Verification (Cross Cutting)
We provide independent verification at every lifecycle phase to IEC 61511 clause 7
What this element is and why it matters
Verification is the cross cutting activity that confirms the output of every lifecycle phase matches the requirements set for it, so that the hazard and risk assessment output matches the process hazard analysis expectations, the specification matches the Phase 2 allocations, the design matches the specification and the installation matches the design. To IEC 61511 clause 7 verification is carried out by competent people who are independent of the work being verified.
Individual significance for organisations
Verification is the discipline that catches errors before they propagate. Facilities that verify at each phase gate avoid the cascade in which Phase 3 errors become Phase 4 design errors and then Phase 5 commissioning issues, and our team builds that gate by gate discipline into your programme.
Contribution to Functional Safety Lifecycle Implementation
Verification operates at every phase boundary and gives independent assurance that the phase outputs are correct before they are used as inputs to the phases that follow. It also feeds the evidence for the functional safety assessment.
What compliant execution looks like
How we implement this element
A focused six step methodology calibrated to deliver verification (cross cutting) as a working capability rather than a documented compliance artefact.
We specify the verification activities for each phase, the competency requirements, the independence rules and the documentation expectations.
We select competent people who are independent of the work through internal team rotation, a third party reviewer or a specialised verification function.
We review each phase output against the input requirements of that phase and document the findings and their resolution.
We track findings to closure, integrate them with the corrective action database and escalate any systematic pattern.
We maintain records for each phase and align them with the retention requirements of paragraph m subparagraph 6 of OSHA PSM and IEC 61511 clause 5.2.6.
We compile the verification records for the Stage 1 through Stage 4 functional safety assessments and demonstrate both independence and competence.
Element implementation flow chart
A decision gated workflow that shows the actual sequence of activities from initiation through steady state operation, with key decision points highlighted.
What we produce
- A verification programme charter
- Verification records for each phase
- An evidence pack for the Stage 1 through Stage 4 functional safety assessments
- An independent probability of failure re check record for each function
- A verifier competence and independence register
- A non conformance log with closure status
Where execution fails
- Verifier competence below the rigour the work requires
- Independence compromised by the reporting line
- Findings filed but never closed
- Verification conflated with the clause 15 validation, which leaves the design checks unperformed
Codes this element is built on
Explore related elements in this framework
Functional Safety Lifecycle Implementation full element index
Talk to us about implementing Verification (Cross Cutting)
We can scope this element implementation against your facility, regulatory context, and existing management system maturity, then integrate it with the other Functional Safety Lifecycle Implementation elements you already operate.