WHAT THE NEW DIRECTIVE MEANS TO OPERATORS
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The good news for UK crane operators using existing equipment is that the new EU Machinery Directive is not retrospective.
However, after that, we're back into something of a grey area, not least since some crane-makers may have machines still in stock, built before the changes to the directive. ALLMI's Johnson says: We have issued advice to members that any machine first placed onto the market — i.e. assembled at its respective factory before 29 December — need only comply with the standard in force at the time — i.e. EN12999 A2— irrespective of when it was mounted onto a chassis." ALLMI has also issued its members with a guidance document to help them and their customers assess the right machine for their application in light of the new directive.
Meanwhile, industry observers expect that all 2010 'new-build' equipment will meet the ESHRs of the revised Machinery Directive until harmonisation of the proposed 'A3' standard — although operators will need to ensure this is indeed the case. For more information or advice, contact ALLMI on 0844 858 4334. ALUV11 also runs an operator and users forum on its website (www.allmi.com), which may be useful.