Defining Assurance for Controls
In high-hazard industries, Safety Critical Elements (SCEs) and other controls demand a higher level of assurance than standard measures. To ensure they perform effectively, performance standards must be developed that clearly define what “good” looks like and how it will be measured throughout the lifecycle of the facility.
At Safety Solutions, we specialise in creating performance standards that give organisations confidence in the reliability, availability, and survivability of their most important safeguards, while meeting regulatory and assurance requirements.
What a Good Performance Standard Includes
A robust performance standard provides a clear basis for assessing control effectiveness. Each standard should:
- Define the required functionality, availability, reliability, survivability and independence (FARSI) of the control.
- Set out assurance requirements such as testing, inspection, and auditing.
- Reference relevant design, construction, and testing standards.
- Provide measurable criteria for monitoring, verification, and continuous improvement.
This applies to a wide range of controls, including:
- Relief systems and pressure protection devices
- Safety instrumented and automated control systems
- Critical operating procedures
- Management systems that support process safety
What a Good Performance Standard Includes
A robust performance standard provides a clear basis for assessing control effectiveness. Each standard should:
- Define the required functionality, availability, reliability, survivability and independence (FARSI) of the control.
- Set out assurance requirements such as testing, inspection, and auditing.
- Reference relevant design, construction, and testing standards.
- Provide measurable criteria for monitoring, verification, and continuous improvement.
This applies to a wide range of controls, including:
- Relief systems and pressure protection devices
- Safety instrumented and automated control systems
- Critical operating procedures
- Management systems that support process safety
Linking Performance Standards with Verification
Performance standards form the foundation for control verification. Once standards are in place, verification activities ensure controls are designed, maintained, and tested to the defined requirements. This closes the loop on assurance, providing ongoing confidence that your controls will perform as intended when needed most.
The Benefits of Clear Performance Standards
- Clear Requirements for Control Assurance
- Support Design Criteria of Controls.
- Stronger Risk Management – Provide a solid foundation for verifying and continuously improving control effectiveness.
Partner with Safety Solutions
Proven Expertise – Since 1993, our consultants have developed and audited performance standards for critical controls across oil & gas, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
Practical Focus – We create performance standards that are clear, measurable, and workable in practice, ensuring that assurance requirements are achievable and aligned with operational realities.
Don’t leave the effectiveness of your critical controls to chance. Let’s discuss how we can help you develop, implement, and verify robust performance standards that strengthen assurance and drive compliance. CONTACT US TODAY to schedule your consultation.