Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the Machinery Directive on 20 January 2027 and adds requirements on software, AI safety functions and cybersecurity.
It applies directly in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, and the UK laid implementing legislation in July 2026 with plans to mirror the measures in GB law. No standards are yet harmonised to it, so manufacturers should check their presumptions of conformity; the old ones do not carry over automatically.
Residual risk is the risk left over once all your control measures are in place, and it decides whether a machine is acceptable to run or needs further work.
The principles of prevention are the recognised order of priority for controlling risk, favouring collective controls over protecting individuals.
EN ISO 13857 defines the safety distances that stop people reaching hazard zones over, under, around or through guard openings with their upper or lower limbs.
For nearly two decades, the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) has been the backbone of machinery safety compliance across Europe.
Introduction Machinery is now software-defined, connected, and increasingly autonomous. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 treats software failures as
A question we hear regularly from clients is which assessment do they actually need for their machinery —
Speak to a Knox Thomas engineer about compliance, risk assessment and safeguarding for your machinery.
