Risk Assessment and the Low Voltage Directive

The implementation of a Risk assessment in compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU in 2016.

The new Low Voltage Directive which came into force in April 2016 includes some important changes manufactures and producers of electrical equipment need to be aware of.

The Machinery Directive 2006/42 clearly states that it is a requirement to compile a risk assessment to determine the risks involved for product or installation and it must form part of the technical documentation. However in the past this was not clearly indicated in many of CE-marking directives. For example the Low Voltage Directive presently does not make any reference to risks assessments which must be carried out on electrical equipment. However with the implementation of the new 2016 Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, radical changes will be enforced and these changes will be to compile a risk assessment for the electrical equipment falling under the scope of the directive.

As the new Low Voltage Directive came into force in April 2016, it requires manufactures to ensure that they have undertaken a analysis and assessment of the electrical risks associated with their product.

When Directives are modified and are re-enforced, the technical documentation requirements of these new implemented Directives are modified to ensure that the New Legislative Framework of the text will include the requirements for manufacturers ensuring that they have undertaken an adequate analysis and assessment of the risks associated with their products.

CE Marking and Risk assessment

The new CE Marking Directives will largely involve practical and administrative changes, this will also include updating the Declarations of Conformity. The process of CE-marking an electrical product or installation will however be modified to include a risk assessment. The risk assessment must be compiled so that it meets the essential requirements out of the directive and applicable standard , it must identify the potential risks, possible unforseen risks and the solutions to eliminate or reduced the risks to a safe level.

Our Experts

Certification Experts supports manufacturers by performing a standardised risk assessment for electrical products and installations in compliance with the essential requirements out of the applicable directives, regulations and standards in force. Certification Experts also offers software, Safexpert, so you can carry out the Risk Assessment yourself.

Do not hesitate to contact one of our experts who can indicate the different aspects involved to compile a risk assessment for your electrical products and applicable installations. For more information you can contact one of our experts directly at +31 (0)85 007 3210 for all your questions concerning the application of standards or request a quotation for product testing.