Directive 2000/14/EC

law://eu/dir/2000/14@2026-11-14

Contents

Article 1Objectives#

The aim of this Directive is to harmonise the laws of the Member States relating to noise emission standards, conformity assessment procedures, marking, technical documentation and collection of data concerning the noise emission in the environment of equipment for use outdoors. It will contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market, while protecting human health and well-being.

Article 2Scope#

1.This Directive applies to equipment for use outdoors listed in Articles 12 and 13 and defined in Annex I. This Directive only covers equipment that is placed on the market or put into service as an entire unit suitable for the intended use. Non-powered attachments that are separately placed on the market or put into service shall be excluded, except for hand-held concrete-breakers and picks and for hydraulic hammers.

2.The following shall be excluded from the scope of this Directive:

—all equipment primarily intended for the transport of goods or persons by road or rail or by air or on waterways,

—equipment specially designed and constructed for military and police purposes and for emergency services.

Article 3Definitions#

For the purpose of this Directive the following definitions shall apply:

(a)‘equipment for use outdoors’ means all machinery defined in Article 1(2) of Directive 98/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to machinery^note which is either self-propelled or can be moved and which, irrespective of the driving element(s), is intended to be used, according to its type, in the open air and which contributes to environmental noise exposure. The use of equipment in an ambience where the transmission of sound is not or not significantly affected (for instance under tents, under roofs for protection against rain or in the shell of houses) is regarded as use in the open air. It also means non-powered equipment for industrial or environmental applications which is intended, according to its type, to be used outdoors and which contributes to environmental noise exposure. All these types of equipment are hereinafter referred to as ‘equipment’;

(b)‘conformity assessment procedures’ means the procedures laid down in Annexes V to VIII, based on Decision 93/465/EEC;

(c)‘marking’ means the visibly, legibly and indelibly affixing on the equipment of the CE marking defined in Decision 93/465/EEC accompanied by the indication of the guaranteed sound power level;

(d)‘sound power level L_WA’ means the A-weighted sound power in dB in relation to 1 pW as defined in EN ISO 3744:1995 and EN ISO 3746:1995;

(e)‘measured sound power level’ means a sound power level as determined from measurements as laid down in Annex III; measured values may be determined either from a single machine representative for the type of equipment or from the average of a number of machines;

(f)‘guaranteed sound power level’ means a sound power level determined in accordance with the requirements laid down in Annex III which includes the uncertainties due to production variation and measurement procedures and where the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, confirms that according to the technical instruments applied and referred to in the technical documentation it is not exceeded;

(g)‘crisis-relevant goods’ means crisis-relevant goods as defined in Article 3, point (6), of Regulation (EU) 2024/2747 of the European Parliament and of the Council^note;

(h)‘internal market emergency mode’ means internal market emergency mode as defined in Article 3, point (3), of Regulation (EU) 2024/2747.

Article 4Placing on the market#

1.Equipment referred to in Article 2(1) shall not be placed on the market or put into service until the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, ensures that:

—the equipment satisfies the requirements concerning the noise emission in the environment of this Directive,

—the conformity assessment procedures referred to in Article 14 have been completed,

—the equipment bears CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level and is accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity.

2.Where neither the manufacturer nor his authorised representative is established in the Community, the obligations of this Directive shall apply to any person placing the equipment on the market or putting it into service in the Community.

Article 5Market surveillance#

1.Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that equipment referred to in Article 2(1) may be placed on the market or put into service only if it conforms to the provisions of this Directive, bears the CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level and is accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity.

2.The competent authorities of the Member States shall assist each other in fulfilment of their obligations to carry out market surveillance.

Article 6Free movement#

1.Member States shall not prohibit, restrict or impede the placing on the market or putting into service in their territory of equipment referred to in Article 2(1) which complies with the provisions of this Directive, bears the CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level and is accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity.

2.At trade fairs, exhibitions, demonstrations, and similar events, Member States shall not prevent the showing of equipment referred to in Article 2(1) which does not conform to the provisions of this Directive, provided that a visible sign clearly indicates that such equipment does not conform and that it is not placed on the market or put into service until it has been brought into conformity by the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community. During demonstrations adequate safety measures shall be taken to ensure the protection of persons.

Article 7Presumption of conformity#

Member States shall presume that equipment referred to in Article 2(1) bearing the CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level and which is accompanied by the EC declaration of conformity conforms to all the provisions of this Directive.

Article 8EC Declaration of conformity#

1.The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, of equipment referred to in Article 2(1) shall, in order to certify that an item of equipment is in conformity with the provisions of this Directive, draw up an EC declaration of conformity for each type of equipment manufactured; the minimum content of this declaration of conformity is laid down in Annex II.

2.A Member State may require that the declaration of conformity be drawn up in or translated into the official Community language or languages determined by the Member State when equipment is placed on the market or put into service in its territory.

3.The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, of equipment referred to in Article 2(1) shall keep a specimen of the EC declaration of conformity for 10 years from the date on which the equipment was last manufactured, together with the technical documentation as provided for in Annex V point 3, Annex VI point 3, Annex VII point 2, Annex VIII points 3.1 and 3.3.

Article 9Non-compliance of equipment#

1.Where a Member State ascertains that equipment referred to in Article 2(1) which is placed on the market or put into service does not comply with the requirements of this Directive, it shall take all appropriate measures so that the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community shall bring the equipment into conformity with the provisions of this Directive.

2.Where

(a)the limit values referred to in Article 12 are exceeded; or

(b)non-compliance with other provisions of this Directive continues despite measures taken under paragraph 1;

the Member State concerned shall take all appropriate measures to restrict or prohibit the placing on the market or putting into service of the equipment in question or to ensure that it is withdrawn from the market. The Member State shall immediately inform the Commission and the other Member States of such measures.

3.The Commission shall enter into consultations with the parties concerned as soon as possible. Where, after such consultation, the Commission finds that:

—the measures are justified, it shall immediately so inform the Member State which took the initiative and the other Member States,

—the measures are unjustified, it shall immediately so inform the Member State which took the initiative, the other Member States and the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community.

4.The Commission shall ensure that the Member States are kept informed of the progress and outcome of this procedure.

Article 10Legal remedies#

Any measure taken by a Member State pursuant to this Directive which restricts the placing on the market or putting into service of equipment covered by this Directive shall state the exact reasons on which it is based. Such a measure taken shall be notified as soon as possible to the party concerned, who shall at the same time be informed of the legal remedies available to him under the laws in force in the Member State concerned and of the time limits to which such remedies are subject.

Article 11Marking#

1.Equipment referred to in Article 2(1) placed on the market or put into service which complies with the provisions of this Directive shall bear the CE marking of conformity. The marking shall consist of the initials ‘CE’. The form of the marking to be used is shown in Annex IV.

2.The CE marking shall be accompanied by the indication of the guaranteed sound power level. A model of this indication is given in Annex IV.

3.The CE marking of conformity and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level shall be affixed in a visible, legible and indelible form to each item of equipment.

4.The affixing of markings or inscriptions on the equipment which are likely to be misleading with regard to the meaning or the CE marking or to the indication of the guaranteed sound power level shall be prohibited. Any other marking may be affixed to the equipment, provided that the visibility and legibility of the CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level is not thereby reduced.

5.Where the equipment referred to in Article 2(1) is subject to other directives concerning other aspects and which also provide for the affixing of the CE marking, the marking shall indicate that such equipment also fulfils the provisions of those directives. However, should one or more of these directives allow the manufacturer, during a transitional period, to choose which arrangements to apply, the CE marking shall indicate that the equipment only fulfils the provisions of the directives applied by the manufacturer. In this case the particulars of those directives, as published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, must be given in the documents, notices or instructions required by those directives and accompanying such equipment.

Article 12Equipment subject to noise limits#

The guaranteed sound power level of equipment listed below shall not exceed the permissible sound power level as laid down in the following tables of limit values:

—builders' hoists for the transport of goods (combustion-engine driven)Definition:Annex I, item 3. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 3

—graders (< 500 kW)DefinitieAnnex I, item 23. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 23

—hydraulic power packsDefinition:Annex I, item 29. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 29

—landfill compactors, loader-type with bucket (< 500 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 31. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 31

—lawnmowers (excluding agricultural and forestry equipment, and multi-purpose devices, the main motorised component of which has an installed power of more than 20 kW))Definition:Annex I, item 32. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 32

—lawn trimmers/lawn edge trimmersDefinition:Annex I, item 33; Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 33

—lift trucks, combustion-engine driven, counterbalanced (excluding ‘other counterbalanced lift trucks’ as defined in Annex I, item 36, second indent with a rated capacity of not more than 10 tonnes)Definition:Annex I, item 36. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 36

—loaders (< 500 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 37. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 37

—mobile cranesDefinition:Annex I, item 38. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 38

—motor hoes (< 3 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 40. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 40

—paver-finishers (excluding paver-finishers equipped with a high-compaction screed)Definition:Annex I, item 41. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 41

—walk-behind vibrating rollers;

—compaction machines (only vibrating and non-vibrating rollers, vibratory plates and vibratory rammers)Definition:Annex I, item 8. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 8

—power generators (< 400 kW)DefinitionAnnex I, item 45. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 45

—tower cranesDefinition:Annex I, item 53. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 53

—welding generatorsDefinition:Annex I, item 57. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 57.

