prEN ISO 20607

Safety of machinery - Instruction handbook - General drafting principles (ISO/DIS 20607:2025)

This document specifies requirements for the machine manufacturer for preparation of the safety-relevant parts of an instruction handbook for machinery.
This document:
— provides further specifications to the general requirements on information for use given in ISO 12100:2010, 6.4.5; and
— deals with the safety-related content, the corresponding structure and presentation of the instruction handbook, taking into account all phases of the life cycle of the machine.
NOTE 1 The strategy for risk reduction at the machine is given in ISO 12100:2010, Clause 6, and includes inherently safe design measures, safeguarding and complementary risk reduction measures as well as information for use.
NOTE 2 Annex A contains a correspondence table between ISO 12100:2010, 6.4, and this document.
NOTE 3 Information for conception and preparation of instructions in general is available in IEC/IEEE 82079-1.
This document establishes the principles which are indispensable to provide information on residual risks.
This document does not address requirements for declaration of noise and vibration emissions.
This document is not applicable to machinery manufactured before the date of its publication.

Sicherheit von Maschinen - Betriebsanleitung - Allgemeine Gestaltungsgrundsätze (ISO/DIS 20607:2025)

Sécurité des machines - Notice d'instructions - Principes rédactionnels généraux (ISO/DIS 20607:2025)

Le présent document spécifie des exigences, pour le fabricant de machine, pour la préparation des parties relatives à la sécurité de la notice d'instructions de cette machine.
Le présent document:
— fournit des spécifications complémentaires aux exigences générales relatives aux informations pour l'utilisation données dans l'ISO 12100:2010, 6.4.5, et
— traite avec les contenus relatifs à la sécurité, de la structure correspondante et de la présentation de la notice d'instructions en tenant compte de toutes les phases du cycle de vie de la machine.
NOTE 1 La stratégie pour la réduction des risques au niveau de la machine est donnée dans l'ISO 12100:2010, Article 6, et comprend les mesures de prévention intrinsèque, la protection et/ou les mesures de prévention complémentaires ainsi que les informations pour l'utilisation.
NOTE 2 L'Annexe A contient un tableau de correspondance entre l'ISO 12100:2010, 6.4, et le présent document.
NOTE 3 Des informations pour la conception et la préparation des instructions en général sont disponibles dans l'IEC/IEEE 82079‑1.
Le présent document définit les principes indispensables pour la fourniture d'informations sur les risques résiduels.
Le présent document ne répond pas aux exigences de déclaration d'émission acoustique et vibratoire.
Le présent document ne s'applique pas aux machines fabriquées avant la date de sa publication.

Varnost strojev - Navodila za uporabo - Splošna načela za načrtovanje (ISO/DIS 20607:2025)

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 06-Sep-2026
• ICS: 13.110 - Safety of machinery
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 114 - Safety of machinery
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 114 - Safety of machinery
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 02-May-2025
• Completion Date: 02-May-2025
• Directive: 2006/42/EC - Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)
• Directive: 2023/1230 - Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2023 on machinery and repealing Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 73/361/EEC (Text with EEA relevance)
• Mandate: M/396 - Mandate to CEN and Cenelec for standardisation in the field of machinery
• Mandate: M/605 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 20.1.2025 on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization and to the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization as regards machinery and related products in support of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN ISO 20607:2025 - Safety of machinery - Instruction handbook - General drafting principles (ISO/DIS 20607:2025)

Relations

• Revises: EN ISO 20607:2019 - Safety of machinery - Instruction handbook - General drafting principles (ISO 20607:2019)
• Effective Date: 09-Oct-2024

Overview

The draft international standard prEN ISO 20607:2025, titled Safety of machinery - Instruction handbook - General drafting principles, provides essential requirements for machine manufacturers in preparing safety-relevant instruction handbooks. This document elaborates on the general information requirements defined in ISO 12100:2010, focusing specifically on safety-related content, structure, and presentation throughout the entire machine lifecycle.

This standard serves as a critical guideline in drafting clear, comprehensive, and understandable instruction manuals that address residual risks and support safe machine operation. It excludes noise and vibration declaration requirements and is not retroactively applicable to machinery manufactured prior to publication.

