In a move that confirms the growing importance of BFPA membership and the influence the BFPA has on the legislative process, members have been invited to comment on a proposed new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
The consultation process seeks the views of businesses, manufacturers, retailers, producers and enforcement agencies on a set of draft regulations, which will see the new directive transposed into law.
BFPA members are asked to advise the Technical Secretary, Yvonne Pearman (yvonne@bfpa.co.uk), of any observations once they have seen document FP008192 on the organisation's website. Alternatively, they
can log onto the BERR website at www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page41465.html, where full details can
also be found. Comments should be registered by no later than 19th November, in order that they can be included in discussions by Technical Committee 9 'Systems' experts at their meeting scheduled for 22nd
November 2007.
BFPA Director Ian Morris has stressed the importance of members submitting their observations, so that a UK 'industry' view is available to BERR, thereby enabling it to be properly represented at the EU. Ian Morris also emphasised that this is a valuable opportunity for the UK industry to be heard.
Directive 2006/42/EC supercedes Commission Directive 98/37/EC, and aims to provide greater clarity by offering, for example, a new definition of the core concept of 'machinery'. It also introduces an optional quality assurance conformity assessment module for relevant manufacturers, amongst other important issues - though in general, the new directive follows the same principles as that which it replaces.