—vibratory plates (> 3kW);

—compressors (< 350 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 9. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 9

—vibratory rammers;

—concrete-breakers and picks, hand-heldDefinition:Annex I, item 10. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 10

—dozers (steel tracked);

—construction winches (combustion-engine driven)Definition:Annex I, item 12. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 12

—loaders (steel tracked > 55 kW);

—dozers (< 500 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 16. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 16

—combustion-engine driven counterbalanced lift trucks;

—dumpers (< 500 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 18. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 18

—compacting screed paver-finishers;

—excavators, hydraulic or rope-operated (< 500 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 20. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 20

—hand-held internal combustion-engine concrete-breakers and picks (15 < m < 30)

—excavator-loaders (< 500 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 21. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 21

—lawnmowers, lawn trimmers/lawn-edge trimmers.

^noteThe figures for stage II are merely indicative for the following types of equipment:Definitive figures will depend on amendment of the Directive following the report required in Article 20(1). In the absence of any such amendment, the figures for stage I will continue to apply for stage II.^noteThe permissible sound power level shall be rounded up or down to the nearest integer number (less than 0,5, use lower number; greater than or equal to 0,5, use higher number)Type of equipmentNet installed power P (in kW)Electric power P_el^note in kWMass of appliance m in kgCutting width L in cmPermissible sound power level in dB/1 pWStage I as from 3 January 2002Stage II as from 3 January 2006Compaction machines (vibrating rollers, vibratory plates, vibratory rammers)P ≤ 8108105^note8 < P ≤ 70109106^noteP > 7089 + 11 lg P86 + 11 lg P^noteTracked dozers, tracked loaders, tracked excavator-loadersP ≤ 55106103^noteP > 5587 + 11 lg P84 + 11 lg P^noteWheeled dozers, wheeled loaders, wheeled excavator-loaders, dumpers, graders, loader-type landfill compactors, combustion-engine driven counterbalanced lift trucks, mobile cranes, compaction machines (non-vibrating rollers), paver-finishers, hydraulic power packsP ≤ 55104101^note^noteP > 5585 + 11 lg P82 + 11 lg P^note^noteExcavators, builders’ hoists for the transport of goods, construction winches, motor hoesP ≤ 159693P > 1583 + 11 lg P80 + 11 lg PHand-held concrete-breakers and picksm ≤ 1510710515 < m < 3094 + 11 lg m92 + 11 lg m^notem ≥ 3096 + 11 lg m94 + 11 lg mTower cranes98 + lg P96 + lg PWelding and power generatorsP_el ≤ 297 + lg P_el95 + lg P_el2 < P_el ≤ 1098 + lg P_el96 + lg P_elP_el > 1097 + lg P_el95 + lg P_elCompressorsP ≤ 159997P > 1597 + 2 lg P95 + 2 lg PLawnmowers, lawn trimmers/lawn-edge trimmersL ≤ 509694^note50 < L ≤ 701009870 < L ≤ 12010098^noteL > 120105103^note

Article 13Equipment subject to noise marking only#

The guaranteed sound power level of equipment listed below shall be subject to noise marking only:

—aerial access platforms with combustion engineDefinition:Annex I, item 1. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 1

—construction winches (with electric motor)Definition:Annex I, item 12. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 12

—conveying and spraying machines for concrete and mortarDefinition:Annex I, item 13. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 13

—conveyor beltsDefinition:Annex I, item 14. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 14

—cooling equipment on vehiclesDefinition:Annex I, item 15. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 15

—drill rigsDefinition:Annex I, item 17. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 17

—equipment for loading and unloading silos or tanks on trucksDefinition:Annex I, item 19. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 19

—glass recycling containersDefinition:Annex I, item 22. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 22

—grass trimmers/grass edge trimmersDefinition:Annex I, item 24. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 24

—hedge trimmersDefinition:Annex I, item 25. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 25

—high pressure flushersDefinition:Annex I, item 26. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 26

—brush cuttersDefinition:Annex I, item 2; Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 2

—high pressure water jet machinesDefinition:Annex I, item 27. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 27

—hydraulic hammersDefinition:Annex I, item 28. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 28

—joint cuttersDefinition:Annex I, item 30. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 30

—leaf blowersDefinition:Annex I, item 34. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 34

—leaf collectorsDefinition:Annex I, item 35. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 35

—lift trucks, combustion-engine driven, couterbalanced (only ‘other counterbalanced lift trucks’ as defined in Annex I, item 36, second indent, with a rated capacity of not more than 10 tonnes)Definition:Annex I, item 36. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 36

—mobile waste containersDefinition:Annex I, item 39. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 39

—paver-finishers (equipped with a high-compaction screed)Definition:Annex I, item 41. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 41

—piling equipmentDefinition:Annex I, item 42. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 42

—pipelayersDefinition:Annex I, item 43. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 43

—builders' hoists for the transport of goods (with electric motor)Definition:Annex I, item 3. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 3

—piste caterpillarsDefinition:Annex I, item 44. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 44

—power generators (≥ 400 kW)Definition:Annex I, item 45. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 45

—power sweepersDefinition:Annex I, item 46. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 46

—refuse collection vehiclesDefinition:Annex I, item 47. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 47

—road milling machinesDefinition:Annex I, item 48. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 48

—scarifiersDefinition:Annex I, item 49. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 49

—shredders/chippersDefinition:Annex I, item 50. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 50

—snow-removing machines with rotating tools (self-propelled, excluding attachments)Definition:Annex I, item 51. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 51

—suction vehiclesDefinition:Annex I, item 52. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 52

—trenchersDefinition:Annex I, item 54. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 54

—building site band saw machinesDefinition:Annex I, item 4. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 4

—truck mixersDefinition:Annex I, item 55. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 55

—water pump units (not for use under water)Definition:Annex I, item 56. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 56.

—building site circular saw benchesDefinition:Annex I, item 5. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 5

—chain saws, portableDefinition:Annex I, item 6. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 6

—combined high pressure flushers and suction vehiclesDefinition:Annex I, item 7. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 7

—compaction machines (explosion rammers only)Definition:Annex I, item 8. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 8

—concrete or mortar mixersDefinition:Annex I, item 11. Measurement: Annex III, Part B, item 11

Article 14Conformity assessment#

1.Before placing on the market or putting into service any equipment referred to in Article 12 the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, shall subject each type of equipment to one of the following conformity assessment procedures:

—the internal control of production with assessment of technical documentation and periodical checking procedure referred to in Annex VI, or

—the unit verification procedure referred to in Annex VII, or

—the full quality assurance procedure referred to in Annex VIII.

2.Before placing on the market or putting into service any equipment referred to in Article 13 the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, shall subject each type of equipment to the internal control of production procedure referred to in Annex V.

3.Member States shall ensure that the Commission and any other Member State may, on a reasoned request, obtain all information used during the conformity assessment procedure concerning a type of equipment and in particular the technical documentation provided for in Annex V item 3, Annex VI item 3, Annex VII item 2, Annex VIII items 3.1 an 3.3.

Article 15Notified bodies#

1.Member States shall appoint bodies under their jurisdiction to carry out or supervise the conformity assessment procedures referred to in Article 14(1).

2.Member States shall appoint only such bodies which comply with the criteria set out in Annex IX. The fact that a body complies with the criteria of Annex IX to this Directive does not mean that a Member State is obliged to appoint that body.

3.Each Member State shall notify the Commission and the other Member States of the bodies which they have appointed, together with the specific tasks and examination procedures which these bodies have been appointed to carry out and the identification numbers assigned to them beforehand by the Commission.

4.The Commission shall publish a list of the notified bodies in the Official Journal of the European Communities along with their identification numbers and the tasks for which they have been appointed. The Commission shall ensure that the list is kept up to date.

5.A Member State must withdraw its notification if it finds that the body no longer meets the criteria referred to in Annex IX. It shall forthwith inform the Commission and the other Member States accordingly.

Article 16Collection of noise data#

1.Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure that the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, shall send to the responsible authority of the Member State where he resides or where he places on the market or puts into service the equipment referred to in Article 2(1) and to the Commission a copy of the EC declaration of conformity for each type of equipment referred to in Article 2(1).

2.The Commission shall collect the data made available in accordance with paragraph 1 for all equipment.

3.Member States may, on request, obtain the collected data from the Commission.