Key Topics

• Safety-Relevant Instruction Handbook Content: Specifies the necessary safety instructions that manufacturers must incorporate in manuals, including warnings, hazard symbols, and residual risk information.
• Lifecycle Coverage: Addresses all machine lifecycle phases such as transportation, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and decommissioning.
• User-Centered Information: Emphasizes comprehensible terminology tailored to the target audience and effective presentation for optimal usability.
• Structure and Presentation: Outlines a clear organizational structure for instruction handbooks to enhance readability. This includes sections like machine overview, handling, assembly, operation, maintenance, cleaning, and fault resolution.
• Risk Communication: Provides principles to communicate residual risks clearly, supporting user safety and compliance with risk reduction strategies from ISO 12100.
• Digital Formats: Introduces requirements and guidance for fully digital instruction handbooks to keep pace with technological advancements.
• IT Security Considerations: Recognizes the importance of including information on IT security vulnerabilities related to machinery operation.
• Alignment with Regulations: Includes correspondence with European Directives (e.g., 2006/42/EC) and relevant standards like IEC/IEEE 82079-1 on instructions preparation.

Applications

• Machine Manufacturers: Facilitates the creation of comprehensive and standardized safety manuals that comply with international safety principles, improving user safety and regulatory adherence.
• Technical Documentation Professionals: Assists documentation teams in drafting clear, well-structured instruction handbooks with safety as a core focus.
• Regulators and Safety Bodies: Offers a benchmark for evaluating the quality and completeness of machine safety instructions issued by manufacturers.
• Maintenance and Service Providers: Ensures they receive adequate instructions covering safe inspection, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
• End Users and Employers: Enhances understanding of machine operation and safety precautions by providing clear, accessible guidance tailored to various user groups.
• Standards Developers: Acts as a foundational type-B standard upon which type-C machinery-specific standards can build.

Related Standards

• ISO 12100:2010 – Safety of machinery – General principles for design – Risk assessment and risk reduction: Provides the overarching strategy for risk reduction; prEN ISO 20607 complements clause 6.4.5 related to information for use.
• IEC/IEEE 82079-1 – Preparation of instructions for use: Offers comprehensive guidance on preparing instructions, which supports the drafting principles established by ISO 20607.
• Type-C Machinery Standards: Specific machinery standards referencing ISO 20607's instruction handbook requirements to address product-specific safety aspects.
• European Directive 2006/42/EC – Machinery Directive: prEN ISO 20607 aligns with essential safety requirements related to machine documentation.

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By adhering to the prEN ISO 20607:2025 principles, manufacturers can significantly enhance the safety and usability of their machinery through expertly drafted instruction handbooks. This standard is indispensable for professionals involved in machine safety, technical writing, regulatory compliance, and user support, ensuring safety information is communicated clearly and effectively to minimize risks in real-world operation.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2025
Varnost strojev - Navodila za uporabo - Splošna načela za načrtovanje (ISO/DIS
20607:2025)
Safety of machinery - Instruction handbook - General drafting principles (ISO/DIS
20607:2025)
Sicherheit von Maschinen - Betriebsanleitung - Allgemeine Gestaltungsgrundsätze
(ISO/DIS 20607:2025)
Sécurité des machines - Notice d'instructions - Principes rédactionnels généraux
(ISO/DIS 20607:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 20607
ICS:
01.110 Tehnična dokumentacija za Technical product
izdelke documentation
13.110 Varnost strojev Safety of machinery
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 20607
ISO/TC 199
Safety of machinery — Instruction
Secretariat: DIN
handbook — General drafting
Voting begins on:
principles
2025-02-07
Sécurité des machines — Notice d'instructions — Principes
Voting terminates on:
rédactionnels généraux
2025-05-02
ICS: 13.110
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 20607
ISO/TC 199
Safety of machinery — Instruction
Secretariat: DIN
handbook — General drafting
Voting begins on:
principles
Sécurité des machines — Notice d'instructions — Principes
Voting terminates on:
rédactionnels généraux
ICS: 13.110
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principles and general information . 2
4.1 General .2
4.2 Target group for the instruction handbook .3
4.3 Information needs .3
4.4 Comprehensible terminology and wording .3
4.5 Presentation of the instruction handbook .3
4.6 Information from component or subsystem suppliers .4
4.7 Legibility .4
4.8 Warnings, hazard and safety symbols used in the instruction handbook .4
4.9 Structuring .4
4.10 Residual risks .4
4.10.1 General .4
4.10.2 Signals and warning devices provided with the machine .5
4.11 IT security vulnerabilities .5
5 Content and structure of the instruction handbook . 5
5.1 General .5
5.2 Instruction handbook content .6
5.2.1 Basic parts of an introduction handbook .6
5.2.2 Safety .7
5.2.3 Machine overview .8
5.2.4 Transportation, handling and storage .8
5.2.5 Assembly, installation and commissioning .9
5.2.6 Original equipment manufacturer settings .10
5.2.7 Operation .10
5.2.8 Product or capacity changeover .11
5.2.9 Inspection, testing and maintenance .11
5.2.10 Cleaning and sanitizing . 12
5.2.11 Fault finding/troubleshooting and repair . 12
5.2.12 Dismantling, disabling and scrapping . 13
5.2.13 Documents and drawings. 13
5.2.14 Index . 13
5.2.15 Glossary . 13
5.2.16 Annexes .14
6 Language and formulation/style guide . 14
6.1 General .14
6.2 Language version(s) .14
6.3 Formulation guidance for instructions .14
6.4 Simple wording for instructions .14
6.5 Warnings . 15
7 Forms of publication .15
7.1 General . 15
7.2 Requirements for fully digital instruction handbook .16
7.2.1 General .16
7.2.2 Essential safety information for non-professional use .16
Annex A (informative) Correspondence between ISO 12100:2010, 6.4, and this document . 17
Annex B (informative) Presentation and formatting .18

