The European Machinery Directive: A Challenge for Manufacturers and Users

Abstract

The objective of the European “machinery” directive (EC/2006/42 directive) is the free movement of products in the 27 member states of the European Union, provided that they comply with the minimum health and safety requirements for the users of these machines. All equipment imported into Europe must meet these requirements. Ergonomics and human factors are at the core this directive, as an increasing number of design and operation factors are considered. For instance, a condition to satisfy is the “reasonably forecastable misuse”. Once it is explained, it becomes very clear, and it is a condition for any product to be sold in Europe. Ergonomics 4.0 have many strong points to valorize about this directive, and all machine builder has to deal with this directive in order to be successful in Europe. The industrial and commercial implications of the Directive are therefore, increasingly meaningful for both manufacturers within and outside Europe. This paper summaries the workshop on the EU machinery directive organized by FEES representatives in the frame of the IEA 2021 Congress.