4.The Commission shall publish the relevant information periodically, preferably annually. These publications shall at least contain the following data for each type or model of equipment:

—the net installed power or any other noise related value

—the measured sound power level

—the guaranteed sound power level

—equipment description

—manufacturer and/or brand name

—model number/name

Article 17Regulation of use#

The provisions of this Directive shall not prevent Member States' entitlement to lay down, in due observance of the Treaty:

—measures to regulate the use of equipment referred to in Article 2(1) in areas which they consider sensitive, including the possibility of restricting the working hours of the equipment,

—such requirements as they may deem necessary to ensure that persons are protected when using the equipment in question, provided that this does not mean that the equipment is modified in a way not specified in this Directive.

Article 17aApplication of emergency procedures#

1.Member States shall ensure that measures taken to transpose Articles 17b, 17c and 17d of this Directive apply only if the Commission has adopted an implementing act pursuant to Article 28 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2747 with respect to equipment covered by this Directive.

2.Member States shall ensure that measures taken to transpose Articles 17b, 17c and 17d of this Directive apply only to equipment referred to in Article 2(1) of this Directive which has been designated as crisis-relevant goods pursuant to Article 18(4) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2747.

3.Member States shall ensure that measures taken to transpose Articles 17b, 17c and 17d of this Directive apply only during the internal market emergency mode that has been activated in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2747.However, Article 17c(7) of this Directive shall apply during the internal market emergency mode and after its expiry or deactivation.

4.The Commission may adopt implementing acts regarding the corrective or restrictive actions to be taken, the procedures to be followed and the specific labelling and traceability requirements with respect to equipment referred to in Article 2(1) and placed on the market or put into service in accordance with Article 17c. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 18(2).

Article 17bPrioritisation of the conformity assessment of equipment designated as crisis-relevant goods#

1.This Article applies to equipment listed in the implementing act referred to in Article 17a(1) that is subject to the conformity assessment procedures referred to in Article 14 that require the mandatory involvement of a notified body.

2.The notified bodies shall make best efforts to process as a matter of priority all applications for a conformity assessment of equipment referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, irrespective of whether those applications have been lodged before or after the activation of the emergency procedures pursuant to Article 17a.

3.The prioritisation of applications for a conformity assessment of equipment pursuant to paragraph 2 shall not result in additional disproportionate costs for the manufacturers who have lodged those applications.

4.The notified bodies shall make reasonable efforts to increase their testing capacities for equipment referred to in paragraph 1 in respect of which they have been notified.

Article 17cDerogation from the conformity assessment procedures requiring the mandatory involvement of a notified body#

1.By way of derogation from Article 14, a Member State may authorise, on a duly justified request from an economic operator, the placing on the market or putting into service within the territory of that Member State, of specific equipment referred to in Article 12 and listed in the implementing act referred to in Article 17a(1) and for which the conformity assessment procedures referred to in Article 14 that require the mandatory involvement of a notified body have not been carried out but for which the compliance with all the applicable requirements laid down in this Directive concerning noise emission in the environment has been demonstrated in accordance with procedures referred to in that authorisation.

2.The Member State shall immediately inform the Commission and the other Member States of any authorisation granted in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article. Provided that the requirements set out in the authorisation ensure conformity with the applicable requirements laid down in this Directive concerning noise emission in the environment, the Commission shall adopt, without delay, an implementing act extending the validity of the authorisation granted by a Member State in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article to the territory of the whole Union and shall set out the conditions under which the specific equipment may be placed on the market or put into service. When preparing the draft implementing act, the Commission may request national market surveillance authorities to provide relevant information or comments regarding the technical assessment that served as the basis for the authorisation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 18(2).The equipment subject to the extension of validity referred to in the first subparagraph shall bear the information that it is placed on the market as a “crisis-relevant good”. The implementing act referred to in the first subparagraph shall specify the content and presentation of that information. That information, as well as any labelling, shall be clear, understandable and intelligible and, where relevant, in a language which can be easily understood by consumers and other end-users, as determined by the Member State concerned.

3.On duly justified imperative grounds of urgency relating to the need to preserve the health and safety of persons, the Commission shall adopt immediately applicable implementing acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 18(3).

4.As long as an implementing act as referred to in paragraph 2 or 3 is not adopted, the authorisation granted by a competent national authority in one Member State shall be valid only on the territory of that Member State, and on the territories of any other Member States whose competent national authorities have recognised the validity of that authorisation before the adoption of such an implementing act. Member States shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any decision to recognise the validity of that authorisation.

5.Manufacturers of equipment subject to the authorisation procedure referred to in paragraph 1 shall declare on their sole responsibility that the equipment concerned complies with all the applicable requirements set out in this Directive concerning noise emission in the environment and shall be responsible for the fulfilment of all the conformity assessment procedures indicated by the competent national authority.

6.Any authorisation issued pursuant to paragraph 1 shall set out the conditions and requirements under which the equipment may be placed on the market or put into service. Such authorisations shall set out at least the following:

(a)a description of the procedures by means of which compliance with the applicable requirements of this Directive concerning noise emission in the environment was successfully demonstrated;

(b)any specific requirements regarding the traceability of the equipment concerned;

(c)an end date of validity of the authorisation, which cannot go beyond the last day of the period for which the internal market emergency mode has been activated in accordance with Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2747;

(d)any specific requirements regarding the need to ensure a continuous conformity assessment with respect to the equipment concerned;

(e)measures to be taken upon expiry or deactivation of the internal market emergency mode with respect to the equipment concerned that has been placed on the market or put into service.

7.By way of derogation from Articles 6 and 11, equipment for which an authorisation has been granted in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article shall not bear the CE marking and Article 6 shall not apply.

8.The market surveillance authorities of a Member State where an authorisation pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of this Article is valid shall be entitled, with respect to such equipment, to take all corrective and restrictive actions at national level provided for under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council^note and under this Directive. They shall immediately inform the Commission and the market surveillance authorities of all other Member States of these actions.

9.The use of the authorisation procedure set out in paragraphs 1 to 4 of this Article shall not affect the application on the territory of the Member State concerned of the relevant conformity assessment procedures laid down in Article 14.

Article 17dPrioritisation of market surveillance activities and mutual assistance among authorities#

1.Member States shall prioritise the market surveillance activities for equipment listed in the implementing act referred to in Article 17a(1) of this Directive. The Commission shall facilitate coordination of such prioritisation efforts through the Union Product Compliance Network established under Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020.

2.The market surveillance authorities of the Member States shall ensure that best efforts are made to provide assistance to other market surveillance authorities during an internal market emergency mode, including by mobilising and dispatching expert teams to temporarily reinforce the staff of market surveillance authorities requesting assistance or by providing logistical support, such as the reinforcement of the testing capacity for equipment listed in the implementing act referred to in Article 17a(1).

Article 18Committee procedure#

1.The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council^note.

2.Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

3.Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, in conjunction with Article 5 thereof, shall apply.

Article 18aAmendments to Annex III#

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 18b amending Annex III to adapt it to technical progress. Those delegated acts shall not have any direct impact on the measured sound power level of equipment listed in Article 12, in particular through the inclusion of references to relevant European standards.

Article 18bExercise of the delegation#

1.The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 18a shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 26 July 2019. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.

3.The delegation of power referred to in Article 18a may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4.Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making^note.

5.As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

6.A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 18a shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Article 19Committee powers#

The Committee shall:

(a)exchange information and experiences concerning the implementation and practical application of this Directive and discuss matters of common interest in those fields;

(b)assist the Commission in the adaptation to technical progress of Annex III;

(c)provide advice to the Commission with respect to the conclusions and amendments referred to in Article 20(2).

Article 20Reports#

1.Not later than 3 January 2007 and every four years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report concerning the Commission's experience in the implementation and administration of this Directive. The report shall in particular contain:

(a)a review of the noise data collected in accordance with Article 16 and other appropriate information;

(b)a statement of the need for revision of the lists in Articles 12 and 13, especially whether new equipment should be added in either Article 12 or Article 13 or equipment should be transferred from Article 13 to Article 12;

(c)a statement of the need and the possibilities for revision of the limit values laid down in Article 12 taking into account technological development;

(d)a statement setting out an integrated range of instruments to be used in continuing the reduction of noise by equipment.

2.After having held all the necessary consultations, in particular with the Committee, the Commission shall on that occasion present its conclusions and where appropriate any amendment to this Directive.

3.Not later than 3 July 2002 the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report concerning whether and to what extent technical progress allows a reduction of limit values for lawnmowers and lawn trimmers/lawn edge trimmers, and, if appropriate, a proposal to amend this Directive.

Article 21Repeal#

1.Directives 79/113/EEC, 84/532/EEC, 84/533/EEC, 84/534/EEC, 84/535/EEC, 84/536/EEC, 84/537/EEC, 84/538/EEC and 86/662/EEC shall be repealed on 3 January 2002.

