1.3.7 · Risks related to moving parts

What it requires

1.3.7 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 requires: prevent contact with moving parts or guard them; safe unblocking; the prevention of contact and of psychological stress must be adapted to human–machine coexistence and interaction. It has changed compared with Directive 2006/42/EC and applies to machinery placed on the market from 20 January 2027.

What changes compared with Directive 2006/42/EC

New paragraph on psychological stress and on coexistence/interaction between people and machinery.

What the instruction manual must reflect

Unblocking devices and their use; where there is collaboration (robots, AMRs): coexistence/collaboration modes and measures.

Official text

The moving parts of the machinery or related product shall be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent risks of contact which could lead to accidents or shall, where risks persist, be fitted with guards or protective devices. All necessary steps shall be taken to prevent accidental blockage of moving parts. In cases where, despite the precautions taken, a blockage is likely to occur, the necessary specific protective devices and tools shall, when appropriate, be provided to enable the equipment to be safely unblocked. The instructions for use and, where possible, a sign on the machinery or related product shall identify these specific protective devices and how they are to be used. The prevention of risks of contact leading to hazardous situations and the psychological stress that may be caused by the interaction with the machinery shall be adapted to: (a) human-machine coexistence in a shared space without direct collaboration; (b) human-machine interaction.

Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, OJ L 165, 29.6.2023, Annex III, 1.3.7. The sections ‘What it requires’ and ‘What the instruction manual must reflect’ are our own summary and do not replace the official text.