The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992
The Regulations require manufacturers to ensure that any machinery supplied under
these Regulations meet essential health and safety requirements that are prescribed,
carries a declaration to state that it does comply and bears the CE mark. The Regulations
came into effect on the 1st January 1993 and only apply to machinery manufactured
on or after this date.
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1994 amended the original
Regulations by clarifying certain provisions, making an exemption for certain types
of lifting equipment, and slightly amending the CE mark.
What do the Regulations apply to?
These Regulations apply to all machinery manufactured or supplied in the UK, wherever
it is to be used in the European Economic Area (EEA)(the EEA comprises all EU and
EFTA countries with the exception of Switzerland). The term 'machinery' is broadly
defined and includes what is generally understood by the term, as well as some other
products. Examples include:
- a complex production line;
- a forklift truck;
- a circular saw;
- an agricultural plough;
- lifting equipment and lifting tackle;
- an escalator.
What are the Requirements of these Regulations?
Most importantly, they require all UK manufacturers and suppliers to make sure that
the machinery, which they supply, is safe. They also require manufacturers to make
sure:
- machinery meets relevant essential health and safety requirements, which include
the provision of sufficient instructions;
- a technical file for the machinery has been drawn up, and in certain cases, the
machinery has been type-examined by a notified body;
- there is a 'declaration of conformity' (or in some cases a 'declaration of incorporation')
for the machinery, which should be issued with it; and
- there is CE marking affixed to the machinery (unless it comes with a declaration
of incorporation).
Can you regard CE Marking as a Guarantee of Safety?
No. - CE marking is not a quality mark and affixing it on machinery is only one
of the several requirements that the manufacturer has to meet. By affixing CE marking
to machinery, the manufacturer is claiming that all relevant legal requirements
have been met, duties still exist to make sure as far as reasonably practicable,
that the machinery is safe.
Checklist
- look for obvious defects, such as missing guards or other safety devices, or inadequately
protected electric wiring;
- check that known risks (including risks from fumes or dust, noise or vibration)
from the machinery when it is in use will be properly controlled or that there is
information on how they can be controlled;
- make sure the manufacturer has provided instructions for safe installation, use,
adjustment and maintenance, and that these are in English if the machinery is for
use in the UK (some maintenance instructions may be in another language if staff
from the manufacturer are to carry out specialised maintenance);
- check that data about noise and vibration emissions have been provided, where appropriate;
- make sure that any warning signs are visible and easy to understand;
- check for CE marking.