2.Type-examination certificates issued and measurements of equipment carried out under the Directives mentioned in paragraph 1 may be used in drawing up the technical documentation provided for in Annex V point 3, Annex VI point 3, Annex VII point 2, Annex VIII points 3.1 and 3.3 of this Directive.

Article 22Transposition and date of application#

1.Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive no later than 3 July 2001. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.

2.Member States shall apply these measures with effect from 3 January 2002. However, Member States shall allow the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, to avail himself of the provisions of this Directive as from 3 July 2001.

3.With regard to the reduced permissible sound power levels of stage II referred to in Article 12, these provisions shall apply with effect from 3 January 2006.

4.When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down by Member States.

5.Member States shall communicate to the Commission the texts of the provisions of national law which they adopt in the field governed by this Directive.

Article 23Entry into force#

This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Article 24Addressees of the Directive#

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Annex I · Definitions of equipment

1. Aerial access platforms with combustion engines

Equipment consisting of a minimum of a work platform, an extending structure and a chassis. The work platform is a fenced platform or a cage which can be moved under load to the required working position. The extending structure is connected to the chassis and supports the work platform; it allows movement of the work platform to its required position.

2. Brush cutter

A combustion-engine driven portable hand-held unit fitted with a rotating blade made of metal or plastic intended to cut weeds, brush, small trees and similar vegetation. The cutting device operates in a plane approximately parallel to the ground.

3. Builders' hoist for the transport of goods

(i)defined landing levels, having a platform

—designed for the transportation of goods only

—which permits the access of persons during loading and unloading

—which permits the access and travel by authorised persons during erection, dismantling and maintenance

—guided

—travelling vertical or along a path within 15° max. of the vertical

—supported or sustained by: wire, rope, chain, screwed spindle and nut, rack and pinion, hydraulic jack (direct or indirect), or an expanding linkage mechanism

—where masts may or may not require support from separate structures, or

(ii)either one upper landing or a work area extending to the end of the guide (e.g. a roof), having a load-carrying device:

—designed for the transportation of goods only

—having a maximum speed of 1m/s

—and where the guides require support from separate structures.

—designed that there is no need to step on it for loading or unloading purposes or for maintenance, erection and dismantling

—from which persons are prohibited at any time

—guided

—which is designed to travel at an angle of at least 30° to the vertical but may be used at any angle

—sustained by steel wire rope and a positive drive system

—controlled by constant pressure type controls

—which does not benefit from the use of any counterweight

—having a maximum rated load of 300 kg

A power-operated, temporarily installed builders' hoist intended for use by persons who are permitted to enter engineering and construction sites, serving

4. Building site band saw machine

A hand-fed powered machine weighing less than 200 kg fitted with a single saw blade in the form of a continuous band mounted on and running between two or more pulleys.

5. Building site circular saw bench

—the facility for the sawblade to be raised and lowered through the table

—machine frame below the table may be open or enclosed

—the saw may be fitted with an additional, manually operated travelling table (not adjacent to the sawblade).

A hand-fed machine weighing less than 200 kg fitted with a single circular sawblade (other than a scoring saw) with a diameter of 350 mm or more, up to a maximum diameter of 500 mm, which is fixed during the normal cutting operation, and a horizontal table, all or part of which is fixed during operation. The sawblade is mounted on a horizontal non-tilting spindle, the position of which remains stationary during machining. The machine may have any of the following features:

6. Chain saw, portable

A power-driven tool designed to cut wood with a saw chain and consisting of an integrated compact unit of handles, power source and cutting attachment, designed to be supported with two hands.

7. Combined high pressure flusher and suction vehicle

A vehicle which may work either as a high pressure flusher or as a suction vehicle. See high pressure flusher and suction vehicle.

8. Compaction machine

—rollers for ride-on operators: self-propelled compaction machines with one or more metallic cylindrical bodies (drums) or rubber tyres; the operator's station is an integral part of the machine

—walk-behind rollers: self-propelled compaction machines with one or more metallic cylindrical bodies (drums) or rubber tyres in which the operation facilities for travelling, steering, braking and vibrating are disposed in such a way that the machines have to be operated by an attending operator or by remote control

—towed roller: compaction machines with one or more metallic cylindrical bodies (drums) or rubber tyres which do not possess an independent drive system and where the operator's station is to be found on a tractor unit

—vibratory plates and vibratory rammers: compactions machines with mainly flat base plates which are made to vibrate. They are operated by an attending operator or as an attachment to a carrier machine

—explosion rammers: compaction machines with mainly a flat pad as the compacting tool which is made to move in a predominantly vertical direction by explosion pressure. The machine is operated by an attending operator.

A machine which compacts materials, e.g. rock fills, soil or asphalt surfacing, through a rolling, tamping or vibrating action of the working tool. It may be self-propelled, towed, walk-behind or an attachment to a carrying machine. Compaction machines are subdivided as follows:

9. Compressor

—fans, i.e. devices producing air circulation at a positive pressure of not more than 110000 pascals

—vacuum pumps, i.e. devices or appliances for extracting air from an enclosed space at a pressure not exceeding atmospheric pressure

—gas turbine engines.

Any machine for use with interchangeable equipment which compresses air, gases or vapours to a pressure higher than the inlet pressure. A compressor comprises the bare compressor itself, the prime mover and any component or device supplied, which is necessary for safe operation of the compressor.

Excluded are the following categories of device:

10. Concrete-breakers and picks, hand held

Powered (by any method) concrete-breakers and picks used to perform work on civil engineering and building sites.

11. Concrete or mortar mixer

A machine to prepare concrete or mortar, irrespective of the loading, mixing and emptying process. It may be operated intermittently or constantly. Concrete mixers on trucks are called truck mixers (see definition 55).

12. Construction winch

A power-operated, temporarily installed lifting appliance which is equipped with means for raising and lowering a suspended load.

13. Conveying and spraying machine for concrete and mortar

—for concrete mechanically, by piston or rotor pumps

—for mortar mechanically by piston, worm, hose and rotor pumps or pneumatically by compressors with or without air chamber.

Items of plant pumping and spraying concrete or mortar, with or without agitator, whereby the material to be transported is conveyed to the placing position through pipelines, distribution devices or distribution booms. Conveyance is carried out:

These machines may be mounted on trucks, trailers or special vehicles.

14. Conveyor belt

A temporarily installed machine suitable for transporting material by means of a power-driven belt.

15. Cooling equipment on vehicles

A cargo space refrigeration unit on vehicle categories N2, N3, O3 and O4 as defined by Directive 70/156/EEC.

The refrigeration unit may be powered by means of an integral part of the refrigeration unit, a separate part attached to the vehicle body, a driving engine of the vehicle, or by an independent or standby power source.

16. Dozer

A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine used to exert a push or pull force through mounted equipment.

17. Drill rig

—percussive drilling

—rotary drilling

—rotary percussive drilling.

A machine which is used for drilling holes on construction sites by

Drill rigs are stationary during drilling. They may move from one place of work to another, under their own power. Self-propelled drill rigs include those mounted on lorries, wheeled chassis, tractors, crawlers, skid bases (pulled by winch). When drill rigs are mounted on lorries, tractors and trailers, or a wheel-based, transportation may be carried out at higher speeds and on public roads.

18. Dumper

A self-propelled machine wheeled or crawler machine having an open body, which either transports and dumps or spreads material. Dumpers may be equipped with integral self-loading equipment.

19. Equipment for loading and unloading of silos or tanks on trucks

Powered devices attached to silo or tanker trucks for loading or unloading of liquids or bulk material by means of pumps or similar equipment.

20. Excavator, hydraulic or rope-operated

A self-propelled crawler or wheeled machine having an upper structure capable of a minimum of 360° rotation, which excavates, swings and dumps material by the action of a bucket fitted to the boom and arm or telescopic boom, without moving the chassis or undercarriage during any one cycle of the machine.

21. Excavator-loader

A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine having a main structural support designed to carry both a front-mounted bucket loading mechanism and a rear-mounted backhoe. When used in the backhoe mode, the machine normally digs below ground level with bucket motion towards the machine. The backhoe lifts, swings and discharges material while the machine is stationary. When used in the loader mode, the machine loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material.

22. Glass recycling container

A container, built of whatever material, that is used for the collection of bottles. It is equipped with at least one opening for filling in bottles and another one for emptying the container.

23. Grader

A self-propelled wheeled machine having an adjustable blade, positioned between front and rear axles, which cuts, moves and spreads material usually to grade requirements.

24. Grass trimmer/grass edge trimmer

A combustion-engine driven portable hand-held unit fitted with flexible line(s), string(s), or similar non-metallic flexible cutting elements, such as pivoting cutters, intended to cut weeds, grass or similar soft vegetation. The cutting device operates in a plane approximately parallel (grass trimmer) or perpendicular (grass edge trimmer) to the ground.

25. Hedge trimmer

Hand-held, integrally driven powered equipment which is designed for use by one operator for trimming hedges and bushes utilising one or more linear reciprocating cutter blades.

