Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: what your instruction manual must contain

Why is the instruction manual a legal requirement?

Before a machine is placed on the market, the manufacturer or its authorised representative must provide "the necessary information, such as instructions" (Article 5(1)(c)). The instructions are also one of the essential health and safety requirements in Annex I. Section 1.7 covers information, and section 1.7.4 covers the instructions. A copy of the instructions belongs in the technical file (Annex VII, Part A).

So an incomplete manual is a gap in the machine's conformity, even when the machine itself is well built. That is also why the manual is part of the CE marking user manual requirements.

From 20 January 2027, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies instead of the directive. Most of the points below carry over, two new points are added, and the point on the declaration changes. See Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 instructions.

Quotations are from the consolidated text of Directive 2006/42/EC on EUR-Lex. Section 1.7.4.2 has not changed since the directive was adopted in 2006.

What are the 22 points the instructions must contain?

Annex I §1.7.4.2 begins: "Each instruction manual must contain, where applicable, at least the following information". Each point below gives:

• the requirement, in the directive's terms;
• what it means in plain words;
• a typical gap;
• what a good manual does.

Each point also names a paragraph of the European Commission's Guide to application of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (edition 2.3, April 2024, PDF). The Guide is guidance, not law.

1. (a) Manufacturer and authorised representative · Commission Guide §260
   • Requirement: The business name and full address of the manufacturer and of its authorised representative.
   • In plain words: Who made the machine and, if one is appointed, who represents the maker in the EU, each with a full postal address.
   • Typical gap: Only a logo, a website or a phone number; an incomplete address; a missing or out-of-date representative.
   • What good looks like: Full business names and postal addresses that match the nameplate and the declaration of conformity.
2. (b) Designation of the machinery · Commission Guide §260
   • Requirement: The designation of the machinery as marked on the machinery itself, except for the serial number.
   • In plain words: The machine's name exactly as on its nameplate, so readers know which machine the manual is for. No serial number is needed.
   • Typical gap: A sales name or old model code that differs from the nameplate, or no note of which sections apply to which model.
   • What good looks like: The exact nameplate designation, and a clear statement of which sections apply to each model or variant.
3. (c) EC declaration of conformity · Commission Guide §261
   • Requirement: The EC declaration of conformity, or a document setting out its contents, showing the particulars of the machinery (not necessarily including the serial number and the signature).
   • In plain words: Either the declaration itself, or a page setting out what it says. With the second option, the Commission's Guide says the signed declaration must still be supplied.
   • Typical gap: No declaration, a blank template, or one for another model or with an out-of-date directive reference.
   • What good looks like: The signed declaration, or its full contents for this model with the particulars of Annex II 1.A. More: EC declaration of conformity for machinery.
4. (d) General description · Commission Guide §262
   • Requirement: A general description of the machinery.
   • In plain words: An overview that lets users recognise the main parts and what each one does.
   • Typical gap: A sales description, or a picture without labels.
   • What good looks like: A labelled overview drawing or photo, with one line on what each main part does.
5. (e) Drawings, diagrams, descriptions and explanations · Commission Guide §262
   • Requirement: The drawings, diagrams, descriptions and explanations necessary for the use, maintenance and repair of the machinery and for checking its correct functioning.
   • In plain words: The pictures and explanations needed to use, maintain and repair the machine, and to check that it works correctly.
   • Typical gap: Missing or unreadable drawings, and no way described to check that the machine and its safety functions work.
   • What good looks like: Clear drawings next to the text they explain, and a described functional check, such as testing the emergency stop.
6. (f) Operator workstations · Commission Guide §262
   • Requirement: A description of the workstation(s) likely to be occupied by operators.
   • In plain words: Where operators stand or sit, and what they control from there.
   • Typical gap: Only the control panel is shown, with no operating positions.
   • What good looks like: Each operating position on a drawing, with its controls, operating modes and protective devices.
7. (g) Intended use · Commission Guide §263
   • Requirement: A description of the intended use of the machinery.
   • In plain words: What the machine is for, and the limits within which it is safe to use.
   • Typical gap: A one-line purpose with no limits on load, speed, workpiece size or materials.
   • What good looks like: The purpose, the permitted materials and the operating limits assumed in your risk assessment, such as maximum load or slope.
8. (h) Warnings against misuse · Commission Guide §263
   • Requirement: Warnings concerning ways in which the machinery must not be used that experience has shown might occur.
   • In plain words: Warnings against the misuse that experience with this type of machine shows really happens, often called foreseeable misuse.
   • Typical gap: One general "do not misuse the machine" sentence, or nothing.
   • What good looks like: Specific warnings, each with the reason and the possible consequence, based on user feedback and known accidents.
9. (i) Assembly, installation and connection · Commission Guide §264
   • Requirement: Assembly, installation and connection instructions, including drawings, diagrams and the means of attachment and the designation of the chassis or installation on which the machinery is to be mounted.
   • In plain words: How to assemble the machine, fix it in place and connect it to power and other supplies, and what it may be mounted on.
   • Typical gap: No connection values such as voltage or pressure, no fixing requirements, or the chassis or vehicle it mounts on is not named.
   • What good looks like: Step-by-step assembly with drawings, support and fixing requirements, supply values, and the chassis or installation it may be mounted on.
10. (j) Reducing noise and vibration at installation · Commission Guide §264
    • Requirement: Instructions relating to installation and assembly for reducing noise or vibration.
    • In plain words: How installation can keep noise and vibration down, for example by fitting noise-reducing equipment supplied with the machine.
    • Typical gap: Nothing on noise or vibration at installation, even when dampers or an enclosure are supplied.
    • What good looks like: Fitting instructions for any noise-reducing equipment supplied, and foundations or mountings that limit vibration.
11. (k) Putting into service, use and operator training · Commission Guide §265–266
    • Requirement: Instructions for the putting into service and use of the machinery and, if necessary, instructions for the training of operators.
