Key Safety Standards All Industrial Designers Must Follow

Safety is a fundamental pillar of industrial design. While aesthetics and innovation often take the spotlight, ensuring that a product is safe to use, manufacture, and dispose of is a non-negotiable responsibility for every Industrial Designer. Designing with safety in mind not only protects end-users but also supports regulatory compliance, brand reputation, and long-term product success. Understanding the key safety standards helps Industrial Designers create products that are not just functional and beautiful — but also responsibly engineered for real-world use.

1. Human Factors and Ergonomics

Designing for the human body is essential in preventing injuries and misuse. Industrial Designers must consider:

• Anthropometric data to ensure proper fit for a range of users
• Ergonomic stressors that might lead to repetitive strain or discomfort
• Grip, reach, posture, and tactile feedback in interactive elements

Tools like ISO 6385 (ergonomic principles in design) guide designers in creating user-safe products across diverse populations.

2. Material Safety and Flammability

Choosing the right materials impacts safety during both use and production. Designers must be aware of:

• Material flammability and ignition resistance (e.g., UL 94 standards)
• Allergens, toxicity, or off-gassing from synthetic components
• Child-safe coatings and finishes for toys or consumer goods

Material safety should always align with the product’s intended environment and usage scenario.

3. Mechanical and Structural Integrity

Industrial Designers collaborate with engineers to ensure structural safety by:

• Testing load-bearing capacities and breakpoints
• Avoiding pinch points, sharp edges, and instability risks
• Simulating stress through finite element analysis (FEA) or prototyping

Designing for strength and durability helps prevent accidents due to breakage or malfunction.

4. Electrical Safety Standards

For products that include electronic components, safety standards become even more critical. Designers must understand:

• Clearance and creepage distances (per IEC 60601 or IEC 60950)
• Insulation, grounding, and enclosure protection
• Battery safety, overcurrent protection, and waterproofing for electronics

Collaboration with electrical engineers ensures compliance and safe user interaction with powered devices.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Certification

Industrial Designers must be aware of region-specific safety certifications that products must meet, such as:

• CE marking (Europe): General safety, health, and environmental requirements
• UL and CSA (North America): Product-specific safety evaluations
• RoHS and REACH: Compliance with hazardous substance regulations

Designers should collaborate with regulatory teams early in the process to avoid costly redesigns later.

6. Child Safety Standards

Products intended for children must follow stricter design rules to prevent choking, injury, or poisoning. These include:

• ASTM F963 and EN 71 standards for toy safety
• Secure battery compartments and no sharp or detachable small parts
• Non-toxic, lead-free materials and finishes

Understanding the age group and behavioral patterns of young users is essential for safe, compliant design.

7. Usability Testing and Risk Mitigation

Designers reduce risk by conducting iterative testing and failure analysis, such as:

• Usability testing to identify confusion or unintended use
• Scenario planning for worst-case usage conditions
• Designing intuitive safety cues (e.g., warning labels, color-coding, physical guards)

Proactive risk reduction is always better than post-market correction.

Conclusion

Safety is not a final checkbox — it's a continuous priority throughout the design process. Industrial Designers who prioritize safety from the beginning build trust with users, reduce liability, and ensure compliance with global standards. By understanding the materials, mechanics, user behavior, and regulatory landscape, designers play a crucial role in protecting the public and creating products that are both innovative and responsible. Safe design isn’t just good design — it’s essential design.