iii
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
Annex C (informative) Recommendations for writing instructions.21
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC aimed to be covered .24
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 aimed to be covered .25
Bibliography .26

iv
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 199, Safety of machinery.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 20607:2019), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
a) clarification added to the Scope that this document gives requirements for drafting of the instruction
handbook of all types of machines;
b) clarification added to the Scope that this document does neither address requirements regarding
cybersecurity nor regarding logic with partially or fully self-evolving behaviour applied to machinery;
c) information on the necessary precautions, devices and means for the rescue of persons added as
additional list item d) to 5.2.2.3;
d) controls and display descriptions stated more precisely in 5.2.3 f)
e) new subclause added on requirements for fully digital instruction handbook (see 7.2).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

v
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
Introduction
This document is a type-B standard as stated in ISO 12100.
This document is of relevance, in particular, for the following stakeholder groups representing the market
players with regard to machinery safety:
— machine manufacturers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— health and safety bodies (regulators, accident prevention organisations, market surveillance etc.).
Others can be affected by the level of machinery safety achieved with the means of the document by the
above-mentioned stakeholder groups:
— machine users/employers (small, medium and large enterprises);
— machine users/employees (e.g. trade unions, organizations for people with special needs);
— service providers, e.g. for maintenance (small, medium and large enterprises);
— consumers (in case of machinery intended for use by consumers).
The above-mentioned stakeholder groups have been given the possibility to participate at the drafting
process of this document.
In addition, this document is intended for standardization bodies elaborating type-C standards.
The requirements of this document can be supplemented or modified by a type-C standard.
For machines which are covered by the scope of a type-C standard and which have been designed and built
according to the requirements of that standard, the requirements of that type-C standard take precedence.
The structure of safety standards in the field of machinery is as follows.
a) Type-A standards (basic safety standards) give basic concepts, principles for design and general
aspects that can be applied to machinery;
b) Type-B standards (generic safety standards) dealing with one or more safety aspect(s), or one or more
type(s) of safeguards that can be used across a wide range of machinery:
— type-B1 standards on particular safety aspects (for example, safety distances, surface
temperature, noise);
— type-B2 standards on safeguards (for example, two-hand control devices, interlocking devices,
pressure-sensitive devices, guards);
c) Type-C standards (machine safety standards) dealing with detailed safety requirements for a
particular machine or group of machines.
This type-B standard is written to provide guidance to machine manufacturers on how to provide an
instruction handbook. According to ISO 12100:2010, 6.4.1.1, drafting information for use is an integral
part of the design of a machine. Information for use consists of communication links, such as texts, words,
signs, signals, symbols or diagrams, used separately or in combination to convey information to the user.
Information for use is intended for professional and/or non-professional users. Instructions are a key part
of the information for use of a machine. This document provides safety specifications for machinery that is
more specific than IEC/IEEE 82079-1.
The instruction handbook drafted in accordance with this document is intended to inform the user in such a
manner that after reading it, he/she is aware of how the machine can be used safely according to its intended
use during its life cycle, considering also aspects of reasonably foreseeable misuse.
The objective fulfilled by this document is to improve the safety specifications and readability/ease of use of
the instruction handbook of the machine.

