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Designing for safety: Navigating the UK's machinery standards

Machine safety is a critical consideration for builders, manufacturers, and end users alike. In the UK, navigating the complex web of regulations and design standards can be challenging, but understanding these requirements is essential to prevent costly mistakes and safeguard lives.

05/02/2025 16:48:02

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This article provides a concise roadmap for machine builders, highlighting key legislative frameworks, relevant standards, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Understanding the regulatory landscape
The UK's machinery safety regulations are shaped by both domestic laws and the lasting influence of EU directives. Key regulations include:

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
This legislation implemented the EU Machinery Directive into UK law. It mandates that all machinery sold or used in the UK must meet essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs). These regulations require manufacturers to conduct a conformity assessment, produce technical documentation, and affix the appropriate conformity marking.

Post-Brexit changes
Following Brexit, the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking was introduced to replace the CE marking for machinery placed on the market in Great Britain. However, there is currently a transitional arrangement allowing the continued use of the CE marking in Great Britain. For Northern Ireland, the CE marking remains applicable under the Northern Ireland Protocol, with the additional option of using the UKNI marking when necessary.

Read the full article in DPA's February 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.