1.2.2 · Control devices

What it requires

1.2.2 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requires: control devices visible, identifiable, well positioned, consistent and protected against inadvertent operation; visibility of danger zones or a warning before start-up; management of multiple control positions. It is unchanged in substance compared with Directive 2006/42/EC and applies to machinery placed on the market from 20 January 2027.

What the instruction manual must reflect

Description of controls and pictograms, pre-start warning signals, multiple control positions.

Official text

Control devices shall be: (a) clearly visible and identifiable, using pictograms where appropriate; (b) positioned in such a way as to be safely operated without hesitation or loss of time and without ambiguity; (c) designed in such a way that the movement of the control device is consistent with its effect; (d) located outside the danger zones, except where necessary for certain control devices such as an emergency stop or a teach pendant; (e) positioned in such a way that their operation cannot cause additional risk; (f) designed or protected in such a way that the desired effect, where a hazard is involved, can only be achieved by a deliberate action; (g) made in such a way as to withstand foreseeable forces, paying particular attention to emergency stop devices liable to be subjected to considerable forces. Where a control device is designed and constructed to perform several different actions, namely, where there is no one-to-one correspondence, the action to be performed shall be clearly displayed and subject to confirmation, where necessary. Control devices shall be so arranged that their layout, travel and resistance to operation are compatible with the action to be performed, taking account of ergonomic principles. Machinery or related products shall be fitted with indicators as required for safe operation. The operator shall be able to read them from the control position. From each control position, the operator shall be able to ensure that no one is in the danger zones, or the control system shall be designed and constructed in such a way that starting is prevented while someone is in the danger zone. If neither of these possibilities is applicable, before the machinery or related product starts, an acoustic and/or visual warning signal shall be given. The exposed persons shall have time to leave the danger zone or prevent the machinery starting up. If necessary, means shall be provided to ensure that the machinery or related product can be controlled only from control positions located in one or more predetermined zones or locations. Where there is more than one control position, the control system shall be designed in such a way that the use of one of them precludes the use of the others, except for stop controls and emergency stops. When the machinery or related product has two or more operating positions, each position shall be provided with all the required control devices without the operators hindering or putting each other into a hazardous situation.

Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, OJ L 165, 29.6.2023, Annex III, 1.2.2. The sections ‘What it requires’ and ‘What the instruction manual must reflect’ are our own summary and do not replace the official text.