The European Commission has published the first edition of its guidelines on the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and specifically on the preamble, Articles and Annexes I & II.

FEM has substantially contributed to the development of these guidelines, and in particular on Annex I, which defines the essential health and safety requirements on issues such as fixed guards, lifting of people and risks linked to the mobility of machinery.

FEM will continue assisting the European Commission with the remaining guidelines on Annexes III to XI (due by mid 2010) and in providing advice wherever necessary and on future revisions. The guidelines are available here.