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ISO 12100 – Risk assessment and risk reduction

Overview

What is ISO 12100?

ISO 12100 – Safety of machinery: Risk assessment and risk reduction is the core international standard for identifying, evaluating, and reducing risks throughout the entire lifecycle of machinery.

Why ISO 12100 Is So Important Today

Automation Is Becoming More Complex
Human Interaction With Machines Is Increasing
Regulators Expect Documented Risk Assessments
Safety Is a Business Risk, Not Just a Technical Issue
Benefits of ISO 12100
  • Provides a Clear Safety Framework
  • Reduces Accidents and Injuries
  • Supports Legal and Regulatory Compliance
  • Forms the Basis for Other Safety Standards
  • Improves Machine Design Quality
  • Reduces Costly Redesigns and Delays
What Does ISO 12100 Cover?
Hazard Identification

Identifies all potential hazards throughout the machine’s lifecycle, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, ergonomic, and human-factor risks.

Risk Assessment

Evaluates the severity and likelihood of harm, considering exposure, frequency, and the possibility of avoiding danger.

Risk Reduction Strategy

Defines a structured, three-step approach: inherently safe design, safeguarding and protective measures, and information for use.

Lifecycle Safety Management

Ensures safety is addressed during design, installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of machinery.

FAQs

ISO 12100 is an international safety standard that defines principles for risk assessment and risk reduction in machinery. It provides a systematic method to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and apply appropriate safety measures.

ISO 12100 itself is not a legal requirement, but it is widely referenced by machinery safety regulations worldwide. In practice, regulators and auditors often expect risk assessments to follow ISO 12100 principles.

ISO 12100 applies to:

  • Machinery manufacturers

  • Robot and automation system integrators

  • Equipment designers and engineers

  • Companies operating or modifying machinery

ISO 12100 is the foundation for many machinery safety standards. It is used together with standards such as ISO 10218 (industrial robots), ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robots), and ISO 13849 (safety-related control systems).

Yes. While it is most effective when applied during the design stage, ISO 12100 can also be used to assess and improve the safety of existing or modified machines.

Failure to apply ISO 12100 increases the risk of accidents, regulatory non-compliance, legal liability, and operational downtime. It may also lead to failed safety audits or forced system redesigns.