Machinery Directive

What is the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)?

The Machinery Directive (MD) looks to guarantee that all mechanical and electro-mechanical products placed on the market or brought into use within the EU / EEA are safe and pose minimal risk to human health. and, where appropriate, of domestic animals and goods, notably in relation to the risks arising out of the use of machinery.

This includes risks from noise, radiation and electrical hazards posed by mechanical and electro-mechanical devices such as: all machinery; interchangeable equipment; and safety components.

To claim your product conforms, you must affix a valid CE Marking to the product and produce a Declaration of Conformity backed up by a Technical File.

Full details about the Machinery Directive can be found on the European Commission website here

Does it apply to me?

Whether it be for domestic, commercial or industrial use, all machinery placed on the market or brought into service within the EU must comply with the Machinery Directive.

Machinery is defined as any product that contains a linkage of parts that moves under power for a purpose. It also covers assemblies that aren’t whole machines, and groups of assemblies or machines that function together for a common purpose.

In addition to this, the Directive also brings into scope: Interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessory, chains, ropes and webbing, removable mechanical transmission devices, partly completed machinery. More information can be found on the HSE Gov website.

How do I comply with the Machinery Directive?

If the MD applies to your product, you are obliged to meet its Essential Health and Safety Requirements (ESHRs). You have the option of addressing either the EHSRs directly or showing compliance with the relevant EU harmonised standards.  

For equipment that falls under Annex IV of the Directive, the manufacturer must either demonstrate conformity to the applicable harmonised standard(s) or use a Notified Body to certify the product and its technical documentation through EC Type Examination.