FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY
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UNDERSTANDING MACHINERY SAFETY AND THE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
Welcome to the first in a series of articles designed to demystify machinery safety for designers of industrial equipment. Safety isn’t just a legal obligation – it’s a cornerstone of innovative and reliable design. Through this series, EUCHNER will guide you step-by-step to ensure your machines are not only compliant but built with safety at their core
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n the world of machinery design and manufacturing, safety is paramount. A well-designed machine does more than just
perform its intended function; it safeguards operators, protects surrounding environments, and complies with strict regulations. However, understanding the interplay between safety requirements, regulatory compliance, and practical design can be a daunting task for many machine builders. This article lays the foundation for creating safe machinery by exploring the core principles of safety...
WHY SAFETY MATTERS IN MACHINERY DESIGN Safety isn’t just about meeting legal obligations – it’s about ensuring that machinery operates effectively without risking lives or investments. Unsafe machines can lead to workplace injuries, costly downtime, legal penalties, and damage to reputations. For designers and builders, embedding safety from the outset isn’t just a moral imperative – it’s a competitive advantage. Safety in machinery design starts with an
understanding of potential hazards, which are often inherent in the operation of industrial equipment. Whether it’s moving parts, electrical systems, or high-pressure components, each aspect of a machine must be carefully assessed and mitigated. Achieving this requires a systematic approach that aligns with established safety regulations and standards.
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR MACHINERY SAFETY IN THE UK The UK’s regulatory landscape for machinery safety is shaped by domestic legislation and the legacy of European directives. Understanding this framework is essential for designers to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
THE SUPPLY OF MACHINERY (SAFETY) REGULATIONS 2008 These regulations implement the EU Machinery Directive into UK law and form the foundation of machinery safety requirements. They mandate that all machinery placed on the UK market must meet Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs), including conducting conformity
assessments, producing technical documentation, and affixing the appropriate conformity marking.
Post-Brexit Changes Following Brexit, the UK introduced the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking to replace the CE marking for machinery placed on the market in Great Britain. While CE marking remains accepted during the indefinite transitional period, future alignment with evolving EU regulations or divergence remains uncertain. Northern Ireland retains the CE marking under the Northern Ireland Protocol, with optional UKNI marking.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 This landmark legislation establishes a general duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and anyone else affected by their activities. For machinery designers, it emphasises the importance of risk assessments and safety measures throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) PUWER applies to all workplace equipment, requiring it to be safe for its intended use, well- maintained, and regularly inspected. It complements the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations by covering equipment already in use.
THE ROLE OF STANDARDS IN MACHINERY SAFETY Regulations outline safety goals but rarely specify how to achieve them. Technical
20 DESIGN SOLUTIONS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025
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Addressing safety properly at every stage of the design and build process protects users and businesses from unnecessary risks
standards provide the framework for compliance. Key standards include: - BS EN ISO 12100: General principles for machinery safety design - BS EN ISO 13850: Emergency stop functions - BS EN ISO 14120: Guarding systems. These standards guide designers in
implementing safety features like emergency stops and interlocks. Harmonised standards simplify compliance and provide a presumption of conformity with legal requirements.
NAVIGATING THE PATH TO SAFER MACHINES The intersection of regulations and standards can be complex, but understanding the basics ensures that designers create safer, more reliable machinery. By addressing safety as an integral part of the design process and leveraging the guidance of standards, machine builders can meet their obligations while delivering effective solutions to their customers. Designing safe machinery often requires specialised knowledge that may not always be available in-house. Gaps in expertise can be addressed through external support, offering practical solutions for specific challenges. Whether it’s navigating compliance requirements or selecting appropriate hardware, working with experienced professionals simplifies the process and ensures confidence in your designs. Taking the first step toward safer machinery
involves understanding your responsibilities and seeking the right support. Expert advice, whether through consultancy or access to specialised safety products, can make a significant difference in achieving your safety goals. David Dearden, managing director at EUCHNER, emphasises: “Getting machinery safety right is critical – not only for compliance but for ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of equipment. Taking the time to address safety properly at every stage of the design and build process protects both users and businesses from unnecessary risks.”
EUCHNER (UK) T: 0114 2560123
www.euchner.co.uk
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