ISO 12100: UniSafety Represents Brazil in the Final Stage of the Standard’s Revision in the United States

Between February 16 and 18, 2026, in Tampa, Florida (USA), Brazil participated in the decisive stage of the revision of ISO 12100, one of the world’s most important standards for machine safety. The country was represented by engineer and UniSafety Managing Partner, Guilherme Neto, a member of Working Group 5 of ISO Technical Committee 199.

During three days of intensive technical discussions, nearly 400 issues were analyzed in the final phase of consolidating the standard’s text. “The volume of comments was lower compared to previous revision cycles, indicating the maturity of the standard and bringing its final publication closer,” says Guilherme Neto.

ISO 12100 Advances to the Final Consolidation Phase

ISO 12100 establishes the general principles for the safe design of machinery and risk management throughout the entire lifecycle of equipment. Its revision directly impacts manufacturers, system integrators, end users, and occupational safety professionals.

According to Guilherme Neto, consensus was reached on the most sensitive topics discussed during this round of meetings. “Particularly regarding the most controversial issues related to guards for power transmission systems, we found a technical middle ground that balances safety and practical applicability,” he explains.

Brazil’s participation was strategic in discussions involving topics with direct impact on industrial practice, including definitions of remote control and distance control, criteria for the application of optoelectronic protective devices, and parameters for fixed and movable guards. The concept of tolerable risk and acceptable limits within a robust technical framework was also widely discussed. “Safety should not be limited to what is merely tolerable. Whenever possible, risk must be reduced to the lowest level that is technically feasible without compromising operations,” emphasizes the engineer. “This position reinforces a more preventive and structured approach to machine safety, aligned with international best practices and industrial compliance requirements.”

Impacts for Industry and the Brazilian Market

Participating in the development of ISO 12100 enables stakeholders to anticipate regulatory trends and prepare the market for upcoming changes even before the official publication of the revised standard. For companies, this means greater predictability, reduced technical liabilities, and more efficient compliance with future regulatory requirements.

In addition to ISO 12100, the working group also made progress on ISO 20607, the standard dedicated to the preparation of machine instruction manuals. The expectation is that it will replace the current Brazilian standard, promoting international alignment and raising the technical quality of safety documentation.

In practical terms, this represents a competitive advantage for organizations seeking export opportunities, international certifications, and stronger safety governance practices.

The group’s next meeting is scheduled to take place in Turkey, where final adjustments will be made before the definitive consolidation of the standard’s text. Following that stage, the translation process in Brazil will begin, expanding technical access for companies and professionals throughout the industry.

By participating in the ISO 12100 revision process, UniSafety reinforces its commitment to machine safety based on solid technical criteria, a global perspective, and practical application, transforming regulatory updates into strategic value for its clients.