How It Started
SIL Safe grew out of hands‑on project work in the process industries, where functional safety was not an abstract standard but a daily responsibility. While working with a biogas company in the United States, we knew that we had large quantities of methane on site, and did not understand why the industry was not talking about functional safety. After investigation, we realized that Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations were required per US law based on the amount of methane we had. This then triggered functional safety requirements that didn’t yet have a clear structure around them within our company.
To close that gap, we built a complete program—including all procedures and approaches. Thus linking risk studies, safety instrumented systems, and IEC 61511‑aligned practices into one coherent approach. This experience led to deeper specialization in functional safety, formal CFSE certifications, and ultimately to the creation of SIL Safe as a dedicated consulting and training practice.
Today, that same mindset guides every engagement: understand the real problem, design a program that fits the facility, and make the requirements as straightforward as possible for the people who will have to live with them.
What We Stand For
OUR STORY
SIL Safe exists because we've been on the other side of the table—trying to make sense of IEC 61511 requirements with real deadlines, real budgets, and real consequences. We built this practice to make functional safety less overwhelming and more actionable.
Practical Expertise
We bring years of hands-on experience in functional safety implementation. Our team has worked across industries — from chemical plants to refineries — helping engineers solve real problems with practical, compliant solutions.
Standards-Based Approach
We ground every solution in IEC 61511, IEC 61508, and ISA 84 requirements. We are code-centric engineers who have been members of various standards writing committees.
Client-Focused Delivery
We tailor our approach to fit your needs. Whether you need assessment support, design reviews, or ongoing consulting, we work within your processes and timelines to deliver results that support your goals.
Who You Will Be Working With
SIL Safe is led by practicing engineers who bring together our plant experience, project delivery, and deep specialization in functional safety. Credentials include:
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), reflecting responsibility and accountability in engineering decisions.
- Project Management Professional (PMP), ensuring structured, predictable delivery of safety‑critical work.
- Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE), demonstrating advanced competence in functional safety for process industries.
This combination means you work directly with someone who understands not just the math and the standards, but also schedules, budgets, and the realities of keeping facilities running.
We routinely support engineering managers, I&C specialists, and safety teams across the process industries, from greenfield projects to brownfield upgrades and focused troubleshooting.
Common Questions About Working With Us
We've answered some of the most common questions about our services below. If you'd like to know more or discuss a specific need, we're happy to help you.
Contact UsWhat industries do you serve and who do you work with?
We primarily work with the process industries, including oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, refining, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Our expertise is in applying IEC 61511 and IEC 61508 to instrumented safety systems.
We support engineering leaders and technical teams at critical points in the functional safety lifecycle:Where are you based and what currencies do you accept?
We are a Tennessee based business but support clients world wide. We accept payment in multiple currencies to accommodate our global client base.
How much do you cost?
Our engagements are scoped based on project complexity, deliverables, and timeline. We typically work on fixed-fee or hourly arrangements depending on the nature of the work. We do have resources at different seniority levels, in different countries, and at different price points. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and we’ll provide a tailored proposal.
Why should I work with an independent consultant instead of my control system vendor?
Control system vendors bring deep product expertise, but their recommendations are naturally tied to their product portfolio. As independent consultants, we evaluate your needs first and recommend solutions based purely on risk, reliability, and compliance requirements—not what’s in our catalog. That means you get unbiased guidance on SIS architecture, device selection, and lifecycle management that stands up to any audit or third-party review.
the team's expertise
Our Qualifications
Certified Functional Safety Experts
Flagship functional safety certification
Professional Engineers
Licensed professional engineers in six states and more can be obtained if needed.
Project Management Professionals
Structured project delivery using proven methodologies.
Let's Discuss Your Project
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to move forward with functional safety? Contact us to discuss how we can help you achieve compliance and build a safer process.
- Quick response to your inquiry
- Tailored solutions for your operations
- Clear path to compliance and safety