The international perspective on machine safety standards.

Manufacturers and designers must ensure the safety of machinery by complying with the requirements set out in EU legislation and relevant standards. Standards are practical tools that help to implement safety requirements and demonstrate that machinery complies with these requirements.

Standards form the basis for designing machinery with safety in mind and demonstrating its compliance with requirements. Standards are not merely instructions, but concrete tools that help designers and manufacturers implement safe solutions. An international perspective is of great importance in the field of machinery safety, as it enables machinery safety assessments to be carried out in a uniform manner across different countries and market areas.

By following international standards such as EN ISO 12100, manufacturers gain access to a clear and common framework that can be applied regardless of the conditions of manufacture and operation of the machinery.

International standardisation helps manufacturers keep pace with technological developments. Digitalisation, robotics and artificial intelligence open up new opportunities, but also present risks that cannot be confined to a single country.

Safety regulation is based on both international standards and regional legislation, the coordination of which is of vital importance in a globalising world. Machinery is no longer designed solely for local markets but is increasingly manufactured for international use, which requires an understanding of and compliance with the regulations of different regions. The fundamental principles of risk assessment and management throughout the entire life cycle of machinery are defined by the international standard EN ISO 12100.