    • In plain words: The checks before first use, how to operate the machine in each mode, and whether operators need training.
    • Typical gap: No checks before first use, operating modes not explained, or nothing on training.
    • What good looks like: Checks before first use and after moving or major repair, step-by-step operation for each mode, and the training operators need.
12. (l) Residual risks · Commission Guide §267
    • Requirement: Information about the residual risks that remain despite the inherent safe design measures, safeguarding and complementary protective measures adopted.
    • In plain words: The dangers that remain after safe design and guards have done what they can.
    • Typical gap: Only the safety features are described; the risks that remain are not stated.
    • What good looks like: Each remaining risk, with where and when it arises and what could happen, linked to the measures in point (m).
13. (m) Protective measures for the user · Commission Guide §267
    • Requirement: Instructions on the protective measures to be taken by the user, including, where appropriate, the personal protective equipment to be provided.
    • In plain words: What the user must do about the remaining risks: safe working methods, extra guards, tasks for trained staff only, or protective equipment.
    • Typical gap: "Wear suitable protective equipment", without saying which.
    • What good looks like: Specific measures for each risk, naming the type of protective equipment, such as hearing protection or cut-resistant gloves.
14. (n) Tools that may be fitted · Commission Guide §268
    • Requirement: The essential characteristics of tools which may be fitted to the machinery.
    • In plain words: For machines that take changeable tools, such as blades, bits or discs: the tool properties that safe use depends on.
    • Typical gap: No tool specifications, or only a catalogue number.
    • What good looks like: Limits on tool size and mass, the permitted materials and shape, and compatibility with the tool holder.
15. (o) Stability · Commission Guide §269
    • Requirement: The conditions in which the machinery meets the requirement of stability during use, transportation, assembly, dismantling when out of service, testing or foreseeable breakdowns.
    • In plain words: What keeps the machine from tipping over or falling in every phase of its life, not only in normal use.
    • Typical gap: Stability covered for normal use only, not for transport, assembly, dismantling, testing or breakdowns.
    • What good looks like: Stability limits, such as maximum slope, reach or wind speed, and the measures for each phase, such as a transport position.
16. (p) Transport, handling and storage · Commission Guide §270
    • Requirement: Instructions with a view to ensuring that transport, handling and storage operations can be made safely, giving the mass of the machinery and of its various parts where these are regularly to be transported separately.
    • In plain words: How to move, lift and store the machine safely, with its mass. The mass of a part is needed only if that part is regularly transported on its own.
    • Typical gap: No mass, no lifting points, and nothing on storage.
    • What good looks like: The masses, the lifting points and how to use them, and how to keep the machine stable in transport and storage.
17. (q) Accidents, breakdowns and unblocking · Commission Guide §271
    • Requirement: The operating method to be followed in the event of accident or breakdown; if a blockage is likely to occur, the operating method to be followed so as to enable the equipment to be safely unblocked.
    • In plain words: What to do when something goes wrong, including how to clear a jam without getting hurt.
    • Typical gap: No emergency procedure, and no unblocking method even though jams are common on this type of machine.
    • What good looks like: Emergency steps (stop, isolate, free trapped persons, call for help) and a safe unblocking method, with any special tools supplied.
18. (r) Adjustment and maintenance by the user · Commission Guide §272
    • Requirement: The description of the adjustment and maintenance operations that should be carried out by the user and the preventive maintenance measures that should be observed.
    • In plain words: What the user must adjust and maintain, what must be done to prevent faults, and how often.
    • Typical gap: "Maintain regularly", with no tasks, no intervals and no wear limits.
    • What good looks like: A schedule of tasks and intervals in hours or cycles, the parts to check for wear, and when to replace them.
19. (s) Safe adjustment and maintenance · Commission Guide §272
    • Requirement: Instructions designed to enable adjustment and maintenance to be carried out safely, including the protective measures that should be taken during these operations.
    • In plain words: How to adjust and maintain the machine safely, above all how to switch off and lock out the energy first.
    • Typical gap: Maintenance tasks with no steps to isolate and lock out the machine.
    • What good looks like: Before each task: isolate the energy, lock the isolator, release stored energy and confirm the machine is safe. Add precautions for any work done while it runs.
20. (t) Spare parts · Commission Guide §272
    • Requirement: The specifications of the spare parts to be used, when these affect the health and safety of operators.
    • In plain words: Which replacement parts must be used where the wrong part could make the machine unsafe.
    • Typical gap: No specifications for safety-relevant wear parts, such as guards, cab air filters or load-bearing parts.
    • What good looks like: A specification for each safety-relevant spare part.
21. (u) Airborne noise · Commission Guide §273
    • Requirement: Information on airborne noise emissions:
      • the A-weighted emission sound pressure level at workstations where it exceeds 70 dB(A), and, where it does not, a statement of that fact;
      • the peak C-weighted instantaneous sound pressure value at workstations where it exceeds 63 Pa (130 dB in relation to 20 µPa);
      • the A-weighted sound power level where the A-weighted emission sound pressure level at workstations exceeds 80 dB(A).
      The uncertainties, the operating conditions during measurement and the measuring methods must also be stated.
    • In plain words: The noise the machine makes, measured on it or on technically comparable machinery. The section on noise below explains the three values.
    • Typical gap: No values, no statement that the level is 70 dB(A) or below, or values without uncertainty, operating conditions or method.
    • What good looks like: A noise declaration that gives each required value with its uncertainty, the operating conditions and the measuring method.
22. (v) Non-ionising radiation · Commission Guide §274
    • Requirement: Where the machinery is likely to emit non-ionising radiation which may cause harm to persons, in particular persons with active or non-active implantable medical devices: information concerning the radiation emitted for the operator and exposed persons.
    • In plain words: If the machine gives off radiation such as strong electromagnetic fields, the manual must say so, especially for people with medical implants.
    • Typical gap: No mention of electromagnetic fields on machines with strong magnets, induction heating or radio-frequency equipment.
    • What good looks like: The kind of radiation, where it occurs, and the precautions for operators and for people with implants.

