Performance Level
Achieve Maximum Safety and Compliance with Expert Guidance on Performance Levels
- Critical for assessing the safety of machinery and control systems
- Ensures compliance with EN ISO 13849-1 standards
- Mitigates risks in automated and complex machinery
- Required for CE marking and other safety certifications
- Comprehensive support from Certification Experts’ experienced engineers

What is Performance Level (PL) and Why Does It Matter?
Performance Level (PL) is a key concept in the safety of machinery, particularly in the context of control systems. It refers to the ability of safety-related parts of a control system to perform their safety functions under foreseeable conditions. The concept is central to the EN ISO 13849-1 standard, which is widely recognized in the EU for assessing the safety of machinery. Performance Level is categorized into five levels: PL a, b, c, d, and e, with PL a representing the lowest level of safety and PL e the highest. These levels are determined by evaluating several factors, including the probability of a dangerous failure, the frequency and duration of exposure to hazards, and the ability to control or avoid the hazard. Achieving the appropriate Performance Level is essential for ensuring that machinery operates safely and for meeting regulatory requirements such as CE marking.
The Role of Performance Levels in Machine Safety
Performance Levels are integral to the design and assessment of safety-related control systems. They help manufacturers determine the necessary safety measures to protect operators and prevent accidents. By defining and achieving the appropriate Performance Level, businesses can ensure that their machinery complies with relevant safety standards, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing overall safety.
Here are the key benefits of implementing and achieving the correct Performance Level:
Steps to Determine and Achieve the Correct Performance Level
Achieving the correct Performance Level involves a systematic approach, from risk assessment to the validation of safety functions. Certification Experts provides comprehensive support at every stage, helping you navigate the complexities of EN ISO 13849-1 and ensuring that your machinery meets all necessary safety requirements.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification
The first step in determining the appropriate Performance Level is conducting a detailed risk assessment. This process involves identifying potential hazards associated with the machinery and assessing the severity and likelihood of these hazards. Certification Experts’ team of engineers conducts thorough risk assessments, helping you identify all relevant risks and determine the initial safety requirements.
Defining Safety Requirements
Based on the risk assessment, the next step is to define the specific safety functions needed to mitigate identified risks. This involves determining the required Performance Level for each safety-related part of the control system. Certification Experts assists in defining these safety requirements, ensuring they align with the machinery’s intended use and operational environment.
System Design and Implementation
With the safety requirements defined, the control system can be designed and implemented to achieve the desired Performance Level. This includes selecting appropriate components, designing redundancy and monitoring functions, and integrating safety features into the system architecture. Certification Experts provides guidance throughout the design and implementation process, ensuring that all safety functions meet the required standards.
Validation and Verification of Performance Levels
After the control system is implemented, it must be validated and verified to ensure that it achieves the specified Performance Level. This involves testing the safety functions under various conditions to confirm that they perform as required. Certification Experts coordinates the validation and verification process, working with accredited testing laboratories to ensure compliance with EN ISO 13849-1.
Ongoing Compliance and Documentation
Maintaining compliance with Performance Levels requires ongoing monitoring and documentation. This includes keeping detailed records of the risk assessment, system design, testing results, and any changes made to the machinery. Certification Experts helps you compile and maintain all necessary documentation, ensuring that it is up to date and ready for regulatory inspections or audits.
Certification Experts’ Role in Achieving Performance Levels
Navigating the complexities of Performance Level requirements and ensuring compliance with EN ISO 13849-1 requires specialized knowledge and experience. Certification Experts offers comprehensive services to help you achieve the correct Performance Level for your machinery, ensuring that it meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
Our services include:

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All the answers you might need!
Certification Experts offers comprehensive services to help you determine, achieve, and maintain the correct Performance Level for your machinery. We assist with risk assessments, system design, validation, and compliance documentation to ensure your products meet all safety requirements.
Determining the correct Performance Level involves conducting a risk assessment, identifying hazards, and defining the required safety functions. Certification Experts provides full support in assessing and achieving the appropriate PL for your machinery.
A Performance Level (PL) is a measure of the ability of safety-related parts of a control system to perform their safety functions under foreseeable conditions. It is a key concept in machine safety, particularly under the EN ISO 13849-1 standard.
Performance Levels are crucial in industries involving machinery, including manufacturing, automation, robotics, and any sector where control systems are used to manage potential risks and ensure safety.
Performance Levels are important because they ensure that machinery operates safely by defining the necessary safety functions to mitigate risks. Achieving the correct PL is essential for compliance with safety standards and for obtaining certifications like CE marking.
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Full-service product compliance
Leave it to us.