1.1 General applicability This International Standard specifies general principles and processes for the lifecycle management of alarm systems based on programmable electronic controller and computerbased human-machine interface (HMI) technology for facilities in the process industries. It covers all alarms presented to the operator, which includes alarms from basic process control systems, annunciator panels, safety instrumented systems, fire and gas systems, and emergency response systems. The practices in this standard are applicable to continuous, batch, and discrete processes. There can be differences in implementation to meet the specific needs based on process type. In jurisdictions where the governing authorities (e.g., national, federal, state, province, county, city) have established process safety design, process safety management, or other requirements, in addition to the requirements of this standard, these should be taken into consideration. The primary function within the alarm system is to notify operators of abnormal process conditions or equipment malfunctions and support the response. The alarm systems can include both the basic process control system (BPCS) and the safety instrumented system (SIS), each of which uses measurements of process conditions and logic to generate alarms. Figure 1 illustrates the concepts of alarm and response dataflow through the alarm system.The alarm system also includes a mechanism for communicating the alarm information to the operator via an HMI, usually a computer screen or an annunciator panel. Additional functions of the alarm system are an alarm and event log, an alarm historian, and the generation of performance metrics for the alarm system. There are external systems that can use the data from the alarm system. 1.2 Exclusions and inclusions 1.2.1 Operators The functions of the operator receiving and responding to alarms are included in the scope of this standard. Management of operators is excluded from the scope of this standard. 1.2.2 Process sensors and final control elements The alarms from sensors and final control elements are included in the scope of this standard. Process sensors and final control elements are shown in Figure 1 to indicate alarms can be implemented in these devices. The design and management of process sensors and final control elements are excluded from the scope of this standard. 1.2.3 Safety instrumented systems The alarms from safety instrumented systems are included in the scope of this standard. The safety instrumented system (SIS) is shown in Figure 1 to indicate alarms can be implemented in these devices. The design and management of safety instrumented systems are excluded from this standard. Refer to IEC 61511. The alarms and diagnostics from fire detection and protective systems or security systems that are presented to the operator through the control system are included in the scope of this standard. Fire detection and protective systems and security systems are excluded from the scope of this standard. 1.2.4 Event data The indication and processing of analog, discrete, and event data other than alarm indications are excluded from the scope of this standard. The analysis techniques using both alarm and event data are excluded from the scope of this standard. 1.2.5 Alarm identification methods Required methods of alarm identification are not specified in this standard. Examples of alarm identification methods are listed. 1.2.6 Management of change A specific management of change procedure is not included in this standard. Some requirements and recommendations for a management of change procedure are included.