Comparison of Legal Requirements: The Machinery Directive vs. the Machinery Regulation
1.5.12 Laser radiation
Changes
There is a change here (strengthened requirement):
-"the following provisions should be observed" is replaced by "the following provisions shall be observed"
"When laser equipment is used shall the following provisions be observed..."
Proposed measures
Previously considered “good practice” must now be demonstrably met as mandatory requirements
- Verify that the following are already fulfilled (previously "should", now mandatory):
- protection against unintended emission
- protection against direct, reflected, and scattered radiation
- safe design of optical equipment
- If solutions were previously based on recommendations:
- ensure that these now meet the required level (not optional measures)
- Verify that the risk assessment explicitly covers all types of laser exposure:
- direct beam exposure
- reflection
- scattering
- secondary radiation
- Ensure that technical protective measures are implemented where a risk exists:
- enclosure/protection
- shielding
- interlocks
- limitation of exposure
- Update documentation so that the requirements are treated as mandatory:
- risk assessment
- technical file
- verification/validation
- Update the instructions for use if necessary (e.g. residual risks and protective measures)
Machinery Directive statutory text
1.5.12. Laser radiation
Where laser equipment is used, the following should be taken into account:
— laser equipment on machinery must be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent any accidental radiation,
— laser equipment on machinery must be protected in such a way that effective radiation, radiation produced by reflection or diffusion and secondary radiation do not damage health,
— optical equipment for the observation or adjustment of laser equipment on machinery must be such that no health risk is created by laser radiation.
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Machinery Regulation legal text
1.5.12. Laser radiation
Where laser equipment is used, the following shall be taken into account:
(a) laser equipment on machinery or related products shall be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent any accidental radiation;
(b) laser equipment on machinery or related products shall be protected in such a way that effective radiation, radiation produced by reflection or diffusion and secondary radiation do not damage health;
(c) optical equipment for the observation or adjustment of laser equipment on machinery or related products shall be such that no health risk is created by laser radiation.
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