International markets
ANSI machinery safety standards: what European manufacturers need to know
Guide for U.S. machinery manufacturers: ANSI, OSHA, risk assessment and compliance checks.
Machinery compliance in the United States requires a different approach from CE marking. In Europe the manufacturer works on product directives or regulations, harmonised standards and declaration of conformity. In the USA the picture is more fragmented: OSHA requirements, ANSI and NFPA standards, UL/NRTL requirements and specifications imposed by customers, insurers or local authorities. Reference Reference
For a European manufacturer, the critical point is to avoid dealing with the United States as a simple “transduction” of CE documentation. Many technical principles are similar, but the structure of responsibilities, expectations on electrical equipment and reference terminology can be different.
Why the US market requires a different approach
In the United States the employer is subject to OSHA obligations for workers' safety, while the manufacturer must provide machines designed according to recognized and acceptable standards for the market. ANSI standards, in particular the B11 family for many industrial machines, are a very important technical reference to demonstrate a consistent approach to risk reduction.
ANSI, OSHA, NFPA and UL: different roles
The family ANSI B11
ANSI B11 family covers many industrial machinery safety issues. Includes general standards, requirements for risk reduction measures and specific standards for certain machine categories. For a European manufacturer, logic is similar to the A/B/C classification of ISO/EN standards, but it should not be superimposed automatically.
The choice of relevant ANSI standards must be made considering machine type, functions, hazards, operating modes, online integration, control systems and intended use. In more complex cases it is useful to build a matching matrix between CE/ISO requirements and ANSI/USA. requirements
Risk analysis and reduction measures
Also in the American market, risk assessment is the starting point. It is necessary to identify the hazards, estimate and assess the risks, define reduction measures and document design choices. Measures may include guards, interlocks, safety devices, control circuits, LOTO procedures, information and training.
The difference is that documentation must be understandable and defensible even compared to US standards and expectations. A CE compliant machine can be a good base, but it may require additional verification on guarding, lockout/tagout, electrical design, approved components and user documentation.
Electrical aspects and component certification
One of the most delicate aspects is electrical equipment. In Europe EN 60204-1 is the main reference for the electrical equipment of the machines. In the US market, however, NFPA 79, certified or listed/recognized components, UL requirements and possible evaluations by NRTL or competent authorities.
Electrical verification must be faced from the design. Adapting a picture or a machine at the end of the project can be expensive and lead to delays in delivery, reworks and disputes by the end customer.
Frequent errors of European manufacturers
think that the CE marking is enough for the US market
confuse ANSI, OSHA, UL and NFPA
use non-acceptable components for the US market
do not consider lockout/tagout and maintenance according to US practice
not align instructions for use, plates, pictograms and documentation to customer requirements
intervene too late, when the car is already built.
Recommended route to export to the USA
- Analyze the machine and the target market: state, end customer, contract specifications and industry.
- Define applicable technical standards: ANSI B11, NFPA 79, relevant requirements related to OSHA, UL/NRTL where necessary.
- Run a gap analysis between CE configuration and US requirements.
- Check electrical components, framework, controls, guarding, signage, instructions for use and procedures.
- Document design choices and prepare a useful technical package for customers, installers and auditors.
How Waves Engineering can support you
Waves Engineering supports European manufacturers in the technical preparation of machines destined to North America. Our approach starts from the real machine and the existing technical file, to identify regulatory differences, design adjustments, necessary documentation and possible criticalities before shipment. Reference
FAQ
Is ANSI mandatory?
ANSI standards are generally voluntary, but are often used as a recognised technical reference in the US market and can be requested by customers, technical specifications, insurers or compliance practices.
Is the CE marking worth in the United States?
No. The CE marking is not a requirement for access to the US market. It may represent a technical basis, but it does not replace the evaluation compared to OSHA, ANSI, NFPA, UL/NRTL and local requirements.
When should I make the gap analysis USA?
Before the final design or at least before the construction of the electrical panel and the protections. Intervening only after the machine is complete increases costs and lead times.
