The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

This Regulations aims at the free market circulation on machinery and at the protection of workers and consumers using such machinery.

The Machinery (Safety) Regulations is intended to harmonise the rules governing the conformance of machinery within the UK, while guaranteeing the highest possible level of safety for consumers and workers. It entered into force on 29 December 2009.

The Regulations cover machinery, interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains, ropes, and webbing for lifting purposes and removable mechanical transmission devices. It also includes requirements for partly completed machinery. Annex I of the Regulations sets out in details the Essential Health & Safety Requirements (EHSR) for the products covered.

Before placing your machinery on the market you, the manufacturer, must ensure that it has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the safety objectives of the Regulations.

Manufacturers of Machinery are required to:

• Compile the Technical Documentation (TD)
• Test product to applicable “designated standards” (BS EN)
• Issue the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Affix the UKCA mark onto the product

Before proceeding with the assessment procedure, it is relevant to clear whether you, the manufacturer, can assess your product by yourself or you must involve a Approved Body (CAB).

The Regulations on Machinery foresees the involvement of a Approved Body if the product to be assessed falls in one of 23 categories listed under Annex IV and it does not conform to a British/European Standard which covers all of the relevant health and safety requirement. In this case, the manufacturer has to seek assistance by an Approved Body. If it is not the case, the manufacturer themself is allowed to use the “self-certification” route.

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