CASS (Conformity Assessment of Safety-related Systems) is a certification scheme designed to offer “a rigorous and internationally acceptable structure under which consistent certification of safety related systems can take place”. It has been created as a not-for-profit company, managed by an elected board. Members include associations representing manufacturers, designers, installers, users, certifiers or regulators of safety related systems.

CASS covers all industry sectors including process, aerospace and transport and the scheme is operated through independent third-party certification bodies, accredited to the European and International accreditation standards.

CASS says it is an initiative “designed to provide an overall safety framework, which includes the use of recognised safety standards and competent assessors”. Its objective to develop a conformity assessment scheme meeting the requirements of IEC 61508, enabling the safety systems industry (manufacturers, integrators and end users) to collaborate in order to improve its competitive position.

For further information and to see if the CASS certification scheme might improve your IEC61508 certification, start at About The CASS Scheme where there’s also a free introductory brochure to download.