本标准规定了用于执行安全功能的电气和/或电子和/或可编程电子（E/E/PE）元件组成的系统的所有安全生命周期活动的通用方法。为了为所有基于电气的安全相关系统制定合理和一致的技术政策，采用了这种统一的方法。主要目标是促进基于IEC 61508系列的产品和应用部门国际标准的制定。

This Standard sets out a generic approach for all safety lifecycle activities for systems comprised of electrical and/or electronic and/or programmable electronic (E/E/PE) elements that are used to perform safety functions. This unified approach has been adopted in order that a rational and consistent technical policy be developed for all electrically-based safety-related systems. A major objective is to facilitate the development of product and application sector international standards based on the IEC 61508 series.