The EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC applies to any new machinery launched after December 29, 2009. It requires machine builders to carry out a documented risk assessment on the essential health and safety requirements relating to their product. This is necessary to obtain the CE mark, a mandatory conformity mark on machinery and many other products placed on the single market.
Machine parts or incomplete machines must be supplied with a declaration of incorporation defining which requirements of the directive apply and have been complied with.
Machine builders can carry out self-certification without a recognised test centre, provided that they have a quality assurance procedure according to the Directive.
The ABB Technical Guide to functional safety can be requested by sending an email to energy@gb.abb.com or DOWNLOAD the guide for free from the ABB Educational Channel here