The present invention relates to a safety controller for the safety-directed monitoring and control of a machine, said safety controller having at least one monitoring input that is configured to receive a detection signal from a protective device; at least one control output that is configured to output a shutdown signal to the machine to be monitored and to be controlled; at least one bypass input that is configured to receive a bypass demand from an independent control system. The invention further relates to a safety system having a safety controller and having at least one protective device connected to the safety controller.