The Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) has long underpinned machinery safety across Europe, but change is imminent. As we have discussed in previous articles, on 20 January 2027, it will be repealed and replaced by Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, a directly applicable law across all EU member states, with no national implementation required.
Not being a regulation, the Machinery Directive was used as a guide for authorities in individual states, who produced their own regulations based on the minimum requirements – some more stringent than others, thus creating a barrier to trade.
The new regulation applies to machinery (complete or partial) including lifting equipment such as cranes, safety components, removable mechanical transmission devices and lifting accessories including chains, ropes and slings. It reflects new and emerging risks brought about by evolving technologies like AI, robotics and the Internet of Things. This is about futureproofing safety while ensuring consistent compliance across the internal market.
The Machinery Regulation became applicable in all EU member states back in July 2023, giving manufacturers time to meet the new safety requirements on plant and machinery. With both sets of legislation running concurrently during the transition period, working to standards conforming to the Machinery Directive is fine for now. But in January 2027 everybody is expected to be working to the Machinery Regulation. This will eliminate all the different requirements across all of the EU member states, so they all follow the same regulation.
As for the UK, post-Brexit, it has continued with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which implemented the Machinery Directive there. The UKCA mark deadline continues until 2027, when there’s likely to be a better idea of what’s happening. At the moment, UKCA and CE requirements are exactly the same, but this is likely to change after 2027. As we have said in previous articles, if lifting equipment manufacturers opt for complying with the Machinery Regulations, they will probably meet UK requirements by default, but they will need a paper trail for the technical part of the Supply of Machinery Safety regulations and the Machinery Regulation with UKCA and CE marks.
Providing support
Now is the time to understand the key changes the Machinery Regulation will bring, update internal practices and documentation, and engage with the evolving guidance through the current application guide, which can still be amended and clarified.
To support members, LEEA is launching a set of ‘Special Interest Groups’ allowing participants to help steer guidance, interpretation and best practice. Engineers, manufacturers, importers and assemblers are especially encouraged to register their interest. Those getting involved will be invited to dedicated workshops and events to share their views. More than one group can be joined, and they cover:
- Group A – Review of existing guidance and the new legislative framework.
- Group B – AI safety functions and software as components.
- Group C – Autonomous machinery, contact risk with powerlines and seating safety.
- Group D – Cybersecurity.
- Group E – Digital manuals and safety information.
Embracing this transition early will ensure our sector continues to lead on safety, innovation and compliance. LEEA has been heavily involved in working groups, feeding back developments to members so they can gain a comprehensive heads-up on what is happening before it actually happens, giving them time to prepare for coming changes and avoid last minute adaptation to ensure compliance. This is, of course, just one great reason among many to become a member of LEEA, and for end users to look for the LEEA logo as a mark of excellence.
ABOUT LEEA
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is established across the globe as the leading representative body for all those involved in the lifting industry worldwide.
It is the respected and authoritative representative body for its members who work in every aspect of the industry, from design, manufacture, refurbishment and repair, through to the hire, maintenance and use of lifting equipment.
The association has played a key role in this specialised field for over 80 years, from training and standards setting through to health and safety, the provision of technical and legal advice, and the development of examination and licensing systems.
LEEA represents its members at the highest levels across a range of both public and private bodies, including various government departments, as well as nationally and internationally recognised professional and technical institutions.
