What is the Machinery Directive?
The Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) is European legislation that sets requirements for the safety of machinery placed on the market or put into service within the EU. The Directive applies to the design, construction, commissioning and CE marking of machines.
The aim of the Machinery Directive is to protect people from risks posed by machinery, such as mechanical, electrical or thermal hazards.
🧠 What does the Machinery Directive cover?
- Essential health and safety requirements (EHSR)
- Physical safety, operation, maintenance
- Electrical and pneumatic safety
- Emergency stop, guarding, signalling
- Technical file
- Risk analysis and assessment
- Schematics, software versions, instructions
- User manual and maintenance instructions
- CE marking
- Declaration of conformity
- Affixing the CE label to the machine
- Verification of compliance with all applicable directives
- Scope
- Production machines, conveyors, packaging machines
- Integration of PLC, HMI, motor starters, control cabinets
Also applicable to assemblies of machinery and partly completed machinery.
🏭 Importance for industrial automation
- The design of control cabinets must comply with the Machinery Directive and NEN 1010
- Automation software (PLC) must be implemented in a fail-safe manner
- Machine operation via an HMI requires safe menu structures and emergency stop provisions
- All components (such as MCC, soft starters, Sensors, Actuators) must comply with the relevant standards
Integrates with other directives such as:
- ATEX (explosion hazard)
- EMC Directive
- Low Voltage Directive
🔍 Machinery Directive vs. CE marking
| Aspect | Machinery Directive | CE marking |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Safety of machinery within the EU | Legal admission to the European market |
| What does it require? | Risk analysis, technical file, EHSR | Affixing the CE label, declaration of conformity |
| Relationship | CE marking is mandatory under the Machinery Directive | The Machinery Directive is one of several CE directives |
🔐 Safety considerations
- Risk analysis in accordance with ISO 12100
- Application of Performance Level or SIL for safety functions
- Redundant circuits for emergency stops and safety
- Protection against unintended starting or stopping
- Securing of PLC, HMI and Remote Access via Access Control
The Directive also requires protection against human error and misuse.
📌 In summary
The Machinery Directive sets requirements for the safety of machines used in Europe. Compliance with the Directive is essential for CE marking and helps prevent liability in the event of accidents.