26. High pressure flusher

A vehicle equipped with a device to clean sewers or similar installations by means of a high pressure water jet. The device may be either mounted on a proprietary vehicular truck chassis or incorporated into its own chassis embodiment. The equipment may be fixed or demountable as in the case of an exchangeable bodywork system.

27. High pressure water jet machine

—mobile high pressure water jet machines are mobile, readily transportable machines which are designed to be used at various sites, and for this purpose are generally fitted with their own undergear or are vehicle-mounted. All necessary supply lines are flexible and readily disconnectable

—stationary high pressure water jet machines are designed to be used at one site for a length of time but capable of being moved to another site with suitable equipment. Generally skid or frame-mounted with supply line capable of being disconnected.

A machine with nozzles or other speed-increasing openings which allow water, also with admixtures, to emerge as a free jet. In general, high pressure jet machines consist of a drive, a pressure generator, hose lines, spraying devices, safety mechanisms, controls and measurement devices. High pressure water jet machines may be mobile or stationary:

28. Hydraulic hammer

Equipment which uses the hydraulic power source of the carrier machine to accelerate a piston (sometimes gas-assisted), which then hits a tool. The stress wave generated by kinetic action flows through the tool into the material, which causes the material to break. Hydraulic hammers need a supply of pressurised oil to function. The complete carrier/hammer unit is controlled by an operator, usually seated in the cabin of the carrier.

29. Hydraulic power pack

Any machine for use with interchangeable equipment which compresses liquids to a pressure higher than the inlet pressure. It means an assembly of a prime mover, pump, with or without reservoir and accessories (e.g. controls, pressure relief valve).

30. Joint cutter

—manual

—manual with mechanical assistance

—power-driven.

A mobile machine intended for the production of joints in concrete, asphalt and similar road surfaces. The cutting tool is a rotating high speed disc. The forward motion of the joint cutter can be

31. Landfill compactor, loader-type with bucket

A self-propelled wheeled compaction machine having a front-mounted loader linkage with a bucket having steel wheels (drums) primarily designed to compact, move, grade, and load soil, landfill or sanitary (refuse) materials.

32. Lawnmower

—rigid cutting elements, or

—non-metallic filament line(s) or freely pivoting non-metallic cutter(s) with a kinetic energy of more than 10 J each; the kinetic energy is determined using EN 786:1997, Annex B.

A walk-behind or ride-on grass cutting machine or a machine with grass-cutting attachment(s) where the cutting device operates in a plane approximately parallel to the ground and which uses the ground to determine the height of cut by means of wheels, air cushion or skids, etc., and which utilises an engine or an electric motor for a power source. The cutting devices are either

Also a walk-behind or ride-on grass cutting machine or a machine with grass-cutting attachment(s) where the cutting device is rotating about a horizontal axis to provide a shearing action with a stationary cutter bar or knife (cylinder mower).

33. Lawn trimmer/lawn edge trimmer

An electrically powered walk-behind or hand-held grass cutting machine with cutting element(s) of non-metallic filament line(s) or freely pivoting non-metallic cutters with a kinetic energy of not more than 10 J each, intended to cut grass or similar soft vegetation. The cutting element(s) operate(s) in a plane approximately parallel (lawn trimmer) or perpendicular (lawn edge trimmer) to the ground. The kinetic energy is determined using EN 786:1997, Annex B.

34. Leaf blower

A powered machine appropriate to clear lawns, paths, ways, streets, etc. of leaves and other material by means of a high velocity air flow. It may be portable (hand-held) or not portable but mobile.

35. Leaf collector

A powered machine suitable for collecting leaves and other debris using a suction device consisting of a power source which produces a vacuum inside the machine and a suction nozzle and a container for the collected material. It may be portable (hand-held) or not portable but mobile.

36. Lift truck, combustion-engine driven, counterbalanced

—rough terrain trucks (wheeled counterbalanced trucks intended primarily for operation on unimproved natural terrain and on disturbed terrain of, e.g., construction sites)

—other counterbalanced lift trucks, excluded are those counterbalanced lift trucks that are specifically constructed for container handling.

A wheeled, internal combustion-engine driven lift truck with counterweight and lifting equipment (mast, telescopic arm or articulated arm). These are:

37. Loader

A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine having an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure and linkage, which loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges material.

38. Mobile crane

A self-powered jib crane capable of travelling, loaded or unloaded, without the need for fixed runways and relying on gravity for stability. It operates on tyres, crawlers or with other mobile arrangements. In fixed positions it may be supported by outriggers or other accessories increasing its stability. The superstructure of a mobile crane may be of the type of full-circle slewing, of limited slewing or non-slewing. It is normally equipped with one or more hoists and/or hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the jib and the load. Mobile cranes are equipped either with telescopic jibs, with articulated jibs, with lattice jibs, or a combination of these, of such a design that may readily be lowered. The loads suspended from the jib may be handled by hook block assemblies or other load-lifting attachments for special services.

39. Mobile waste container

An appropriate designed container fitted with wheels intended to store waste temporarily, and which is equipped with a cover.

40. Motor hoe

—with or without support wheel(s), in such a way that its working elements act as hoeing tools to ensure propulsion (motor hoe), and

—propelled by one or various wheel(s) directly actuated from the engine and equipped with hoeing tools (motor hoe with drive wheel(s)).

A self-propelled machine designed to be pedestrian-controlled

41. Paver-finisher

A mobile road construction machine used for the purpose of applying layers of construction material, such as bituminous mix, concrete and gravel on surfaces. Paver-finishers may be equipped with a high-compaction screed.

42. Piling equipment

—piling rig consisting of carrier machine (crawler, wheel or rail mounted, floating leader attachment, leader or guiding system)

—accessories, e.g. pile caps, helmets, plates, followers, clamping devices, pile handling devices, pile guides, acoustic shrouds and shock/vibration absorbing devices, power packs/generators and personal lifting devices or platforms.

Pile installation and extraction equipment, e.g. impact hammers, extractors, vibrators or static pile pushing/pulling devices of an assembly of machines and components used for installation or extraction of piles, which also includes:

43. Pipelayer

A self-propelled crawler or wheeled machine specifically designed to handle and lay pipes and carry pipeline equipment. The machine, the design of which is based on a tractor, has especially designed components such as undercarriage, main frame, counterweight, boom and load-hoist mechanism, and vertically pivoting side boom.

44. Piste caterpillar

A self-propelled crawler machine used to exert a push or pull force on snow and ice through mounted equipment.

45. Power generator

Any device comprising an internal combustion engine driving a rotary electrical generator producing a continuous supply of electrical power.

46. Power sweeper

A sweeping collection machine having equipment to sweep debris into the path of a suction inlet that would then pneumatically by way of a high velocity airstream or with a mechanical pick-up system convey the debris to a collection hopper. The sweeping and collecting devices may either be mounted to a proprietary vehicular truck chassis or incorporated into its own chassis embodiment. The equipment can be fixed or demountable as in the case of an exchangeable bodywork system.

47. Refuse collection vehicle

A vehicle designed for the collection and transportation of domestic and bulky waste based on loading via containers or by hand. The vehicle may be equipped with a compaction mechanism. A refuse collection vehicle comprises a chassis with cab onto which the bodywork is mounted. It may be equipped with a container lifting device.

48. Road-milling machine

A mobile machine used for removing material from paved surfaces using a power-driven cylindrical body, on which surface the milling tools are fitted; the cutter drums rotate during the cutting operation.

49. Scarifier

A walk-behind or ride-on powered machine which uses the ground to determine the depth of cut and which is equipped with an assembly appropriate to slit or scratch the surface of the lawn in gardens, parks and other similar areas.

50. Shredder/chipper

A powered machine designed for use in a stationary position having one or more cutting devices for the purpose of reducing bulk organic materials to smaller pieces. Generally it consists of a feed intake opening through which material (which may be held by an appliance or not) is inserted, a device which cuts up the material by whatever method (cutting, chopping, crushing or other methods) and a discharge chute through which the cut material is discharged. A collecting device may be attached.

51. Snow-removing machine with rotating tools

A machine with which snow can be removed from traffic areas by rotating means, accelerated and ejected by blower means.

52. Suction vehicle

A vehicle equipped with a device to collect water, mud, sludge, refuse or similar material from sewers or similar installations by means of a vacuum. The device may be either mounted on a proprietary vehicular truck chassis or incorporated into its own chassis embodiment. The equipment may be fixed or demountable as in the case of an exchangeable bodywork system.

53. Tower crane

A slewing jib crane with the jib located at the top of a tower which stays approximately vertical in the working position. This power-driven appliance is equipped with means for raising and lowering suspended loads and for the movement of such loads by changing the load-lifting radius, slewing, travelling of the complete appliance. Certain appliances perform several but not necessarily all of these movements. The appliance can be installed in a fixed position or equipped with means for displacing or climbing.

