definitions and abbreviations used throughout the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Functional safety, E/E/PE, safety integrity level (SIL), safety function, fault/failure/error, lifecycle, definitions, abbreviations.