ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery, set to change soon 01 December 2010

Changes will soon be made to some of the standards relating to machine safety, and compliance consultant Laidler Associates is warning machine builders and OEMs to start making preparations now.

The relevant standards are: EN ISO 12100-1:2003, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design; EN ISO 12100-2:2003, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 2; and EN ISO 14121-1:2007, safety of machinery - Risk assessment - Part 1.

These are being superseded by a new standard, ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction. Changes to other standards will follow, and all are Type A standards, underpinning the design of all machines for use in Europe.

Paul Laidler of Laidler Associates explains that documentation for machines already in use will not need to be revised, but all machines supplied after the change has taken place must refer to the latest standard.

"Since the requirements are not changing, it might seem that machine builders and OEMs don't need to concern themselves about ISO EN 12100:2010," comments Laidler. "But that's not quite true. Though the requirements won't change, the numbering will – which means that any documentation will have to be revised, if supplied with new machines."

The change will particularly affect organisations with machines in series production, and companies currently designing machines that will not be supplied until after the new standard comes into force," he continues.

"We would strongly recommend that these companies take note of the impending changes now and prepare for them, rather than waiting till the last minute. And, of course, if assistance is needed in making the changes, Laidler Associates will be pleased to provide it."

Brian Tinham

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