ISO 12100 vs. ANSI B11.0: 2026 Risk Assessment Steps for Imported Machinery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a CE-marked machine automatically compliant for use in a U.S. facility?

No. CE marking may show the OEM followed an international design process, but U.S. employers still need to evaluate guarding, energy isolation, and actual employee tasks under OSHA requirements.

Should we use ISO 12100 or ANSI B11.0 for imported machinery?

Use both where practical. ISO 12100 helps interpret the machine builder's risk framework, while ANSI B11.0 is a strong U.S.-oriented framework for evaluating machinery hazards and selecting controls.

What tasks should be included in an imported-machine risk assessment?

Include more than normal operation. Loading, unloading, setup, changeover, cleaning, jam clearing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and tool changes are all common exposure points.

Why is a job hazard assessment useful for imported equipment?

A JHA breaks the work into job steps so you can identify hazards and rank risk by task. That often reveals exposure during setup, cleaning, or maintenance that a machine-only review misses.

What are the most common gaps found on imported machinery?

Common issues include inadequate guarding access distances, bypassable interlocks, missing protection at transfer points, unclear lockout points, and no documented safe method for jams or changeovers.