The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC is probably one of the best known CE directives when it comes to the CE marking of machinery and installations. In annex I the directive specifies a large number of minimum essential safety requirements with which machinery must comply.
Engineering
Obtaining the CE marking on machinery is ideally a process that should receive adequate attention throughout the development of the machine. After all, the choices made in all the steps of the development process of the machine have a greater or lesser influence on the safety of the machine and vice versa.
CE marking during the development of a new machine or installation
Obtaining CE marking on machinery is a process that needs to be adequately addressed throughout the development of the machine. After all, the choices made in all the steps of the development process of the machine have a greater or lesser influence on the safety of the machine and vice versa.
In the overview below, we have listed the points for attention regarding CE marking on the basis of the general development process for a machine described above.
| Phase Engineering | Related Step CE-markering |
| Start & planning Global description of the machine is clear |
Determine which CE directives apply to the machine. |
| Requirements What should the machine be able to do and how? |
Finding out which standards may have to be used in the development of the machine. |
| Analysis & design Starting points, requirements and design are harmonised in this phase. |
Starting points, requirements and design must comply with certain standards. In this phase, the (preliminary) design of the machine must be tested against the relevant standards. This is probably the most critical step in the development process of the machine. A risk assessment will have to be carried out on the design of the machine and the reliability requirements (PL/SIL) for the safety controls will have to be determined. Modification of the design is still possible at this stage. |
| Development The machine is actually built. |
Coordination with suppliers is important in this phase. All documentation of the installed components must be correct and the specifications of the safety control system must be in accordance with the requirements. |
| Testing The machine is ready to be tested. |
Coordination with suppliers is important in this phase. All documentation of the installed components must be correct and the specifications of the safety control system must be in accordance with the requirements. |
| Evaluation & ready product Determine whether the machine meets the requirements. |
The technical file will have to be compiled, with a retention period of at least 10 years, and user, maintenance and/or assembly instructions will have to be drawn up. Finally, the EC declaration of conformity must be drawn up and the CE marking may be affixed. In some cases there is an additional assessment by a Notified Body. For most machines, self-certification applies. |
CE-marking is pre-eminently a process that must be started from the drawing board!
Please contact us to discuss the possibilities with which we can assist you in the design and construction of a new machine and installation.
Related topics
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
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