Configuring an FSA
Configuring an FSA allows administrators to customise how Functional Safety Assessments are performed while maintaining alignment with IEC 61511 requirements. Safety Lifecycle Manager (SLM) provides flexible configuration options for assessment checklists, checklist items, FSA stages and conformance mappings, enabling organisations to tailor assessments to their own functional safety management processes.
Although SLM includes a complete set of default Functional Safety Assessment checklists, organisations often need to add company-specific questions, adjust checklist descriptions or configure additional assessment content. These changes can all be managed through the System module without affecting the integrity of the IEC 61511 assessment workflow.
This guide explains how configuring an FSA works, the available configuration options and the recommended approach for maintaining compliance while adapting assessments to your organisation’s requirements.
Configuring an FSA Checklists
Configuring an FSA begins with the Verification Checklist configuration area within the System module. Administrators can modify existing Functional Safety Assessment checklists or create entirely new checklists for use during future assessments.
Standard IEC 61511 checklists are supplied by default and provide the foundation for every Functional Safety Assessment performed within Safety Lifecycle Manager.
- Edit checklist names.
- Update checklist descriptions.
- Create new FSA checklists.
- Assign checklist categories.
- Maintain company-specific assessment templates.
Only administrator accounts can modify Functional Safety Assessment checklist configurations.
IEC 61511 FSA Stage Configuration
Each Functional Safety Assessment is associated with one of the IEC 61511 Functional Safety Assessment stages. Safety Lifecycle Manager provides configurable stage values while recommending that organisations retain the default IEC 61511 stages wherever possible.
Although additional stage values may be created, modifying the standard stage numbering is generally not recommended because the supplied stages align directly with IEC 61511 guidance.
- Stage selection.
- Default IEC 61511 stages.
- Optional additional stages.
- Stage-specific checklist assignment.
Learn more about the assessment process in our Conducting an FSA guide.
Configuring FSA Checklist Items
Configuring an FSA also includes managing individual checklist items contained within each Functional Safety Assessment checklist.
Administrators can:
- Edit checklist item descriptions.
- Hide standard checklist items.
- Create additional checklist items.
- Maintain organisation-specific questions.
Standard checklist items supplied with Safety Lifecycle Manager cannot be deleted, ensuring compliance with the supplied IEC 61511 assessment templates. However, they may be hidden when alternative company procedures are required.
Configuring FSA Checklist Associations
Once checklists have been created, they must be associated with one or more Functional Safety Assessment stages using the FSA Checklist Reference configuration tables.
Each checklist can be assigned to one or multiple assessment stages depending on organisational requirements.
For example:
- HAZOP Verification.
- LOPA Verification.
- SRS Verification.
- Engineering Design Verification.
- IPL Validation.
If a checklist is required for multiple assessment stages, a separate association is created for each stage.
Configuring Conformance Assessment Categories
After checklist associations have been configured, checklist items can be mapped to Conformance Assessment Score (CAS) categories.
This allows assessment results to be categorised consistently across all Functional Safety Assessments.
Benefits include:
- Consistent scoring.
- Improved reporting.
- Standardised audit evidence.
- Repeatable Functional Safety Assessments.
Each checklist item may be assigned to a single CAS category, ensuring clear reporting and assessment consistency.
Best Practices for Configuring an FSA
When configuring an FSA, organisations should preserve the supplied IEC 61511 assessment structure wherever practical while extending checklists to accommodate company-specific procedures.
Recommended best practices include:
- Retain default IEC 61511 stage numbering.
- Avoid deleting standard assessment content.
- Add organisation-specific checklist items instead of replacing standard questions.
- Maintain consistent checklist naming conventions.
- Review checklist configurations regularly.
This approach provides flexibility while preserving compliance with recognised Functional Safety Assessment practices.
Why Configure Functional Safety Assessments in SLM?
Configuring an FSA within Safety Lifecycle Manager enables organisations to standardise Functional Safety Assessments while supporting site-specific procedures and company standards.
Key benefits include:
- IEC 61511 aligned assessment templates.
- Flexible checklist management.
- Stage-specific assessment workflows.
- Configurable checklist items.
- Consistent assessment reporting.
- Reduced administration.
- Improved compliance.
Learn more about the Functional Safety Assessments Module.
Related Functional Safety Resources
You may also find these guides useful:
- Conducting an FSA
- SIS Audits
- Functional Safety Assessment (FSA)
- IEC 61511
- Functional Safety Management Software
For additional information on the IEC 61511 standard, visit the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
