User manuals that meet global standards—not just expectations.
No matter how advanced your product is, a poorly written or non-compliant user manual can create serious problems—from safety incidents and customer confusion to denied certifications or lawsuits. For electronics, machinery, robotics, and other complex systems, manuals are no longer just support documents—they’re your first line of defense.
In this article, we break down seven essential international standards and regulations that every technical writer, compliance officer, and product manufacturer must consider when preparing manuals for global markets.
1. IEC 82079-1 – The Foundational Standard for Information for Use
Why it matters: This is the go-to global standard for organizing and presenting information in user documentation.
Key requirements:
- Task-based content structure
- Logical topic hierarchy (e.g., Introduction → Safety → Installation → Operation → Maintenance)
- Visual aids and localization planning
Use it for: Any product category—electronics, automotive, medical, or industrial systems.
2. ANSI Z535.6 – Safety Messaging in U.S. Manuals
Why it matters: This U.S.-centric standard defines how to write safety warnings that reduce legal liability.
Key requirements:
- Signal words: DANGER / WARNING / CAUTION / NOTICE
- Message components: Signal word + Hazard + Consequence + Avoidance
Use it for: All U.S.-bound documentation. It complements IEC 82079-1 and is often the format of choice for real-world manuals.
3. ISO 20607 – Manuals for Industrial Machinery
Why it matters: Tailored for complex machinery with specific safety and maintenance procedures. Builds on IEC 82079-1 with added technical depth.
Key requirements:
- Emergency procedures
- Life cycle information from installation to decommissioning
- Hazard-based structuring
Use it for: Construction equipment, industrial robots, semiconductor systems, etc.
4. EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)
Why it matters: Legal requirement for CE marking of machinery in the European Union.
Key requirements:
- Manuals in the language of the destination country
- Explicit definition of intended use and foreseeable misuse
- Residual risks and operational limitations must be clearly stated
Use it for: Any machinery entering the EU market.
5. Product Liability Law – Global Legal Exposure
Why it matters: Manuals are legal documents in the eyes of the law.
Risks to avoid:
- Failure to warn
- Inadequate instructions
- Lack of documentation for foreseeable misuse
Use it for: Any product in any market. In the U.S., failure to include proper safety info is a major cause of liability lawsuits.
6. Accessibility Standards – ADA, EN 301 549, WCAG
Why it matters: Accessibility is no longer optional—it’s legally required.
Key requirements:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Text alternatives for images (alt text)
- High color contrast, scalable fonts, keyboard navigation
Use it for: Digital manuals, software interfaces, and printed guides in the U.S. and EU.
Conclusion: Global Compliance Starts with the Right Standards
From product liability protection to regulatory approvals, well-structured manuals are essential business assets. These seven standards help you build documentation that is safe, accessible, and globally compliant.
At Hansem Global, we bring over 35 years of experience in creating user manuals for electronics, machinery, and industrial systems—backed by IEC, ANSI, ISO, and CE standards. Whether you need documentation for CE approval, FCC submission, ADA compliance, or multilingual localization, we can help you deliver content that informs, protects, and persuades.
Your product deserves more than a manual—it needs a compliant strategy.
Let’s build it together.