We translate complex technical information into clear, easy-to-follow instructions
Moderate scope
Examples:
Comprehensive instructions
Examples:
Detailed documentation
Examples:There are many different terms used for instructions. Some of these are used synonymously, whilst others refer to specific product groups or types of information.
Information for use (instructions for use)
The IEC/IEEE 82079-1 standard is frequently used for the preparation of instructions. The standard refers to the preparation of information for use(instructions for use) for products.
Operating instructions
This term is mostly used in the industrial sector (mechanical engineering). It is legally defined by the Machinery Regulation. Operating instructions are often very comprehensive and are aimed at qualified personnel. They cover the entire life cycle: from assembly and commissioning through to maintenance and disposal.
Instructions for use
This term is traditionally found in relation to consumer goods or medical devices. It is usually aimed at laypeople. Whilst the operating instructions focus on commercial operation, the instructions for use concentrate on everyday use in the home or by end users.
User guide
This is the term most commonly used in everyday language. It is less strictly defined in legal terms than the ‘operating instructions’, but essentially describes the part of the documentation that explains interaction with the user interface (i.e. operation).
We carry out a systematic risk assessment on your behalf, identify potential sources of danger and develop practical solutions to minimise risk.
We guide you safely through the entire CE marking process. We identify the relevant EU regulations for your product, carry out the necessary risk assessment and prepare the complete technical documentation.
All relevant warnings and safety instructions based on the risk assessment
Description of the intended area of application and permitted use
Specifications, features and technical parameters of the product
Step-by-step instructions for start-up, operation and maintenance
Additional content may be included depending on the product, the hazards involved and the intended use
An user manual is far more than just a guide for users. It is an integral part of the product and a legal requirement. In principle, you are required to provide an user manual whenever a product is placed on the market or a machine is put into service.
The obligation to produce such a manual arises as soon as a product could pose hazards during use, maintenance or cleaning that are not self-explanatory.
A user manual is legally regarded as an integral part of the product. As soon as a product poses risks during use, maintenance or cleaning that are not immediately apparent, a user manual is mandatory. It serves as an essential safety measure to protect the user from incorrect operation and injury. A missing or inadequate manual is considered as a product defect, which, under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), can lead to the product being withdrawn from the market and to significant liability risks for the manufacturer.
Within the European Union, the user manaul must be written in the official language(s) of the country in which the product is supplied to the end user. User manuals in English alone are generally not sufficient for the German market, unless the product is intended exclusively for qualified personnel.
The legal situation is changing: whilst many legal texts previously required user manuals to be provided in paper form, the new EU Machinery Directive permits digital manuals under certain conditions. However, it is important to note that safety-related information must often still be provided in physical form, and access to it must be guaranteed throughout the product’s entire service life.
User manuals are the primary means of addressing any residual risks that could not be eliminated through design. The documentation is only complete if the warnings in the manual are precisely aligned with the results of the risk assessment.
The international standard for the preparation of user information is EN IEC 82079-1. It specifies how content must be structured, designed and worded in order to be considered appropriate for the target audience and safe.
