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News Release from: Laidler Associates
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 July 2003
EMC testing for machines: a requirement
or not?
To settle an issue, a consultancy contacted the HSE to gain advice regarding compliance with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive when CE Marking a machine.
Laidler Associates contacted the HSE to gain advice regarding compliance with the EMC Directive when CE Marking a machine A client had raised the issue of whether EMC Testing was necessary, as they had received conflicting advice from a fellow consultancy
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 5 Jul 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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The issue of compliance with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Directive when CE Marking a machine has always been a grey area.
However, a recent statement from the HSE's Electrical and Control Systems Unit clarifies the matter.
"In most situations, it would be necessary to undertake testing as part of compliance with the Machinery Directive, and hence the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations".
The HSE point of view relates to Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which places duties on manufacturers etc regarding articles for use at work, including: "The duty to carry out such testing and examination as may be necessary to ensure that the article is so designed and constructed that it will, so far as is reasonably practicable, be safe and without risks to health".
HSE feel that testing would only be considered not 'reasonably practicable' if the cost for testing were 'grossly disproportionate' to the reduction in risk.
"Laidler Associates have always prided themselves on giving the best and most correct advice possible", said Paul Laidler, Managing Director of Laidler Associates.
"This matter raises again the issue of the competence of consultants.
If a company is using a consultant, are they getting the best advice or the best cost? Competence isn't necessarily expensive, but a lack of competence could be. Request free introductory details about products from Laidler Associates ...
As the saying goes, 'If you think health and safety is expensive, wait until you have an accident!'".
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