Even for a native speaker, technical language can be tough to understand. To an employee, associate, or client in or from another country, documents rich in technical terminology can be overwhelming. Translating such documents can significantly facilitate the distribution of vital information, including design requirements, health and safety manuals, warning labels, and functional specifications. With so much to lose by not translating important materials and everything to gain by investing in proper technical translations, it is no mystery why engineering companies are increasingly seeking professional language services.
Take, for instance, the production of safety data sheets (SDS). If a branch of your chemical engineering firm operates in a member state of the European Union, your SDS must meet the language requirements [PDF] laid out by ECHA, or the European Chemical Agency. If your data sheets violate these specifications – that is, if they are not adequately translated into the principal language(s) of the member state in which you are located – you could be subjected to heavy penalties. Similarly, according to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor, safety training for employees must [PDF] be conducted in a language all workers will understand. This includes training materials such as brochures and handbooks that, for engineering companies, will likely include technical terminology.
Additionally, translating your materials into various languages significantly broadens your potential client base. If you produce your product catalog in Spanish, for example, you will be able to reach a much larger audience than if it is available only in English. To stay ahead of the game, companies must constantly be on the search for opportunities to expand their markets, and translating important materials is crucial to this goal.
Clearly, translating your technical documents is essential for your engineering business. So you may be wondering – is it worth it to invest in a professional translation company to take care of this task for you? Considering the potential risks of mistranslation – personnel and user injuries, lawsuits, penalties – it is undoubtedly beneficial to seek professionals who specialize in technical translation. Any given text must be accurate and clear and should read fluently to native speakers of the target language. Certified translators have the experience and resources necessary to produce such documents.
How has your firm benefited from professional technical translation? Have you encountered any difficulties when translating documents with heavy technical terminology? We would love to read your comments below!
