Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

parts) or, if that is not possible
➤
use warning signs on the machine to warn of haz-
ards that cannot be designed out or safeguarded 
(e.g. ‘noisy machine’ signs).
Manufacturers also have to:
➤
keep information, explaining what they have done 
and why, in a technical fi le
➤
fi x CE marking to the machine where necessary, to 
show that they have complied with all the relevant 
supply laws
➤
issue a ‘Declaration of Conformity’ for the machine 
(see Figure 11.3). This is a statement that the machine 
complies with the relevant essential health and safety 
requirements or with the example that underwent 
type-examination. A declaration of conformity must
➤
state the name and address of the manufacturer or 
importer into the EU
➤
contain a description of the machine, its make, type 
and serial number
➤
indicate all relevant European directives with which 
the machinery complies
➤
state details of any notifi ed body that has been 
involved
➤
specify which standards have been used in the 
manufacture (if any)
➤
be signed by a person with authority to do so
➤
provide the buyer with instructions to explain how to 
install, use and maintain the machinery safely.
This can help to 
decide which equip-
ment may be suitable, 
particularly if buy-
ing a standard piece 
of equipment ‘off the 
shelf’.
If buying a more 
complex or custom-
built machine the 
buyer should discuss 
their requirements with 
potential suppliers. For 
a custom-built piece 
of equipment, there 
is the opportunity to 
work with the supplier 
to design out the 
causes of injury and 
ill-health. Timespent
now on agreeing the necessary safeguards, to control 
health and safety risks, could save time and money later.
Note:
Sometimes equipment is supplied via another 
organization, for example, an importer, rather than direct 
from the manufacturer, so this other organization is 
referred to as the supplier. It is important to realize that 
the supplier may not be the manufacturer.
When the equipment has been supplied the buyer 
should look for CE marking, check for a copy of the 
Declaration of Conformity and that there is a set of 
instructions in English on how the machine should be 
used and most important of all,