Practical Experience in the Assessment of Existing Safety Critical Computer Based Systems

Abstract

ABSTRACT The principles underlying the proposed international standard for the safety of software have been applied to the assessment of a number of computer based systems. It has been found that the methodology of safety engineering has not yet transferred to computer systems and software. This results in hazards emerging late during the design or assessment process} with corresponding cost and delay. Company guidelines for good software engineering practice are lacking and individual engineers seek to apply good practice without the support of a consistent company framework. The assessment process itself can be made more cost effective by the adoption during the design process of methods which will make the analysis and understanding of the system less difficult. The same methods of working will also have a beneficial effect on the design process itself.