Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales
CS43010 (1995-96 session)
Safety-related Systems
Brief Description
Modern industrial systems frequently have possible dangers,
for workers, passengers, the general public and the environment.
When they use computers to control hazardous actions, the
software must be of particularly high quality, and independently
assured for the safety-related purpose. The module deals with
the standards concerned, and the technical implications for
software engineers. Students are prepared for advanced study to
take responsibility for the development of such systems.
Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist
Further Details
- Number of lectures
- 24
- Number of seminars/tutorials
- 4
- Number of practicals
- 0
- Coordinator
- Dr. Fred Long
- Other staff involved
- Not yet known
- Pre-requisites
- C220/
CS22110
, C231(h)/
CS23110
- Co-requisites
- None
- Incompatibilities
- Only available to students registered for Masters in
Software Engineering
- Assessment
- Assessed coursework - 20%
Written exam -
80%
- Timing
- This module is offered only in Semester 2
Aims
To prepare students who may develop software-based systems for
safety-related purposes. To introduce relevant national and
international standards, and explain implications for software
engineers.
Objectives
On successful completion of this module, students will be
-
aware of the concerns about safety arising from the use of
software-based systems;
-
familiar with the major standards for software in safety-
related systems;
-
capable of applying the concepts of these standards in
practical software engineering;
-
prepared for advanced study to take responsibility for
the development of safety-related systems.
Syllabus
-
Overview of safety
concepts - 1 Lecture
-
Current issues, techniques and standards.
-
HSE Guidelines - 3 Lectures
-
General approach; random and systematic failures.
Strategy for safety. Safety "lifecycle".
-
Control and
protection systems - 1 Lecture
-
-
Safety requirements - 2 Lectures
-
Potential dangers. Criteria for safe operation.
Reliability and availability requirements. Safety integrity
requirements. Analyses of safety and danger. Hazard analysis.
Malfunction, unavailability and backup.
-
Programming
for safety and correctness - 1 Lecture
-
Software requirements. Influence of programming on
safety. Correctness and safety. Quality of software. Confidence
and reliability.
-
System design
issues - 1 Lecture
-
Application of HSE strategies: configuration, quality
and reliability.
-
Development
principles - 2 Lectures
-
STARTS "life-cycle" model; evolution and change
control. Partitioning for safety. Diversity for reliability,
Reliability of software tools. Documentation as evidence
justifying confidence.
-
Structural design of
software - 2 Lectures
-
Program structures. Influence of programming language.
Use of subsets of programming languages. Verifiable programs.
Design descriptions.
-
Logical and physical design of
software - 2 Lectures
-
Design rules for high-integrity software. Defensive
programming. Timing. Input-output handling. Interface details.
Interlocking. Device specifics. Resilience.
-
Checking
principles - 2 Lectures
-
Independence, variety and persistence. Quality
assurance. Safety integrity analysis. HSE Checklists. Static and
dynamic checking.
-
Intelligent
inspection - 3 Lectures
-
Reviews, walkthroughs, focussed inspections.
-
Testing - 2 Lectures
-
Sampling and exhaustive testing. Test coverage. Unit
testing. Integration testing.
-
Evidence for
certification - 1 Lecture
-
Regulatory issues. Legal liability
-
Conclusion - 1 Lecture
-
Booklist
It is considered essential to purchase the following
-
Ian C. Pyle.
Developing Safety Systems.
Prentice Hall International, 1991.
Students are likely to need ready access to the following
-
HSE.
Programmable Electronic Systems in Safety Related Applications;
vol 1 An introductory guide.
Health and Safety Executive, HMSO, 1987.
ISBN 0 11 883913 6.
-
HSE.
Programmable Electronic Systems in Safety Related Applications;
vol 2 General Technical Guidelines.
Health and Safety Executive, HMSO, 1987.
ISBN 0 11 883906 3.
-
Felix Redmill and Tom Anderson, editors.
Safety-critical systems.
Chapman and Hall, 1993.
-
Phil Bennett, editor.
Safety aspects of computer control.
Butterworth-Heinemann, 1993.
The following should be consulted for different approaches or for further information
-
SC65A (Secretariat) 123.
Functional Safety of ElectricallElectroniclprogrammable
electronic systems; generic aspects; Part 1, General Requirements.
International Electro- technical Commission, January 1992.
-
SC65A (Secretariat) 122.
Software for computers in the Application ofindustrial
Safety-Related Systems.
International Electro-technical Commission, November 1991.
-
Ministry of Defence.
Hazard Analysis and Safety Classification of the Computer and
Programmable Electronic System Elements of Defence Equipment.
MoD Int Def Stan 00-56 / Issue 1.
-
Ministry of Defence.
The Procurement of Safety Critical Software in Defence
Equipment, Part 1: Requirements, 1991.
MoD Int Def Stan 00-55 (Part 1) / Issue 1.
-
Ministry of Defence.
The Procurement of Safety Critical Software in Defence
Equipment, Part 2: Guidance, 1991.
MoD Int Def Stan 00-55 (Part 2) / Issue 1.
Version 4.1
Syllabus
John Hunt Departmental Advisor
jjh@aber.ac.uk
Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)