Table of Contents
What Is Standard 82079
Standard 82079 is the most widely used international standard for drafting manuals and other instructional user information. Its official designation is NEN EN IEC 82079-1. The standard defines the requirements that instructions must meet to be understandable, usable and safe.
Standard 82079-1 is a so-called horizontal standard. This means that its requirements are not limited to a specific product group or sector. The standard applies to almost all products that require instructional information, ranging from simple household appliances to complex industrial systems and software.
The international status of the standard is significant. It is supported by the Netherlands Standardisation Institute (NEN), the European standardisation body CENELEC and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which operate under the umbrella of ISO. As a result, the standard has global authority and wide recognition.
Why Is the Standard Important
The application of standards directly contributes to safety, quality and international usability. A manual that complies with this standard:
- supports safe product use
- reduces the risk of errors and accidents
- helps meet legal and contractual obligations
- ensures consistency within documentation
In many countries, supervisory authorities and notified bodies use the standard as a minimum quality reference. It plays an increasingly important role in CE and UKCA marking. By working in accordance with Standard 82079, you demonstrate that your user information is professionally and carefully prepared.
What Does the Standard Specify
The strength of Standard 82079-1 lies in its focus on how instructions are created, not on what they must contain. It does not prescribe exactly which topics every manual must include, as this varies per product and application.
However, the standard sets clear requirements for:
- structure and organisation of instructions
- clarity and language use
- readability and layout
- integration of safety information
- competencies of writers and translators
- review and evaluation of manuals
Safety information is mandatory when risks are present during use, maintenance or installation. In practice, this applies to almost all products. Therefore, safety always plays a central role within the 82079 standard.
Structure of Standard 82079-1
The standard consists of seven chapters. Chapters 4 to 6 form the core.
| Section | Title | Short description of the contents |
| 1 | Area of Application | Describes for which products and situations the standard applies. It covers all instructional user information, regardless of medium or sector. |
| 2 | References to Standards | Contains references to other relevant standards, for example for symbols, safety and terminology. |
| 3 | Terms | Provides definitions of key concepts. Many of these are essential for consistent interpretation. |
| 4 | Principles | Defines fundamental principles for creating manuals, including:
|
| 5 | Content of User Manuals | Describes the types of information typically required throughout the product life cycle:
|
| 6 | Presentation of User Manuals | Includes requirements for layout and readability, such as:
|
| 7 | Analysis of Conformance | Describes how to verify whether a manual complies with the requirements. It provides guidance for evaluation and assessment, not mandatory certification. The goal is to ensure that user information demonstrably complies with Standard 82079. |
Requirements for Technical Writers and Translators
The standard explicitly addresses the competence of professionals involved in drafting manuals.
Technical Writers
According to the standard, technical writers must have appropriate competence. They must be able to apply the requirements of the standard correctly and produce understandable instructions for the intended audience.
No specific qualification is required, but competence must be demonstrable through education, training or relevant work experience.
Translators
Translators must also demonstrate competence. They must have excellent command of both the source and target language and understand the product and its context. Technical knowledge is essential.
Safety Information Within the Standard
Safety information is a core element of Standard 82079.
General Requirements
The standard sets certain general requirements for safety information:
- Safety information must be based on a risk assessment
- Instructions must be logically and consistently structured
- Safety information should preferably be grouped in a clearly recognisable section
Warnings
Warnings must be included at the point where the risk occurs. Each warning contains:
- a signal word (such as Danger, Warning or Caution)
- a description of the hazard
- the possible consequences
- the recommended action
Standard 82079 allows and recommends the use of safety colours and symbols, but does not make them mandatory.
Difference Between Standard 82079 and National Standards
In addition to the international 82079 standard, national standards exist, such as the Dutch NEN 5509. These generally align with 82079-1 but are often more limited in scope and detail.
For international market use, Standard 82079 provides the most complete and reliable foundation. If you export, it is advisable to always use this standard as your starting point.
Is Compliance Difficult?
For organisations that already work in a structured way, compliance is well within reach. The standard mainly requires consistent application of key principles:
- write for the target audience
- use clear, simple sentences
- provide one instruction per step
- ensure sufficient readability
- review and validate instructions
The standard recommends having manuals reviewed by a second expert. This is not mandatory, but strongly advised.
And methods such as Information Mapping help to apply the requirements of 82079-1 in practice. By structuring instructions clearly and using the imperative form, consistency and clarity are improved.
Practical Approach to Implementing the Standard
An effective implementation of the standard typically follows these steps:
- Study the standard carefully
- Compare the requirements with your current documentation
- Identify where improvements are needed
- Set priorities
- Adjust processes and guidelines
- Train relevant staff
- Evaluate and improve continuously
Some organisations also choose to carry out external assessments or audits to ensure quality.
Support from an Expert
Are you going to start writing manuals yourself? It is clear: by working in accordance with Standard 82079, you lay a solid foundation for safety and consistency. With a structured approach, compliance with the standard is well within reach.
Prefer to involve an expert? Manualise supports you in analysing, drafting and improving manuals in line with this and other relevant standards. This ensures your user information meets the highest professional standard.