Method for actuating a safe switching element of an installation

A method for actuating an operating mode switching element of an installation by a safe control operation, wherein the installation has a functional controller and communication connections, and wherein the functional controller has a storage unit, a control apparatus, a display and a user interface, the method comprising:

• receiving a user input to change the operating mode of the installation via an operating mode actuating element provided on the user interface;
• storing data related to the change of operating mode in the storage unit;
• transmitting the data related to the change of operating mode to the operating mode switching element;
• transmitting the data related to the change of operating mode from the operating mode switching element back to the functional controller;
• checking whether the data related to the change of operating mode that has been transmitted back corresponds to the stored data related to the change of operating mode;
• transmitting a confirmation to the operating mode switching element;
• and
• changing the operating mode of the installation via the operating mode switching element;
• wherein, the checking further includes an approval of the confirmation to the operating mode actuating element by the functional controller on a basis of a general access and authorization concept, in which, upon reception of at least one of the user input and/or the confirmation to the operating mode actuating element, an identity check of the user is carried out.