FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY


sponsored by ENSURING MACHINERY SAFETY:


COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION AND PROVING COMPLIANCE IN THE UK


Ensuring that machinery is safe to operate requires adherence to stringent safety standards and regulations. Proper documentation not only


safeguards workers but also protects businesses – those that fail to comply may face penalties, legal actions, and reputational damage. This, EUCHNER’s fifth article in the series, outlines the essential documents required for machinery safety compliance in the UK and explains how to prove compliance


RESPONSIBILITIES OF MACHINE BUILDERS IN THE UK Machine builders have a legal obligation to design, manufacture, and supply safe machinery that complies with UK regulations. This involves adhering to the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and relevant British and ISO standards. Builders must ensure machinery includes appropriate safety features such as protective guards, emergency stop mechanisms, and failsafe systems. Compliance with UKCA marking requirements is mandatory, replacing CE marking for goods placed on the market in Great Britain following Brexit. However, the UK Government has announced that it will continue to recognise goods that meet EU requirements, including the CE marking, indefinitely beyond 2024. To obtain UKCA certification, machine builders must affix the UKCA mark, prepare a Declaration of Conformity, and maintain a technical file for at least ten years. For products placed on the market in Northern Ireland, compliance with EU regulations is required, and the CE mark must be used. Where a UK notified body is involved in mandatory third- party conformity assessment, the CE mark must be accompanied by the UKNI mark. In all other cases, the CE mark alone remains valid. Risk assessments are essential before


manufacturing. Builders must identify hazards associated with the machinery and implement engineering controls to mitigate risks. Where risk reduction requires the use of the machine control system, a procedure of design, verification and validation should be used to ensure adequate risk reduction has been achieved. The findings should be documented as part of the technical file, which must be maintained throughout the product’s lifecycle. Machine builders must provide comprehensive user instructions and safety information, including detailed operating manuals, safety labels, and training guidance. These documents help end users operate machinery safely and prevent accidents. Even after placing machinery on the market,


builders must support ongoing compliance by updating documentation if regulations change, offering post-market surveillance, and assisting customers in maintaining compliance through


22 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MAY 2025


training and support. They must be responsive to safety concerns, issuing recalls or modifications if any hazards are discovered post-production.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF END USERS IN THE UK End users, including employers and operators, play a crucial role in maintaining machinery safety and compliance. Employers must conduct workplace risk assessments to evaluate hazards associated with machinery operation and implement necessary control measures. These assessments should be updated whenever new machinery is introduced or modifications are made. Proper training is vital to ensuring that all


employees understand safe operation procedures, emergency protocols, and isolation practices. Inadequate training is a leading cause of workplace injuries, so businesses must conduct frequent training sessions and maintain records of employee participation to demonstrate compliance with UK regulations. Routine maintenance and inspections are


necessary to prevent machinery failures and ensure continued safety. Businesses must follow manufacturers’ maintenance schedules, conduct regular safety checks, and document any corrective actions taken. Maintenance logs must be updated and stored for future reference, as they serve as evidence of compliance during inspections. Before using new machinery, end users


must verify the presence of UKCA marking, ensure proper documentation is available, and request additional safety validation if required. Compliance with regulations is essential and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Businesses must cooperate with audits, such as PUWER (The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), address any identified shortcomings, and take corrective actions as needed.


PROVING COMPLIANCE WITH MACHINERY SAFETY REGULATIONS IN THE UK Both machine builders and end users must maintain proper documentation to demonstrate compliance with UK regulations. Keeping


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up-to-date records ensures businesses can present them promptly during inspections. Regulators may request documentation during audits, and failure to provide adequate records could lead to legal penalties or operational shutdowns. Regular audits and inspections verify that machinery and safety practices align with regulatory requirements. Businesses should document audit findings, implement necessary corrective actions, and review compliance procedures periodically to remain updated with evolving safety standards. Ensuring employee competency and ongoing


training further strengthens compliance. Regulators often assess workforce knowledge of machinery safety to determine if employees are properly trained. Businesses should schedule regular refresher courses and maintain training logs as proof of compliance.


CONCLUSION Machinery safety compliance is essential to workplace safety in the UK, protecting employees and ensuring operational efficiency. Machine builders and end users must maintain critical documentation, including risk assessments, technical files, training records, and maintenance logs. Taking a structured approach not only meets legal obligations but also helps embed a strong safety culture across the organisation. Good record-keeping, regular audits, and ongoing staff training are key to demonstrating and maintaining compliance.


EUCHNER (UK) T: 0114 2560123 www.euchner.co.uk


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