Machinery Directive 98/37/EC

More detailed information

This directive applies to both machinery and specific safety components (such as light curtains, two-hand controls, etc.). Safety components shall not bear the CE Marking but need a declaration.

Machinery is defined as:

• an assembly of linked parts or components (at least one of which moves with the appropriate actuators, controls and power circuits) joined for a specific application, in particular for the processing, treatment, moving or packaging of material;
• an assembly of machines that, in order to achieve the same end, are arranged and controlled so that they function as an integral whole;
• interchangeable equipment modifying the function of a machine that is supplied for the purpose of being assembled with a machine (or a series of different machines or with a tractor)

by the operators themselves insofar as this equipment is not a spare part or tool.

Some examples of machinery are:

• Woodworking Machines
• Packaging Equipment
• Injection Molding Machines
• Printing and Paper Machines
• Hydraulic Presses
• Continuous Handling Systems