This part of IEC 60050 gives the general terminology used in the field of the application of safety of machinery, as well as general terms pertaining to specific applications and associated technologies. It has the status of a horizontal publication in accordance with IEC Guide 108, Guidelines for ensuring the coherence of IEC publications – Horizontal functions, horizontal publications and their application.

This terminology is consistent with the terminology developed in the other specialized parts of the IEV.

This horizontal publication is primarily intended for use by technical committees in the preparation of IEC publications in accordance with the principles laid down in IEC Guide 108.

One of the responsibilities of a technical committee is, wherever applicable, to make use of horizontal publications in the preparation of its publications.