ISO 4254-7:2008, intended to be used together with ISO 4254-1, specifies the safety requirements and their verification for the design and construction of combine harvesters, forage harvesters and cotton harvesters. It describes methods for the elimination or reduction of hazards arising from the intended use of these machines by one person (the operator) in the course of normal operation and service. In addition, it specifies the type of information on safe working practices to be provided by the manufacturer.

Taken together with ISO 4254-1, ISO 4254-7:2008 deals with all the significant hazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to combine harvesters, forage harvesters and cotton harvesters, when they are used as intended and under the conditions foreseen by the manufacturer. It is not applicable to hazards arising from the presence of persons other than the operator, cleaning of the grain tank, and hazards related to vibrations and moving parts for power transmission, except for strength requirements for guards and barriers. In respect of braking and steering, it is applicable only to the ergonomic aspects (e.g. location of brake pedal and steering wheel); no other aspects related to braking and steering are covered. In the case of trailed harvesters, it is applicable only to hazards related to the working process.