vi
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
Safety of machinery — Instruction handbook — General
drafting principles
1 Scope
This document specifies requirements for the machine manufacturer for preparation of the safety-relevant
parts of an instruction handbook for machinery.
This document
— provides further specifications to the general requirements on information for use given in
ISO 12100:2010, 6.4.5,
— deals with the safety-related content, the corresponding structure and presentation of the instruction
handbook, taking into account all phases of the life cycle of the machine, and
— gives requirements for drafting of the instruction handbook of all types of machines.
NOTE 1 The strategy for risk reduction at the machine is given in ISO 12100:2010, Clause 6, and includes inherently
safe design measures, safeguarding and complementary risk reduction measures as well as information for use.
NOTE 2 Annex A contains a correspondence table between ISO 12100:2010, 6.4, and this document.
NOTE 3 Information for conception and preparation of instructions in general is available in IEC/IEEE 82079-1.
This document establishes the principles which are indispensable to provide information on residual risks.
This document does not address requirements for declaration of noise and vibration emissions.
This document does not address requirements regarding cybersecurity.
This document does not address requirements regarding logic with partially or fully self-evolving behavior
applied to machinery. This includes but is not limited to machine-learning.
This document is not applicable to machinery manufactured before the date of its publication.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 12100 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
3.1
instruction handbook
part of the information for use provided by a machine manufacturer to the machine user that contains
instructions and advice concerning the use of the machinery during all phases of its life cycle
Note 1 to entry: Instruction handbook is a subset of information for use. For more information, see ISO 12100:2010, 6.4.
3.2
integrator
entity who designs, provides, manufactures or assembles an integrated manufacturing system and is in
charge of the safety strategy, including the protective measures, control interfaces and interconnections of
the control system
Note 1 to entry: The integrator may be a manufacturer, assembler, engineering company or the user.
[SOURCE: ISO 11161:2007, 3.10]
3.3
risk reduction measure
action or means to eliminate hazards or reduce risks
Note 1 to entry: The term “risk reduction measure” used in this document corresponds to the term “protective
measure” used in ISO 12100.
EXAMPLE Inherently safe design; protective devices; personal protective equipment; information for use and
installation; organization of work; training; application of equipment; supervision.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.13, modified – The synonymous term has been deleted and Note 1 to
entry has been added.]
3.4
vulnerable user
user at greater risk of harm from products or systems, due to age, level of literacy, physical or mental
condition or limitations, or inability to access product safety information
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 51:2014, 3.16, modified – The term “consumer” has been replaced by “user” in the
term and in the definition.]
4 Principles and general information
4.1 General
The purpose of the instruction handbook is to provide the user with such information that the machine
concerned can be effectively and safely used during the life cycle of the machine, also considering reasonably
foreseeable misuse. When the instruction handbook is being prepared, the communication process “read –
think – use” should be followed in order to achieve the maximum effect for the reader.
NOTE For general principles of design of instruction handbooks see also IEC/IEEE 82079-1:2019, 6.3.
The instruction handbook shall follow sequential operations, as applicable.
The instruction handbook shall provide the target group(s) with information on:
— intended use;
— the machine itself and, as appropriate, its parts and components;
— relevant phases of the life cycle of the machine according to ISO 12100;
— hazards that have been identified and risk reduction measures that have been applied in conjunction
with activities the user is expected to perform (human machine interaction); and

