Directive 2006/42/EC of the machinery
Directive 2006/42/ЕС (98/37/EC, 98/79/EC) on machinery, Ministru kabineta LR noteikumi Nr.186, applies to all new machines placed on the domestic market of the European Union members. The term “machines” includes not only complete (finished) products, but also components independently placed on the EU market, for instance, various safety systems used in the machinery, various interchangeable equipment.
The most important requirement of Directive 2006/42/EC is that manufacturers or their authorized representatives in the EU shall ensure the safety of the machinery when placing on the market or putting into operation. This requirement applies to secondhand (previously used) machines if they are new for the European market, imported from outside the EEA and placed for the first time.
The Directive on machinery is currently implemented in the form of domestic legislation in all EEA countries, includes all EU and EFTA countries and Switzerland. This means that requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery apply to all new machines, wherever they are supplied within the EEA and to Switzerland.
According to the requirements of the EU Directive on machinery, if the mechanism has been transformed or restored so substantially that it can be considered a new one or new additional components are added that have not been checked for compliance earlier, then the mechanism is considered to be new one and is subject to proof of conformity.
Quite often, machines and mechanisms may be covered by the requirements of several more directives, including: electromagnetic compatibility (Directive 2004/108/ЕС) since April 20 Directive 2014/30/ЕС, electrical safety (Directive 2006/95/ЕС) since April 20, 2016 Directive 2014/35/ЕС, pressure equipment rules (Directive 97/23/ЕС), equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX Directive) and other EU Directives.
When performing a detailed safety risk assessment, the manufacturer shall take into account the risks of seizure, crushing, electric shock, dust or vapor, noise, vibration, etc. that may occur during operation of the machinery. For manufacturer the Directive 2006/42/EC is a guide to ensure all possible hazards and they shall be mandatorily considered in the design.
In accordance with the requirements of Directive 2000/14, machines and mechanisms operated outdoors shall comply with the European Union noise regulations; this includes 57 types of machines.
When placing machines within the territory of EU countries, CE marking is mandatory.
DIRECTIVE 2006/42/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC (recast)
