Which description best captures the difference between verification and validation in the safety lifecycle?

• A. Verification checks that the product meets its stated requirements.
• B. Validation confirms the product's safety performance in operation.
• C. Verification and validation are the same process.
• D. Verification checks that the product meets its stated requirements; validation confirms it performs safely in operation.

Answer: (D)

In the safety lifecycle, verification asks, “Are we building the product right?” It checks that the design and implementation meet the stated requirements, specifications, and safety standards. Validation asks, “Are we building the right product?” It checks that, in the real intended use, the system performs safely and achieves its safety goals.

The best description combines both parts: verification confirms the product meets its stated requirements, and validation confirms it performs safely in operation. This captures the full idea that you first ensure conformance to specs, then ensure those specs translate into safe, effective performance in the real world.

Practically, you verify through design reviews, inspections, and tests against requirements. You validate through field trials or operational testing in the intended environment to show that the system actually reduces risk and behaves safely around people and in real tasks. For example, you verify the safety functions meet timing and fault-tolerance requirements, and you validate that, during actual use, those functions prevent harm as intended.