Abstract: A control apparatus including a plurality of loads for processing, a controller for controlling operation of the loads, the controller including a first memory having a microprogram stored therein to operate the loads sequentially, a second memory for storing data to be used during control of the loads, means for repeatedly generating a pulse during execution of the microprogram, and an output port for outputting the pulse. The controller is operable to output the pulse repeatedly from the output port during intervals of normal execution of the microprogram. An initializer is further provided to detect the pulse outputted from the output port, and for designating the controller as abnormal if the pulse from the output port is not detected within a predetermined period of time. To prevent the apparatus from operating erroneously, the controller initiates execution of its microprogram in response to initialization by the initializer and clears the data stored in its second memory.