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
— residual risks, as these can require risk reduction by the user of the machine.
4.2 Target group for the instruction handbook
Target groups consisting of persons who interact directly with the machine and the task(s) they perform
shall be identified.
Target groups that can interact with the machine shall be described in the instruction handbook and
typically include, but are not limited to:
a) installers (for example, system integrators);
b) operators;
c) maintenance personnel or technicians;
d) cleaning personnel;
e) dismantling personnel.
4.3 Information needs
The instruction handbook shall take into account the specific needs, foreseeable knowledge and technical
vocabulary of the target group intended to use the machine.
4.4 Comprehensible terminology and wording
The instruction handbook shall be:
a) comprehensible by using preferably standardized terms, well recognized technical terms or explaining
special technical terms and expressions, if used;
b) as simple and as brief as possible by using, for example
— language-independent instructions to support the text (pictograms, pictures, drawings etc.);
— short and simple sentences;
— where synonyms are available, use only one term;
— tables and listings;
— chronological, logical and sequential writing;
— repetition, where necessary;
— diagrams, charts;
c) expressed in consistent terms and units (for example, SI quantities);
d) drafted using the active voice;
e) easily translatable.
NOTE For guidance and examples on formulation, see Annex C.
4.5 Presentation of the instruction handbook
The instruction handbook may be presented as a single document or as a set of separate documents, for
example, for the following reasons:
— instructions intended for different target groups (see 4.2);

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
— a single document is too large or complex;
— document is addressing different life phases of the machine.
When providing information for different target groups in a single document the information shall be clearly
separated so that a user does not accidently refer to information which does not apply.
4.6 Information from component or subsystem suppliers
Where information from component or subsystem suppliers is necessary for the instruction handbook, it
shall either:
— be incorporated directly in the instruction handbook; or
— provide the relevant parts of the original instruction handbook of components/subsystems from
suppliers and making appropriate references therein.
4.7 Legibility
Text and graphical symbols shall be legible for the target group(s).
NOTE For examples of recommended text font sizes and graphical symbol heights, see Annex B.
4.8 Warnings, hazard and safety symbols used in the instruction handbook
Warnings, hazard and safety symbols shall be distinguishable from other content of the instruction
handbook.
When signs (pictograms) and/or written warnings are used to indicate important messages their meaning
shall be clearly explained.
NOTE 1 Annex C provides guidance on wording.
NOTE 2 Terms often used in instruction handbooks are “DANGER”, “WARNING”, “CAUTION” without or in
combination with pictograms. For the definitions of these terms and more information about colours for coding, see
ISO 3864-2.
NOTE 3 For safety signs and symbols, see ISO 7000 and ISO 7010.
4.9 Structuring
The instruction handbook should be structured in a such a way that the information can be quickly located,
for example, by using sections, chapters, sub-clauses, headings, numbers, highlighting, colors.
NOTE See Clause 5 for a recommended structure.
Instruction handbooks shall be presented in a such a way that the reader can determine if they are complete
(for example, using a table of contents and the numbering of pages).
4.10 Residual risks
4.10.1 General
Based on the risk assessment and the risk reduction measures the manufacturer of the machine shall inform
and warn the target group, if relevant, for each residual risk. General statements about residual risks shall
be avoided.
NOTE The information on residual risks form the basis for further risk reduction measures to be introduced by
the user of the machine.
Explanations on the risks and appropriate warnings shall be given.

