On Monday of this week in Brussels the Official Journal of the European Union, 2009/C 321/09, announced the prolongation of EN 954-1 until Dec. 31, 2011. They also published a correction from EN ISO 13849-1:2006 to EN ISO 13849-1:2008. The first significance to these announcements is that for the next two years either EN 954-1:1996, EN ISO 13849-1:2006, or EN ISO 13849-1:2008 may be used as a basis for presumption of conformity.  This is a significant advantage for US companies still struggling to understand the additional requirements and building these requirements into their engineering practice. In summary, these companies can continue to follow the requirements of EN 954-1 for two more years.

The second significance of this announcement is that there must be some difficulties within Europe for companies attempting to make the transition to the additional requirements of EN ISO 13849-1. It is my recommendation that this is the issue we need to investigate so that “lessons learned” solutions can be applied as appropriate here in the United States. When and if US industry standards begin harmonizing and/or adopting the requirements of EN ISO 13849-1;2006 or 2008, we should be prepared.

Some of you who have business in Europe have already stated that the learning transition has been very painful and that the practical application has been even more painful. Maybe someone should start a chat board on the internet where folks can post their “lessons learned”? Let’s use this extension as an opportunity to get ahead of the curve in the US. What additional ideas do you have?

This is one opinion among many so if you have a different opinion or a supporting opinion we’d like to hear from you……..?

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