How should safety and security be addressed in commissioning activities?

• A. Only test for fire safety.
• B. Ignore security on commissioning.
• C. Ensure safe operation, proper interlocks, alarms, and secure access to controls; include safety testing.
• D. Security testing is optional.

Answer: (C)

Integrating safety and security into the commissioning process is essential. The system should not only operate as intended but do so safely, with interlocks that prevent dangerous conditions, alarms that promptly alert operators, and access controls that keep critical controls protected from tampering. Including safety testing ensures these protections actually work under normal and fault conditions, providing real assurance that occupants and equipment are protected and that the installation meets applicable requirements.

Focusing only on fire safety is too narrow, and ignoring security leaves vulnerabilities to tampering or unauthorized access. Treating security testing as optional means you could miss failures that enable unsafe or unauthorized operations.