The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is the UK product marking requirement that came into force after Brexit, replacing the CE marking for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). The UKCA marking covers most goods that previously required the CE marking. One of the critical regulations under the UKCA marking is the Machinery Directive, which ensures that machinery placed on the market is safe and complies with specific health and safety requirements.

UKCA Machinery Directive

The UKCA Machinery Directive sets out essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) that machinery must meet before it can be sold or used in Great Britain. Here are the key aspects:

1. Scope: The directive applies to machinery, interchangeable equipment, safety components, lifting accessories, chains, ropes and webbing, removable mechanical transmission devices, and partly completed machinery.
2. Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs): The machinery must meet various EHSRs, which are categorized as follows:
   • General requirements: Ensuring machinery is designed and constructed to be safe and to minimize risks throughout its life cycle.
   • Specific requirements: Covering aspects such as controls, protection against mechanical hazards, protection against electrical hazards, and ergonomics.
   • Instructions and markings: Machinery must be accompanied by instructions for safe use and maintenance and should have appropriate markings for identification and safe operation.
3. Conformity Assessment: Manufacturers must carry out a conformity assessment to ensure their machinery meets the EHSRs. This involves:
   • Performing a risk assessment to identify and address potential hazards.
   • Applying relevant harmonized standards.
   • Compiling a technical file that includes documentation demonstrating conformity.
   • Issuing a Declaration of Conformity and affixing the UKCA marking to the machinery.
4. Documentation: Manufacturers need to provide a technical file and user manual in English, ensuring that they include all necessary information for the safe use and maintenance of the machinery.
5. Third-party involvement: In some cases, particularly for high-risk machinery, manufacturers may need to involve a UK-approved body to carry out a conformity assessment.

Steps for Compliance

1. Identify Applicable Requirements: Determine which EHSRs and standards apply to your machinery.
2. Conduct Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks associated with the machinery and how they can be mitigated.
3. Design and Construction: Ensure the machinery design and construction comply with the identified requirements.
4. Compile Technical Documentation: Create and maintain a technical file with all relevant documentation, including design drawings, risk assessments, and test results.
5. UKCA Marking and Declaration of Conformity: Issue a Declaration of Conformity and affix the UKCA marking to the machinery.

Important Notes

• The UKCA marking applies to Great Britain. For Northern Ireland, the CE marking or the UKNI marking (in combination with the CE marking) may still be required.
• The transition period for the UKCA marking was extended, allowing CE marking to be used in Great Britain until December 31, 2024.

Resources

• UK Government Guidance: Detailed guidance on the UKCA marking and the Machinery Directive can be found on the UK government’s official website.
• Standards Organizations: British Standards Institution (BSI) provides access to relevant harmonized standards that can help in meeting the EHSRs.
• Approved Bodies: A list of UK-approved bodies that can assist with the conformity assessment process is available on the UK government’s website.

By following these guidelines and ensuring compliance with the UKCA Machinery Directive, manufacturers can legally place their machinery on the market in Great Britain while ensuring safety and reliability.