54. Trencher

A self-propelled, ride-on or pedestrian-controlled, crawler or wheeled machine, having a front- or rear-mounted excavator linkage and attachment, primarily designed to produce trenches in a continuous operation, through a motion of the machine.

55. Truck mixer

A vehicle which is equipped with a drum to transport ready-mixed concrete from the concrete mixing plant to the job site; the drum may rotate when the vehicle is driving or stand still. The drum is emptied on the job site by rotating the drum. The drum is driven either by the driving engine of the vehicle or by a supplementary engine.

56. Water pump unit

A machine consisting of a water pump itself and the driving system. Water pump means a machine for the raising of water from a lower to a higher energy level.

57. Welding generator

Any rotary device which produces a welding current.

Annex II · Ec declaration of conformity

—name and address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community

—the place and date of the declaration

—particulars of the signatory authorised to sign the legally binding declaration for the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community.

—name and address of the person who keeps the technical documentation

—description of the equipment

—conformity assessment procedure followed, and, where appropriate, name and address of the notified body involved

—measured sound power level on an equipment representative for this type

—guaranteed sound power level for this equipment

—a reference to this Directive

—the declaration that the equipment conforms to the requirements of this Directive

—where appropriate, the declaration(s) of conformity and references of the other Community Directives applied

The EC declaration of conformity must contain the following particulars:

III

Methods to measure airborne noise emitted by equipment for use outdoors

Introduction

(a)the test environment;

(b)the value of the environmental correction (K_2A);

(c)the shape and dimensions of the measurement surface;

(d)the number and position of microphones to be used;

(e)requirements relating to mounting and installation of the equipment;

(f)a method to calculate the resulting sound power levels in the event that several tests with different operating conditions are to be used.

This Annex contains the methods to measure airborne noise that are to be used to determine the sound power levels of equipment for use outdoors.

Part A of this Annex lays down the basic noise emission standard and general supplements to the basic noise emission standard to measure the sound pressure level on a measurement surface enveloping the noise source and to calculate the sound power level produced by that source.

Part B of this Annex lays down the equipment specific noise test code which is presented either as a reference to a specific standard or as a description of the applicable testing and operating conditions, including:

When testing specific types of equipment, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall use the basic noise emission standard and the general supplements of Part A of this Annex, and the equipment specific noise test code laid down in Part B. Noise test codes in Part B are meant to supplement the specifications laid down in Part A taking into account the characteristics of the different equipment categories. When noise test codes in Part B provide for the possibility to choose between different alternative technical solutions, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall use those that are in line with the specifications laid down in Part A. In case of conflict between Part A and Part B, Part B provisions shall take precedence.

Where the noise test codes laid down in Part B, or in the standards referred to in Part B, would not be applicable for some models of equipment within the equipment category, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall determine the guaranteed sound power level in accordance with the basic noise emission standard and the applicable supplements indicated in Part A.

For equipment listed in Article 12, where the use of the noise measurement methods laid down in this Annex or those laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025, would lead to two different situations of conformity of the product, i.e. the guaranteed sound power level of the equipment calculated using one method exceeds the respective permissible sound power level in Article 12 but not when using the other method, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall determine the measured sound power level and the guaranteed sound power level in accordance with the methods laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025 until the permissible sound power levels in Article 12 are amended. In that situation, notified bodies and market surveillance authorities shall also use the method laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025, to perform the noise tests when required in the applicable conformity assessment procedure.

Part a — basic noise emission standard

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall use the basic noise emission standard EN ISO 3744:2010 to determine the sound power level L_WA, subject to the general supplements laid down in this Part A. Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall apply all clauses in EN ISO 3744:2010 unless otherwise stated in this Part A, or in the applicable noise test code laid down in Part B of this Annex.

1. Operation of the noise source during the test

1.1. Fan speed

(a)Fan drive directly connected to the engine or its hydraulic system:A fan drive that is directly connected to the engine or its hydraulic equipment shall operate during the test.

(b)Fan drive with several distinct speeds:A fan that can work at several distinct speeds shall be tested in either of the following ways:

(i)at its maximum working speed;

(ii)in a first test with the fan set at zero speed, and in a second test with the fan set at maximum speed.

—L_{pA,0 %} is the A-weighted surface sound pressure level determined with the fan set at zero speed;

—L_{pA,100 %} is the A-weighted surface sound pressure level determined with the fan set at maximum speed;

For the purposes of point (ii), the resulting A-weighted surface sound pressure level L_pA shall be calculated by combining both test results using the following equation:L_pA = 10 lg (0,3 × 10^{0,1 LpA, 0 %} + 0,7 × 10^{0,1 LpA,100 %})where:

(c)Fan drive with continuous variable speed:A fan that can work at continuous variable speed shall be tested in accordance with point 1.1(b) or with the fan speed set at no less than 70 % of the maximum speed.Visco-static fans, which are automatically regulated by the engine temperature, shall be considered to work at continuous variable speed irrespective of the origin of the control;

(d)Equipment with more than one fan:Where a machine is equipped with more than one fan, all fans shall run under the conditions specified in (a), (b) or (c), as applicable.

Any fans fitted to the engine of the equipment or its hydraulic system shall operate during the test. Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall set the fan speed in accordance with the requirements laid down in points (a) to (d), as applicable, and state that fan speed in the test report and use it in further measurements. Fans shall not operate in reverse mode during tests.

1.2. Test of powered equipment free of load

Before measuring the noise emitted by powered equipment free of load, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall warm up the engine and hydraulic system of the equipment in accordance with the instructions of use and shall observe the safety requirements.

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall measure the noise with the equipment in stationary position, without operating the working equipment or travelling mechanism. For the purpose of the measurement, the engine shall idle^note at no less than the rated speed corresponding to the net power^note.

Where the machine is powered by a generator or from the mains, the frequency of the supply current, specified for the motor by the manufacturer, shall be stable at ± 1 Hz if the machine is equipped with an induction motor, and the supply voltage at ± 1 % of the rated voltage if the machine is equipped with a commutator motor. The supply voltage shall be measured at the plug of a non-detachable cable or cord, or at the inlet of the machine if a detachable cable is provided. The waveform of the current supplied from the generator shall be similar to that obtained from the mains.

Where multiple voltage ranges are labelled at the machine, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall take the measurements at the highest labelled voltage range. If the voltage range is 220-240 V, the test shall be carried out at 230 V.

If the machine is powered by one or more batteries, the batteries shall be charged to at least 70 % of its capacity.

The rated speed used, and the corresponding net power, shall be stated by the manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union in the test report.

Where the equipment has several engines, those engines shall work simultaneously during the measurements, unless that is not possible, in which case the noise emissions of each possible combination of engines shall be measured.

1.3. Test of powered equipment under load

Before measuring the noise emitted by powered equipment under load, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall warm up the engine (driving device) and hydraulic system of the equipment up in accordance with the instructions of use, and shall observe safety requirements. The manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall not operate a signalling device, such as a warning horn or reversing alarm, during the measurement.

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall record the speed or velocity of the equipment during the measurement and state that speed or velocity in the test report.

Where the equipment is fitted with several engines or aggregates, those engines or aggregates shall work simultaneously during the measurements, unless that is not possible, in which case manufactures shall measure noise of each possible combination of engines or aggregates.

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall lay down specific operating conditions for each type of equipment under load. The specific operating conditions shall, as much as possible, produce effects and stresses similar to those encountered under actual working conditions.

1.4. Test of hand-operated equipment

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall lay down conventional operating conditions for each type of hand-operated equipment that produce effects and stresses similar to those undergone under actual working conditions.

2. Determination of the surface sound pressure level

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall determine the surface sound pressure level at least three times. If at least two of the determined values do not differ by more than 1 dB, further measurements will not be necessary. Where that is not the case, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall continue the measurements until they obtain two values that differ by no more than 1 dB. The A-weighted surface sound pressure level that manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union are to use for calculating the sound power level shall be the arithmetic mean of the two highest values that do not differ by more than 1 dB.

Where possible, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall take the noise measurements at all the microphone positions simultaneously. This is especially important for dynamic tests. Where that is not possible, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall take special care to ensure stable conditions in the test environment and to minimise the risks of including undesired variations in the noise emitted by the machine or by any other factors, including background noise and wind speed.

3. Information to be reported

The test report, which is required within the technical documentation provided for in Annex V point 3, Annex VI point 3, Annex VII point 2 and Annex VIII points 3.1 and 3.3, shall contain the technical data necessary to identify the noise source under test, the noise test code and the acoustical data used for and obtained during the test.

The value of the A-weighted sound power level of the noise source under test that is to be reported shall be rounded to the nearest whole number (less than 0,5 use the lower whole number; if it is greater than or equal to 0,5 use the higher whole number).

Where, for the reasons and under the conditions stipulated in the last paragraph of the introduction of this Annex, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union use the methods laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025 to determine the sound power level, manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall keep record in the test report of the data relative to the measurements performed in accordance with both methods: the methods laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025 and the methods laid down in this Annex.

