ISA 18.2-2016 PDF Download

The ISA 18.2-2016 standard provides guidelines for the lifecycle management of alarm systems used in process industries. These alarm systems are based on programmable electronic controllers and computer-based human-machine interface (HMI) technology. The standard covers all alarms presented to the operator through the control system, including alarms from basic process control systems, annunciator panels, packaged systems, and safety instrumented systems.

The standard is applicable to continuous, batch, and discrete processes. It recognizes that there may be differences in implementation to cater to the specific needs of different process types. In addition, if there are existing regulations or requirements set by governing authorities related to process safety design and management, those should also be considered alongside the standard.

The primary function of the alarm system is to notify operators of abnormal process conditions or equipment malfunctions and support appropriate responses. The alarm systems incorporate measurements of process conditions and logic to generate alarms, with both the basic process control system and safety instrumented system contributing to this process. The alarm information is communicated to the operator through an HMI, such as a computer screen or annunciator panel. The standard also addresses other functions of the alarm system, including an alarm and event log, an alarm historian, and the generation of performance metrics.