What does "where applicable" mean?

The Commission's Guide (§260) explains the two phrases at the top of the list:

• "At least" means the list is a minimum. If safe use needs more information, it goes in the manual too.
• "Where applicable" means a point only has to be covered if it is relevant to your machine.

Points, or parts of points, that often do not apply:

What must the manual say about noise?

Point (u) asks for up to three values:

Each value is measured on the machine, or on comparable machinery that represents it, and comes with its uncertainty, the operating conditions and the measuring method. Where workstations are not defined, the level is measured 1 metre from the machine's surface and 1.6 metres above the floor or platform, and the position and value of the maximum sound pressure are given. For very large machinery, levels at set positions may replace the sound power level. The Commission's Guide (§273) adds that machinery also covered by the Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC gives its guaranteed sound power level in place of the measured sound power level; the other two values still apply. Sales literature on the machine's performance must give the same emission values (§1.7.4.3).

What else in Annex I affects the manual?

• Misuse and non-professional users. The instructions must also take account of reasonably foreseeable misuse (§1.7.4.1(c)). For machinery meant for non-professional operators, wording and layout must suit them (§1.7.4.1(d)).
• Language. The instructions must be in the official language or languages of the Member State where the machine is placed on the market or put into service. Every language version that you or your authorised representative have verified is marked "Original instructions", and there may be more than one. A version you have not verified is a translation, marked "Translation of the original instructions", and must come with an original. The original may be in any official EU language. Manuals in other languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, Turkish or Arabic, are accepted too. Their results come in English, you can answer the questions in English or any EU language you choose, and the corrected manual is written in the EU language you order. That order always includes one translation, so it costs at least €163.99 excluding VAT. The corrected EU-language manual is marked "Original instructions", for you to check and adopt as the manufacturer. More on machinery manual translation requirements.
• Standards. EN ISO 20607:2019 gives drafting principles for the safety-related parts of an instruction handbook. As of 27 September 2026 it is listed in the Official Journal under this directive, with no restriction, so following it gives a presumption of conformity for the requirements it covers. IEC/IEEE 82079-1 is not a harmonised standard under the directive. Both are voluntary. More on EN ISO 20607.

How do I check my manual against the 22 points?

1. Open the free machinery manual checklist, or download it as a PDF.
2. For each point, decide whether it applies to your machine, and note why if it does not.
3. Find where your manual covers the point, and write down the section.
4. Compare that section with "what good looks like" above.
5. Fill the gaps, and keep the completed checklist with your technical file.

Or let us check it. EU Manuals checks a machinery manual (Word .docx) against the 22 instruction requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC, Annex I §1.7.4.2, free of charge, and returns a corrected Word manual — written from the manufacturer's answers to its questions — for €149 excluding VAT; translations cost €14.99 per EU language, also excluding VAT. It is an automated pre-review, not a certification.

The check covers the 22 points (a)–(v) of Directive 2006/42/EC, Annex I §1.7.4.2, and nothing more; it is not legal advice, and the manufacturer remains responsible for the manual and the machine.

The free review needs no account, card or email. See what a machinery manual compliance review costs.

Frequently asked questions

More guides

• Machinery Regulation 2023/1230→
• Manual checklist→
• Translation requirements→
• Declaration of conformity→
• EN ISO 20607→
• CE marking & manuals→