Let's take a closer look at the subject of guards.

 

 

Is CE conformity required for protective fencing systems? 

To do this, we need to take a look at the provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. This directive describes in Annex V, point 7, which safety components receive a CE marking. According to this directive, finished safety components that are placed on the market separately receive a CE marking.

A safety component is defined as follows in accordance with the Machinery Directive:

• The safety function must be guaranteed
• The component must be placed on the market separately (the relevant difference here is whether you sell the safety fence together with the machine or not).
• If it fails, the safety of people is at risk
• The machine could also function without the safety component

 

Risk assessment when introducing a machine

As standard, when a machine is introduced, not only is the need for a guard determined as part of the risk assessment, but also the specific design. For example, the dimensions of the height, ground clearance of the machine and the grid dimensions are checked. 
These specifications are made taking into account the hazards identified in accordance with the relevant standards. For example, standards such as DIN EN ISO 14120 or DIN EN ISO 13857 must be taken into account. These standards are used to plan the enclosure individually in order to ensure effective safety precautions. The tested enclosure is part of the machine's safety concept and does not receive a separate CE marking.

With the innovative and flexible protective fencing systems from SSP Safety System Products, you are on the safe side. We will be happy to assist you with the design. If you would like to know more, please contact us.

Safety fences: areas of responsibility and CE marking 

When planning and constructing standardized guards, there are various scenarios that determine who is responsible for the design and whether the fence receives a CE marking. Various scenarios regarding the CE marking of the fence are also described in the “Guideline for the application of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC” of the BMAS in §411.

These scenarios are described in our guide: 

Scenario 1: Machine manufacturer assumes responsibility for planning  
In this scenario, responsibility for the design and construction of the safety fence lies with the machine manufacturer. The fence manufacturer acts here as an extended workbench and manufactures the fence according to the machine manufacturer's specifications. As the fence is built entirely according to the machine manufacturer's specifications, it does not receive its own CE marking. This scenario applies to most of SSP's customers.

Scenario 2: Fence manufacturer takes over planning responsibility 

Here, the fence manufacturer itself assumes responsibility for the design and construction of the safety fence. The fence elements are specially developed for specific applications or machine types and brought onto the market separately. As the fence manufacturer bears full responsibility, the fence is given a CE mark.

Scenario 3: Individual components without safety function
In this case, it concerns the provision of individual components for safety fences or combinations of components that do not have a safety function. As these components are not considered to be a complete fence with a safety function, they are not CE marked.

 

We simplify safety - Let our experts advise you! 

Don't hesitate and secure your individual consultation. Simply use our contact form and find out how we can make security easier for your company too.