CE Marking of Machinery: What is a machine?

For the purposes of the Directive, one definition of a machine is:

An assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, and which are joined together for a specific application. (see Article 2 of the Machinery Directive)

Example of a machine for the purposes of the Directive.

 

The following are also considered as machines for the purposes of the Machinery Directive:

• An assembly of machines or complex plants (complex plants include production lines and special purpose machinery made up of several machines)
• Safety components (The issue of which components to classify as safety components is very controversial. As yet there is no discernible, uniform trend.)
• Interchangeable equipment that can modify the basic functions of a machine.

There is also a list of exceptions where machinery falls under the scope of the Directive by definition, but for which other statutory provisions generally apply.

What is a Machine?

For the purpose of the Machinery Directive, a machine is:

• "An assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, and which are joined together for a specific application.”

The following are also considered machines for the purposes of the Machinery Directive:

• "An assembly of machines or complex plants (complex plants include production lines and special purpose machinery made up of several machines"
• "Safety components, such as light curtains, safety mats, etc."
• "Interchangeable equipment that can modify the basic functions of a machine."

Click here for more information about the Pilz Safety Compendium and the Machinery Directive.