What is EN ISO 12100:2021?

EN ISO 12100:2021, also known as Machinery Safety - General Principles for Design, is a professional technical standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It provides guidelines and requirements for ensuring the safety of machinery in various industries.

Importance of EN ISO 12100:2021

EN ISO 12100:2021 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of machinery and protecting the well-being of workers. By following the principles outlined in this standard, manufacturers can design and produce machines that minimize risks and hazards, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

This standard is essential because it provides a systematic approach to risk assessment and risk reduction throughout the entire lifecycle of a machine. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and eliminating hazards early in the design process, as well as implementing appropriate safeguarding measures to protect operators and maintenance personnel.

Key Requirements of EN ISO 12100:2021

EN ISO 12100:2021 encompasses various aspects of machinery safety, including but not limited to:

Hazard identification: Manufacturers must identify potential hazards associated with their machinery and consider all foreseeable circumstances.

Risk assessment: A thorough risk assessment should be conducted to evaluate the severity and probability of each identified hazard.

Risk reduction: Adequate measures must be taken to reduce risks to an acceptable level, such as the implementation of safeguarding devices or the use of safety-related control systems.

Information and instructions: Clear and comprehensive information about the machine's safe operation, maintenance, and potential hazards should be provided to users in the form of user manuals and warning signs.

Verification: Manufacturers need to verify the effectiveness of their risk reduction measures through testing and validation.

Compliance with EN ISO 12100:2021

Although EN ISO 12100:2021 is not a legally binding document, it is widely recognized and adopted as a crucial reference for machinery manufacturers. Compliance with this standard demonstrates a commitment to providing safe and reliable machines to the market, enhancing product quality, and safeguarding human life.

Manufacturers should familiarize themselves with the requirements outlined in EN ISO 12100:2021 and incorporate them into their design and production processes. By doing so, they can ensure that their machinery meets the highest safety standards and contributes to a safer working environment.