Interpretation of the Machinery Directive

National and European bodies’ interpretations of the Machinery Directive

The Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) is a piece of European legislation that governs the safety of machinery. It specifies the requirements manufacturers of machinery have to satisfy before they are allowed to place their products on the market.

The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, BAuA) contributes to the work done by national and international bodies on the implementation of the Machinery Directive. On these pages you will find some of the documents produced, which interpret individual provisions in the Machinery Directive. These texts clarify and comment on various aspects of the directive, helping to ensure its requirements are implemented correctly.

Such interpretations are not legally binding, but are intended to support the consistent application of the legislation.

Interpretations by the BMAS and BAuA

Interpretation of the Machinery Directive by the Machinery Working Group of the European Commission

More about Safety of Machinery, Operational Safety