The Factor of safety reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Factor of safety

Factor of safety, also known as Safety Factor, is a multiplier applied to the calculated maximum stress to which a component will be subjected. Typically, for components whose failure could result in substantial financial loss, or serious injury or death, a safety factor of at least four (4) is used. Non-critical components generally have a safety factor of two (2). Safety factors are needed to account for imperfections in materials, flaws in assembly, material degradation, and unexpected stresses.

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