The relevant national authorities and notified bodies shall accept for models of equipment, the first item of which was placed on the market or put into service before 22 May 2025, the technical reports of noise measurements performed in accordance with the methods laid down in the version of Annex III that was applicable before 22 May 2025, for the purposes of the conformity assessment under the procedures referred to in Article 14(1) of this Directive and for the purposes of requirements regarding the technical documentation for such products as provided for in Annex V point 3, Annex VI point 3, Annex VII point 2, Annex VIII points 3.1 and 3.3 of this Directive until 22 May 2028.

4. Environmental correction K2A

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall determine the environmental correction K_2A in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Section 4.3.

If K_2A ≤ 0,5 dB, it can be neglected.

If K_2A > 4 dB, the test environment does not comply with the requirements of this Directive and shall be modified.

Manufacturers or their authorised representatives in the Union shall use the specifications for the environmental correction laid down in the noise test code for specific equipment referred to in Part B of this Annex where such specifications exist.

Part b — noise test codes for specific equipment

0. Equipment that is tested free of load

Test area

Reflecting surface of concrete or non-porous asphalt

Environmental correction K2A

K_2A = 0

Measurement surface/number of microphone positions/measuring distance:

(a)If the largest dimension of the reference parallelepiped does not exceed 8 m:hemisphere/six microphone positions in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Annex F.

(b)If the largest dimension of the reference parallelepiped exceeds 8 m: parallelepiped in accordance with ISO 3744:2010 with measurement distanced = 1 m.

Test free of load

The noise tests shall be carried out in accordance with Part A of this Annex, item 1.2

Period(s) of observation/determination of resulting sound power level if more than one operating condition is used

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s or at least 3 operation cycles of the machine.

1. Aerial access platforms with combustion engine

EN 280-1:2022, clause 4.12.2.

2. Brush cutters

EN ISO 22868:2021

3. Builders’ hoists for the transport of goods

See No 0.

The geometrical centre of the engine shall be positioned above the centre of the hemisphere. The lift shall move without load and leave the hemisphere – if necessary – in direction of point 1.

4. Building site band saw machines

EN ISO 19085-16:2021, clause 6.2.2.

The measurement method of this standard based on EN ISO 3744:2010 shall be applied.

5. Building site circular saw benches

Measurement surface/number of microphone positions/measuring distance

ISO 7960:1995, Annex A, measurement distance d = 1 m.

Test under load

ISO 7960:1995, Annex A (point A2(b) only).

Period of observation

ISO 7960:1995, Annex A.

6. Chain saws, portable

(a) Combustion-engine driven equipment

EN ISO 22868:2021

(b) Electric-motor operated equipment

EN 62841-4-1:2020, Annex I

7. Combined high pressure flushers and suction vehicles

Where both devices can be operated simultaneously, they shall be operated in accordance with Nos 26 and 52 of this Part B. If not, the noise emissions of both devices shall be measured separately and the higher values shall be retained.

8. Compaction machines

(a) Vibratory plates and vibratory rammers

EN 500-4: 2011, clause 5.10.1

(b) Rollers

EN 474-13:2022, clause 4.6

9. Compressors

EN ISO 2151:2008

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

10. Concrete-breakers and picks, hand held

(a) Combustion-engine driven equipment

Measurement surface/number of microphone positions/measuring distance

Hemisphere/six microphone positions in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Annex F and the following table, depending on the mass of equipment as given in the following table:

Mass of equipment m (in kg)	Radius of hemisphere (in m)	z for microphone positions 2, 4, 6 and 8 (in m)
m < 10m ≥ 10	24	0,751,50

Mounting of equipment

All appliances shall be tested in the vertical position.

If the test appliance has got an air exhaust, its axis shall be equidistant from two microphone positions. The noise of the power supply shall not influence the measurement of the noise emission from the tested appliance.

Support of the appliance

The appliance shall be coupled during the test run to a tool embedded in a cube-shaped concrete block placed in a concrete pit, sunk into the ground.

An intermediate steel piece may be inserted during tests between the appliance and the support tool. This intermediate piece shall form a stable structure between the appliance and the support tool. Figure 10.1 incorporates those requirements.

Block characteristics

The block shall take the shape of a cube of 0,60 m ± 2 mm long at the edge and as regular as possible. It shall be made of reinforced concrete and thoroughly vibrated in layers of up to 0,20 m to avoid excessive sedimentation.

Quality of the concrete

The quality of the concrete shall correspond to C 50/60 of EN 206:2013+A2:2021.

The cube shall be reinforced by 8 mm-diameter steel rods without ties, each rod being independent of the other. The design concept is illustrated in figure 10.2.

Supporting tool

The tool shall be sealed into the block and shall consist of a rammer between 178 mm and 220 mm diameter and a tool chuck component identical to that normally used with the appliance being tested and complying with ISO 1180:1983/Add 1:1985, but sufficiently long to enable the practical test to be carried out.

Suitable treatment shall be carried out to integrate the two components. The tool shall be fixed in the block so that the bottom of the rammer is 0,30 m from the upper face of the block (see Figure 10.2).

The block shall remain mechanically sound, particularly at the point where the supporting tool and the concrete meet. Before and after each test, it shall be verified that the tool sealed in the concrete block is integrated into it.

Positioning of the cube

The cube shall be set in a pit cemented throughout, covered by a screening slab of at least 100 kg/m², as indicated in figure 10.3, so that the upper surface of the screening slab is flush with the ground. To avoid any parasitic noise, the block shall be insulated against the bottom and sides of the pit by elastic blocks, the cut-off frequency of which shall not be more than half the striking rate of the appliance tested, expressed as strokes per second.

The opening in the screening slab through which the tool chuck component passes shall be as small as possible and sealed by a flexible sound-proof joint.

Test under load

The appliance tested shall be connected to the supporting tool.

The test appliance shall be operated in stable conditions having the same acoustical stability as in normal service.

The test appliance shall be operated at the maximum power specified in the instructions supplied to the purchaser.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

Figure 10.1 — Schematic diagram of the intermediate piece

Figure 10.2 — Test block

Figure 10.3 — Testing device

The value of A shall be such that the screening slab resting on the elastic joint J is flush with the ground.

(b) Electric-motor operated equipment

EN IEC 62841-2-6:2020, EN IEC 62841-2-6:2020/A11:2020, Annex I, clause I.2

(c) Pneumatic or hydraulic driven equipment

Same as combustion-engine driven equipment.

11. Concrete or mortar mixers

Test under load

The mixing device (drum) shall be filled to its rated capacity with sand of granulation 0 to 3 mm, the humidity shall be 4 to 10 %.

The mixing device shall be operated at least at the rated speed.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

12. Construction winches

(a) Combustion-engine driven equipment

See No 0.

The geometrical centre of the engine shall be positioned above the centre of the hemisphere; the winch shall be connected but no load shall be applied.

(b) Electric-motor operated equipment

EN 14492-2:2019, Annex M.

13. Conveying and spraying machines for concrete and mortar

EN 12001:2012, Annex C

14. Conveyor belts

See No 0.

The geometrical centre of the engine shall be positioned above the centre of the hemisphere. The belt shall move without load and leave the hemisphere, if necessary, in the direction of point 1.

15. Cooling equipment on vehicles

Test under load

The cooling equipment shall be installed in a real or simulated cargo space and the sound level shall be measured in a stationary position where, according to the instructions supplied to the purchaser, the height of the cooling equipment is representative of the intended installation requirements. The power source of the cooling equipment shall operate at the rate that causes the maximum speed of the cooling compressor and the fan specified in the instructions. If the cooling equipment is intended to be powered by the driving engine of the vehicle, the engine shall not be used during the measurement and the cooling equipment shall be connected to a suitable electrical power source. Removable tractor units shall be removed during the measurement.

The sound level of cooling equipment installed in cargo-space refrigeration units which have a choice of different power sources shall be measured separately for each power source. The measurement results reported shall as a minimum reflect the mode of operation which leads to the maximum noise output.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

16. Dozers

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex C of that standard.

17. Drill rigs

(a) Mobile drill rigs

EN 16228-2:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.12

(b) Horizontal directional drilling equipment

EN 16228-3:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.15

(c) Interchangeable auxiliary equipment for drilling

EN 16228-7:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.3

(d) Any other equipment for drilling

EN 16228-1:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.27.2.2

18. Dumpers

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex F of that standard.

19. Equipment for loading and unloading tanks or silos on trucks

See No 9 for compressors or vacuum pumps.

See No 56 for liquid pumps.

20. Excavators

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex B of that standard.

21. Excavators-loaders

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex E of that standard.

22. Glass recycling containers

For the purposes of this noise test code, the single-event time-integrated sound pressure level L_E, as defined in EN ISO 3744:2010 point 3.4, shall be used in measuring the sound pressure level at the microphone positions.

