MachineBuilding.net has published a free Guide to the New Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC [but note that a second edition is now available]. When the new Directive comes into force on 29 December 2009 there will be no transition period, so it is essential that companies building machines or partly-assembled machines, as well as those performing final assembly or importing machinery for use in the European Economic Area, start preparing for the changes now.
This third amendment to the Machinery Directive is intended to simplify and clarify matters, but there are also other significant changes. These relate mainly to the Directive's scope, partly-completed machinery, fixings for fixed guards, and conformity assessment. In addition, there are new measures relating to 'market surveillance' (ie enforcement) and certification; manufacturers that currently have EC type-examination certificates issued under the current Directive need to be aware that the certificates will not be valid after 29 December 2009.
The text for the new Directive can be downloaded from the European Commission's website, but cross-checking between the new and old Directives is a laborious task. Fortunately MachineBuilding.net has done this already and produced a guide to the new Directive that highlights the differences and discusses the implications. This is available as a free PDF file.
Running to 20 pages of A4, the guide includes an introduction, the background to the new Directive, timescales, a general overview and detailed analysis. There is also a section devoted to sources of further information - such as a link to the text for the new Directive.
To receive a copy of the MachineBuilding.net Guide to the New Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC follow this link: www.machinebuilding.net/service/mmdynpage.php?art=B0019
