Integrating functional safety in machines and systems

Internationally harmonized regulations, known as EU Directives, are in place to ensure balanced protections for people and the environment and to reduce competitive disadvantages and hurdles to business due to different safety regulations within the EU. 

The safety of machines is primarily covered within two directives. The Machinery Safety Directive is oriented toward producers of machines, while the Work Equipment Directive is oriented toward operators of machines. A principle known as the 'Presumption of Conformity' applies to the fulfillment of requirements defined in harmonized standards. It presumes that the protective goals of the EU directive are to be regarded as sufficiently met.

Our safety manual gives you an overview of the most important directives, standards and regulations for machines in the EU.