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
4.10.2 Signals and warning devices provided with the machine
The instruction handbook shall describe signals and warning devices provided with the machine and
explain their meaning.
4.11 IT security vulnerabilities
Where applicable, the instruction handbook shall provide information concerning IT security vulnerabilities.
See ISO/TR 22100-4:2018, 10.4.
5 Content and structure of the instruction handbook
5.1 General
The essential information, relevant for the user, shall be structured in an instruction handbook (see
Table 1 for an example). Table 1 does not take into account all different target groups, but is a template for
information that can be placed in an instruction handbook for the machine concerned. From this, a writer
can create a specific instruction handbook for a particular target group. An instruction handbook for a user/
operator need not contain all the sections of Table 1.
Table 1 — Instruction handbook content example
Section Content
Basic parts of an instruction Title page
handbook
Table of contents
(see 5.2.1)
Introduction to/purpose of this instruction handbook
Safety (see 5.2.2) General safety information and general safety instructions
Machine overview Machine description
(see 5.2.3) Intended use
Key machine specifications
Controls and displays descriptions
Floor plan/layout
Transportation, handling and Transporting, handling and storing the machine and/or the components
storage (see 5.2.4)
Assembly, installation and Assembly/integration of the machine
commissioning
Positioning of the machine
(see 5.2.5)
Mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical installation
Check and test of safety systems
Installation check
Commissioning
Original equipment manufac- Mechanical settings and synchronization
turer settings
Safety-related (setting) parameters
(see 5.2.6)
Pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and vacuum settings
Other settings
Operation Operating modes
(see 5.2.7) Machine start-up and shut-down
Sequence or chronology of operations
Other operating instructions, if applicable
Product or capacity changeo- General product or capacity changeover information
ver (see 5.2.8)
Product-specific set-up information
Inspection, testing and main- Maintenance instructions
tenance
(see 5.2.9)
ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
TTabablele 1 1 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Section Content
Cleaning and sanitizing Cleaning and/or sanitizing of the machine
(see 5.2.10)
Fault finding/troubleshooting General fault finding/troubleshooting and repair information
and repair (see 5.2.11)
Troubleshooting chart (electrical engineering)
Troubleshooting of electrical sensors, vacuum systems, pneumatic systems and
hydraulic systems
Dismantling, disabling and Dismantling, disabling and scrapping instructions
scrapping (see 5.2.12)
Documents and drawings (see Documents, drawings and parts list
5.2.13)
Index, glossary, annexes See 5.2.14 to 5.2.16
5.2 Instruction handbook content
5.2.1 Basic parts of an introduction handbook
5.2.1.1 General
The following information shall be included in the instruction handbook, as applicable:
a) title page;
— date of issue, version of publication of the instruction handbook;
— machine designation (model and/or type);
— sufficient information to identify the machine(s) to which the handbook applies (e.g. identification
number, serial number(s), period of application);
b) table of contents;
c) introduction to/purpose of this instruction handbook;
d) how to read and apply the instruction handbook;
e) name of the manufacturer and contact details (postal address, phone numbers, email address, website);
f) type of instruction handbook (for example, operation, maintenance, control software, user guide);
g) date of manufacture;
h) markings in order to indicate compliance with mandatory/legal requirements;
i) list of used abbreviations;
j) symbols and signs for text markings.
If an instruction handbook consists of more than one part, each part is given its own title page as defined
above. Identification of this information shall be in a prominent place.
If an instruction handbook consists of more than one part, each part shall be identified in relation to the
other parts (for example, part 2 of 5 parts). The following subjects shall be included, as applicable:
— addressed target groups;
— abilities/skills required by the target group(s);
— reader’s guide/marking conventions/structure of the instruction handbook.

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
5.2.1.2 Table of contents
The table of contents shall show the structure of the instruction handbook and serves as a navigation aid
within the document.
The instruction handbook shall have a table of contents, if it exceeds 12 pages unless the size or form (for
example, instruction card) makes this unnecessary.
Instruction handbooks shall have numbered pages or electronic equivalent (e.g. links).
The table of contents shall also indicate unnumbered text elements such as preface, abbreviated instructions,
reader instructions, register/index and appendices, as applicable.
The table of contents can be created in various ways, for example:
a) a full table of contents of the instruction handbook with:
1) the chapters and sections of the first three levels of the subdivision; and
2) the page number or electronic equivalent where each chapter and section begins;
b) a simplified table of contents with a full table of contents for each part;
c) the table of contents should reflect each target group and lifecycle phase.
In a simplified table of contents, there should at least the first level of subdivision with the corresponding
page numbers/electronic equivalents.
5.2.2 Safety
5.2.2.1 General
General safety requirements, not restricted to specific tasks, shall be provided together in a specific part of
the instruction handbook, preferably in the “Safety” clause. For specific tasks described in the instruction
handbook, safety information shall be included where the task is described.
5.2.2.2 General rules for preparation of the “Safety” clause
a) warnings about potentially hazardous situations that can occur during intended use of the machine;
b) warnings regarding potentially hazardous situations arising from reasonably foreseeable misuse;
c) residual risks to be described;
d) general warnings and precautions to be included.
The following topics shall be added, if relevant:
— substances and emissions that can create risk for the persons that can be involved in the machine
operations;
— warnings, where the use of the machine can negatively influence electrically controlled medical devices,
such as pacemakers;
— content related to the safety of the user groups. Attention should be given to protect vulnerable user
groups (e.g. children, elderly people);
— personal protective equipment to be used for specific tasks;
— safety symbols, safety signs and/or pictograms used in and on the machine, including an image of them;
— location of safety symbols, safety signs and/or pictograms on the machine;

