What new requirements impact machine instructions?

Safe operation of machinery depends on clear instructions. The obligations on machine designers to provide clear information on machine use and the hazards to be expected in operating and using machines are elaborated in detail in the new directive. The contexts of the instructions must cover not only the intended use of the machinery, but also take into account any reasonably foreseeable misuse. Other essential contents include:

• information about th eresidual risks that remain despite the inherent safe design measures, safeguarding and protective measures adopted;
• instructions on the protective measures to be taken by the user, including, where appropriate, the personal protective equipment to be provided;
• the operating method to be followed in the event of accident or breakdown and the unblocking of a machine.

Is it correct that there is a new requirement relating to Risk Assessment?

In the existing directive:' The manufacturer is under an obligation to assess the hazards in order to identify all of those which apply to his machine; he must then design and construct it taking account of his assessment." The term Risk Assessment was not directly used in the directive but was referred to in harmonized standards EN1050 and more recently EN ISO 14121.

The iterative process of risk assessment is now enshrined unambiguously in the directive
The manufacturer of machinery or his authorized representative must ensure that a risk assessment is carried out in order to determine the health and safety requirements which apply to the machinery. The machinery must then be designed and constructed taking into account the results of the risk assessment...
...By the iterative process of risk assessment and risk reduction referred to above, the manufacturer or his authorized representative shall: eliminate the hazards or reduce the risk associated with these hazards by application of protective measures, in order of priority established..."