EXPERT COLUMN | LEEA Preparing for compliance T
he Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) has long underpinned machinery safety across Europe, but change is imminent.
As we have discussed in previous articles, on 20 January 2027, it will be repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, a directly applicable law across all EU member states, with no national implementation required. Not being a regulation, the Machinery
Directive was used as a guide for authorities in individual states, who produced their own regulations based on the minimum requirements – some more stringent than others, thus creating a barrier to trade. The new regulation applies to machinery (complete or partial) including lifting equipment such as cranes, safety components, removable mechanical transmission devices and lifting accessories including chains, ropes and slings. It reflects new and emerging risks brought about by evolving technologies like AI, robotics and the Internet of Things. This is about future- proofing safety while ensuring consistent compliance across the internal market. The Machinery Regulation became applicable in all EU member states back in July 2023, giving manufacturers time to meet the new safety requirements on plant and machinery. With both sets of legislation running concurrently during the transition period, working to standards conforming to the Machinery Directive is fine for now. But in January 2027 everybody is expected to be working to the Machinery Regulation. This will
eliminate all the different requirements across all of the EU member states, so they all follow the same regulation. As for the UK, post-Brexit, it has continued with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which implemented the Machinery Directive there. The UKCA mark deadline continues until 2027, when there’s likely to be a better idea of what’s happening. At the moment, UKCA and CE requirements are exactly the same, but this is likely to change after 2027. As we have said in previous articles, if lifting equipment manufacturers opt for complying with the Machinery Regulations, they will probably meet UK requirements by default, but they will need a paper trail for the technical part of the Supply of Machinery Safety regulations and the Machinery Regulation with UKCA and CE marks.
Providing support Now is the time to understand the key changes the Machinery Regulation will bring, update internal practices and documentation, and engage with the evolving guidance through the current application guide, which can still be amended and clarified. To support members, LEEA is launching a set of ‘Special Interest Groups’ allowing participants to help steer guidance, interpretation and best practice. Engineers, manufacturers, importers and assemblers are especially encouraged to register their interest. Those getting involved will be invited to
ABOUT LEEA
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is established across the globe as the leading representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry worldwide. It is the respected and authoritative representative body for its members who work in every aspect of the industry, from design, manufacture, refurbishment and repair, through to the hire, maintenance and use of lifting equipment. The association has played a key role in this specialised field for over 80 years, from training and standards setting through to health and safety, the provision of technical and legal advice, and the development of examination and licensing systems. LEEA represents its members at the highest levels across a range of both public and private bodies, including various government departments, as well as nationally and internationally recognised professional and technical institutions.
Technical Committee
Ben Dobbs, head of global standards and legislation at the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), discusses supporting the transition to the EU Machinery Regulation.
Ben Dobbs
dedicated workshops and events to share their views. More than one group can be joined, and they cover: Group A – Review of existing guidance and the new legislative framework. Group B – AI safety functions and software as components. Group C – Autonomous machinery, contact risk with powerlines and seating safety. Group D – Cybersecurity. Group E – Digital manuals and safety information.
Embracing this transition early will ensure
our sector continues to lead on safety, innovation and compliance. LEEA has been heavily involved in working groups, feeding back developments to members so they can gain a comprehensive heads-up on what is happening before it actually happens, giving them time to prepare for coming changes and avoid last minute adaptation to ensure compliance. This is, of course, just one great reason among many to become a member of LEEA, and for end users to look for the LEEA logo as a mark of excellence. Register your interest to participate in the Special Interest Groups by completing the form at
leeaint.jotform. com/251702152680854. The full regulation can be explored on the European Commission website:
ec.europa. eu/docsroom/documents/38022.
10 | August 2025 |
www.hoistmagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79