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
— instructions for renewing of safety symbols, safety signs and/or pictograms on the machine, if necessary.
Standardized symbols (see, for example, ISO 7010, IEC 61310) shall be used to indicate important messages
such as cautions, warnings and safety instructions.
5.2.2.3 Emergency situations
Where applicable, the instruction handbook shall include information to address specific emergency
situations, such as
a) the operating method to be followed in the event of accident or breakdown;
b) the type of emergency equipment to be used;
c) a warning of possible emission or leakage of hazardous substance(s) and, if applicable, an indication of
means for fighting their effects;
d) information on the necessary precautions, devices and means for the rescue of persons.
5.2.3 Machine overview
The instruction handbook shall include a general description of the machine. The following information
shall be included, where applicable:
a) machine description;
b) graphical description (for example, floor plan, drawings, images);
c) intended use including the type of material/products that can be processed by the machine;
d) specific applications that are prohibited;
e) key machine specifications, such as
— length, width and height;
— mass;
— operating speed;
— characteristics of the power supply;
— limits for intended operating conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity and air pressure;
— intended life limit of the machine;
— lifetime (mission time) of components, where relevant for safety aspects;
f) controls and display descriptions, incl. description of controls which are able to react on verbal
commands (i.e. by the means of speech) or non-verbal comments (i.e. by the means of gestures, facial
expressions or body movement), if any;
g) requirements regarding (work)place or environment in which the machine is foreseen to be used (for
example, indoors, outdoors, clean room, potentially explosive atmosphere).
5.2.4 Transportation, handling and storage
The following information shall be included in the instruction handbook for transportation, handling and
storage of the machine and/or the components, if relevant:
— physical characteristics such as dimensions during transportation, mass and centre of gravity of the
machine, gripping/lifting points to be used;

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
— recommended transportation and handling method including required skills and equipment;
— environmental conditions for storage, such as limits for temperature, relative humidity and avoidance of
direct sunlight.
5.2.5 Assembly, installation and commissioning
5.2.5.1 Assembly of the machine
Machines that are not assembled or installed by the manufacturer or under the manufacturer’s responsibility
shall contain the following instructions, if relevant:
— requirements and procedures for assembly and mounting (for example, temporary support or
safeguarding, appropriate climatic conditions);
— requirements for testing, where necessary;
— use of special tools and equipment;
— information on safe disposal of packaging materials and preservation measures.
5.2.5.2 Positioning of the machine
Machines that are not positioned by the manufacturer or under the manufacturer’s responsibility shall
contain the following instructions, if relevant:
— minimum requirements for placing (for example, floor characteristics, point load, dynamic load, levelling,
alignment);
— minimum requirements for fixing and anchoring the machine;
— requirements for accessibility around the machine (for example, for maintenance, cleaning, sanitizing,
work spaces).
5.2.5.3 Installation
The instruction handbook shall include information for mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical
installations, and in particular the required characteristics of the energy supply (for example, mechanical,
pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical).
Other information to include in the instruction handbook, if relevant, are
— characteristics of necessary fluids including hazardous substances;
— necessity for an additional exhaust extraction system and its characteristics.
5.2.5.4 Checking and testing of safety systems
The instruction handbook shall include procedures for checking and testing safety systems.
Machines where the installation check is not performed by the manufacturer or under the manufacturer’s
responsibility shall include procedures for checking the correct installation, if relevant.
Each safety relevant check shall be described with the following content:
— what to be checked;
— how to check;
— criteria for acceptance/non-acceptance;
— action required in case of non-acceptance.

ISO/DIS 20607:2025(en)
5.2.5.5 Commissioning
If the machine is not commissioned by the manufacturer or under the manufacturer’s responsibility, the
instruction handbook shall include procedures for commissioning and first use of the machine, such as
— specific risks and hazards, and precautions to be taken;
— information about special procedures for commissioning, if required;
— securing and packaging materials that shall be removed (also consider protective films, strips, etc.);
— necessary tools and equipment;
— procedures, such as adjustments, testing, measuring and reporting; and
— inspections.
5.2.6 Original equipment manufacturer settings
The instruction handbook shall include instructions regarding original equipment manufacturer settings
where accessible for the machine user, such as
— mechanical settings and synchronization;
— safety-related (setting) parameters;
— pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and vacuum settings; and
— other settings.
5.2.7 Operation
The instruction handbook shall include instructions regarding operating safety considerations, such as
— intended use;
— residual risks;
— informati
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