Frankfurt, Germany-"Liability and work safety hazards are slumbering at many plastics processors due to the non-existence of CE-markings on machines and production lines as called for by Equipment Safety Laws.'' This is the view expressed by Rebecca Ebermann-Finken, chair of the working group for environment and work safety in the FSK (the German Association for Foamed Plastics), summing up the discussion at a recent FSK workshop on the topic.
Although EU-Machine Guideline MRL (Maschinen-Richtlinie 98/37/EG) has been in effect since 1998 and is implemented in German Equipment Safety Law, the responsibility of the companies for correct CE-marking is overlooked in 70 percent of cases, she said.
In practice, the responsibility of the plastic processor is often forgotten, the FSK said. Every plant that buys machines and moulds to use must follow up on CE-marking, including evaluation of hazards and safety measures said Ebermann-Finken. This is particularly the case when, "substantial alterations" are made to the machines, she stressed.
CE-marking is also important when buying or importing used equipment, the FSK points out. Often buyers forget to assess the value of CE-marking when looking at low-priced imports. Also, used machines often lack documentation such as a declaration of conformity and operating instructions with corresponding safety information.
See more in Urethanes Technology's machinery survey in the April/May edition.
PIC: Some of the working group, with Rebecca Ebermann-Finken second right. "
