Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Operation and Maintenance Procedure - Just Measure it

Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Operation and Maintenance Procedure

1. Introduction

The purpose of this document is to establish standardized requirements for the operation, inspection, maintenance, and overhaul of the Safety Instrumented System (SIS).
The SIS is defined as an instrumentation system used to execute one or more Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF). It consists of sensors (e.g., switches, transmitters), logic solvers (controllers), and final control elements (e.g., solenoid valves, actuators).

2. Scope and Frequency

  • Scope: This procedure applies to all SIS subsystems within the designated plant or workshop.

  • Routine Operation Check: Performed daily during normal patrol inspection.

  • Shutdown Overhaul: Conducted during major plant turnarounds, with an interval not exceeding five (5) years.

3. Routine Operation Checks

3.1 Hardware Inspection

  • Inspect controller cabinets, modules, operator stations, and communication networks.

  • Verify main and redundant equipment are operating normally.

  • Check UPS voltage, DC power supply, and redundant sources.

  • Inspect cooling fans, cabinet cleanliness, and engineer room temperature/humidity.

  • Review daily maintenance defect records and list unresolved issues.

3.2 Software Inspection

  • Perform complete backup of SIS software and data (including volatile memory).

  • Verify correct operation of monitoring and configuration software.

  • Confirm SOE (Sequence of Events) recording is enabled and functioning.

  • Check historical trends, fault log records, and system self-diagnostics.

  • Verify alarm system for redundancy loss, abnormal switching, data overflow, or bus failures.

3.3 Maintenance During Operation

  • Diagnose and correct system fault alarms, replacing modules if redundancy allows.

  • Ensure operator/engineer stations are functioning properly.

  • Configuration changes must be approved by the process department; no online editing during operation.

  • Isolate instruments before maintenance, confirm loop health before reintegration.

  • Maintain detailed Fault Record Ledger and Software Modification Register.

  • Prevent introduction of computer viruses (no unauthorized third-party software).

  • Change passwords periodically and ensure secure management.

4. Shutdown Overhaul Tasks

4.1 Cabinet and Module Maintenance

  • Perform dust removal and cleaning.

  • Replace depleted backup batteries.

  • Inspect modules for burns, cracks, or damaged pins; correct or replace as necessary.

  • Verify all connectors, shielded cables, and grounding are firm.

4.2 Operator and Engineer Stations

  • Clean internal/external components and cooling fans.

  • Verify power-up self-tests, status indicators, and normal OS/software startup.

  • Ensure display clarity, keyboard and mouse responsiveness, and correct user permissions.

4.3 Network and Interface Devices

  • Replace faulty cables or fiber optics, ensure proper routing and fastening.

  • Clean and inspect switches, repeaters, and converters; tighten connections.

  • Confirm redundant bus communication and diagnostic indicators are normal.

4.4 Power Supply Systems

  • Clean power modules and fans.

  • Confirm redundancy switching works correctly without system disturbance.

5. Inspection and Testing Procedures

5.1 Power-On Tests

  • Verify no abnormal sound, odor, or excessive temperature rise.

  • Confirm stable voltage outputs.

  • Check power redundancy by disconnecting one source.

5.2 Redundancy Performance Tests

  • Operator Station Switching Test

  • Controller/Module Switching Test

  • Communication Bus Redundancy Test

  • Power Supply Redundancy Test

During tests, the system must switch seamlessly to standby devices without data loss, crash, or unexpected shutdown.

5.3 Channel Function Tests

  • Analog Input (AI): Input 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% signal and verify display values.

  • Analog Output (AO): Set output values in 0–100% range and confirm proper response of protective devices.

  • Digital Input (DI): Short/open contacts or apply/remove level signals and verify changes.

  • Digital Output (DO): Switch “ON/OFF” states and confirm field action.

5.4 System Configuration & Online Download Tests

  • Verify engineer/operator station permissions.

  • Perform logic changes, compilation, online download, and SOE verification.

  • Confirm monitoring graphics, alarm functions, and historical trends operate normally.

6. Records and Documentation

6.1 Daily Operation Checklist (Sample)

ItemInspection ContentResult (OK/NG)Remarks
UPS VoltageVerify stable supply  
Cooling FansRotation, no abnormal noise  
SOE RecordingEnabled and running  
Historical TrendsNormal data storage  
Alarm LogsChecked and reviewed  

6.2 Shutdown Overhaul Checklist (Sample)

ItemTaskCompleted (Yes/No)Remarks
Cabinet CleaningDust removal, anti-static  
Backup BatteryReplaced if low  
Network CablesInspected & secured  
Redundant BusTested & verified  
Power ModulesSwitching tested  

6.3 Records to Maintain

  • Fault Record Ledger

  • Software Modification Register

  • Periodic Inspection Reports

  • Overhaul Reports

  • System Test Certificates

6. Records and Documentation

6.1 Daily Operation Checklist (Sample)

ItemInspection ContentResult (OK/NG)Remarks
UPS VoltageVerify stable supply  
Cooling FansRotation, no abnormal noise  
SOE RecordingEnabled and running  
Historical TrendsNormal data storage  
Alarm LogsChecked and reviewed  

6.2 Shutdown Overhaul Checklist (Sample)

ItemTaskCompleted (Yes/No)Remarks
Cabinet CleaningDust removal, anti-static  
Backup BatteryReplaced if low  
Network CablesInspected & secured  
Redundant BusTested & verified  
Power ModulesSwitching tested  

6.3 Records to Maintain

  • Fault Record Ledger

  • Software Modification Register

  • Periodic Inspection Reports

  • Overhaul Reports

  • System Test Certificates

7. Safety & Management Requirements

  • All maintenance work must comply with anti-static protection and lock-out/tag-out procedures.

  • Responsibilities:

    • Operators: Daily monitoring and reporting.

    • Instrument Technicians: Routine inspection and corrective maintenance.

    • System Engineers: Configuration management, backups, functional tests.

  • Reports and records must be archived for minimum five (5) years.

  • All tests and inspections must comply with IEC 61511 and local SIL validation requirements.

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