Environmental correction K2A

Measurement in the open air

K_2A = 0

Measurements indoors

The value of the constant K_2A, determined in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Annex A, shall be ≤ 2,0 dB in which case K_2A shall be disregarded.

Operating conditions during test

—capacity: 75 cl;

—mass: 370 ± 30 g.

The noise measurement shall be carried out during a complete cycle beginning with the empty container and completed when 120 glass bottles have been thrown into the container.

The glass bottles are defined as follows:

The testing operator shall hold each glass bottle by its neck and with its bottom towards the filling aperture and then push it gently inside through the filling aperture in the direction of the centre of the container, avoiding if possible that the bottle hits the walls. Only one filling aperture, which is the one nearest to microphone position 12, shall be used for throwing the bottles.

Period(s) of observation/determination of resulting sound power level if more than one operating condition is used

The A-weighted single-event time-integrated sound pressure level shall be simultaneously measured at the six microphone positions for each glass bottle thrown into the container.

The A-weighted single-event time-integrated sound power level averaged over the measurement surface shall be calculated in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, point 8.2.2.

The A-weighted single-event time-integrated sound pressure level averaged over all 120 throwings of glass bottles shall be calculated as the logarithmic mean of the A- weighted single-event time-integrated sound pressure levels, averaged over the measurement surface.

23. Graders

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex G of that standard.

24. Grass trimmers/grass edge trimmers

See No 2.

25. Hedge trimmers

(a) Combustion-engine driven equipment

EN ISO 22868:2021

(b) Electric-motor operated equipment

EN IEC 62841-4-2:2019, Annex I, clause I.2

26. High-pressure flushers

Test under load

The high-pressure flusher shall be tested in a stationary position. The engine and auxiliary units shall operate at the speed provided by the manufacturer for the operation of the working equipment. The high-pressure pumps shall be operated at the maximum speed and operating pressure provided by the manufacturer. Using an adapted nozzle, the pressure reduction valve shall be just on the point of reacting. The flow noise of the nozzle shall not have any influence on the results of the measurements.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 30 s.

27. High-pressure water jet machines

(a) Equipment with pressure rating ≤ 35 MPa

EN 60335-2-79:2012, Annex CC

(b) Equipment with pressure rating > 35 MPa

EN 1829-1:2010, clause 6.8

28. Hydraulic hammers

Measurement surface/number of microphone positions/measuring distance

Hemisphere/six microphone positions in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Annex F/r = 10 m.

Mounting of the equipment

For the test the hammer shall be attached to a carrier and a special test block structure shall be used. Figure 28.1 gives the characteristics of this structure and Figure 28.2 shows the position of the carrier.

Carrier

The carrier for the test hammer shall meet the requirements of the test hammer’s technical specifications especially in weight range, hydraulic output power, supply oil flow and return line back pressure.

Mounting

Mechanical mounting as well as connections (hoses, pipes, etc.) shall correspond to specifications given in the hammer’s technical data. All significant noise caused by pipes and various mechanical components needed for installation, shall be eliminated. All component connections shall be well tightened.

Hammer stability and static hold force

The hammer shall be firmly held down by the carrier to give the same stability as that existing under normal operating conditions. The hammer shall be operated in an upright position.

Tool

A blunt tool shall be used in the measurements. The length of the tool shall meet the requirements referred to in Figure 28.1 (test block).

Test under load

Hydraulic input power and oil flow

Operating conditions of the hydraulic hammer shall be appropriately adjusted, measured and reported along with the corresponding technical specification values. The hammer under test shall be used in such way that 90 % or more of the maximum hydraulic input power and oil flow of the hammer can be reached

Care shall be taken that the total uncertainty of the measurement chains of p_s and Q is kept within ± 5 %, in order to ensure the hydraulic input power determination within ± 10 % accuracy. Assuming linear correlation between hydraulic input power and emitted sound power, that would mean a variation of less than ± 0,4 dB in the determination of the sound power level.

Adjustable components having effect on the hammer power

Pre-settings of all accumulators, pressure central valves and other possible adjustable components shall meet the values given in technical data. If more than one fixed impact rate is optional, measurements shall be made using all settings. Minimum and maximum values shall be presented.

Quantities to be measured

PaThe prefill gas pressures of all accumulators shall be measured in a static situation (breaker not operating) at stable ambient temperature of + 15/ + 25 °C. The measured ambient temperature shall be recorded with the measured accumulator prefill gas pressure.

psThe mean value of the hydraulic supply fine pressure during the hammer’s operation, including at least 10 blows.

QThe mean value of the breaker inlet oil flow measured simultaneously with p_s.

TThe oil temperature shall lie between + 40/ + 60 °C during measurements. The temperature of the hydraulic breaker body shall be stabilised to normal operating temperature before starting the measurements.

Parameters to be evaluated from the measured operating parameters

—p_s shall be measured as close to the breaker IN-port as possible;

—Q shall be measured from the supply pressure line as close to the breaker IN-port as possible;

—T shall be measured from the oil tank of the carrier or from the hydraulic line connected to hammer. The measuring point shall be specified in the report;

—p_s shall be measured with a pressure gauge (minimum diameter: 100 mm; accuracy class ± 1,0 % FSO).

—Q shall be measured with an electric flowmeter (accuracy class ± 2,5 % of the flow reading).

—The accuracy of the temperature reading shall lie within ± 2 °C of the actual value.

PIN Hydraulic input power of the breaker, PIN = p_s Q

Hydraulic supply line pressure measurement, p_s:

Breaker inlet oil flow, Q:

Measuring point of the oil temperature, T:

Period of observation/determination of resulting sound power level

dTool diameter (mm);

d1Anvil diameter, 1200 ± 100 mm;

d2Inner diameter of the anvil support structure, ≤ 1800 mm;

d3Diameter of the test block deck, ≤ 2200 mm;

d4Diameter of the tool opening in the deck, ≤ 350 mm;

d5Diameter of the tool seal, ≤ 1000 mm;

h1Visible tool length between the lowest part of the housing and tool seal upper surface (mm), h1 = d ± d/2;

h2Tool seal thickness above the deck, ≤ 20 mm (if the tool seal is located below the deck, its thickness shall not be limited; it may be made of foam rubber);

h3Distance between deck upper surface and anvil upper surface, 250 ± 50 mm;

h4Isolating foam rubber deck seal thickness, ≤ 30 mm;

h5Anvil thickness, 350 ± 50 mm;

h6Tool penetration, ≤ 50 mm.

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

The measurements shall be repeated three times, or more if necessary. The final result shall be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the two highest values that do not differ by more than 1 dB.

Figure 28.1

Figure 28.2

Definitions

If the quadratic shape of the test block structure is used, the maximum length dimension shall equal 0,89 × corresponding diameter.

The empty space between the deck and the anvil may be filled with elastic foam rubber or other absorption material, density < 220 kg/m³.

29. Hydraulic power packs

Mounting of equipment

The hydraulic power pack shall be installed on the reflecting plane; skid-mounted hydraulic power packs shall be placed on a support 0,40 m high, unless otherwise required by the manufacturer’s conditions of installation.

Test under load

During testing, no tools shall be coupled to the hydraulic power pack.

The hydraulic power pack shall be brought to its steady state within the range specified by the manufacturer. It shall operate at its nominal speed and its nominal pressure. The nominal speed and pressure shall be those appearing in the instructions supplied to the purchaser.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

30. Joint cutters

(a) Pedestrian-controlled floor-sawing machines

EN 13862:2021, clause 4.10.2

(b) Portable, hand-held internal combustion engine-driven equipment, mounted on a mobile support, to be used as floor saws

EN ISO 19432-1:2020, clause 4.19.2

(c) Other joint cutters

Test under load

The joint cutter shall be equipped with the largest possible blade specified by the manufacturer in the instructions supplied to the purchaser. The engine shall operate at its maximum speed with the blade idling.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

31. Landfill compactors

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex H of that standard.

32. Lawnmowers

(a) Combustion engine powered rotatory and cylinder lawnmowers

EN ISO 5395-1:2013, EN ISO 5395-1:2013/A1:2018, clause 4.3, second indent.

Environmental correction K2A

If K_2A ≤ 0,5 dB, it can be neglected.

(b) Electric-motor operated rotatory and cylinder stand-on, ride-on, and pedestrian controlled lawnmowers

EN IEC 62841-4-3:2021, EN IEC 62841-4-3:2021/A11:2021, Annex I, clause I.2

33. Lawn trimmers/lawn edge trimmers

EN 50636-2-91:2014, Annex CC

34. Leaf blowers

(a) Combustion-engine driven equipment

EN ISO 22868:2021

(b) Electric-motor operated equipment

EN 50636-2-100:2014, Annex CC

35. Leaf collectors

See No 34.

36. Lift trucks

EN 12053:2001+A1:2008

37. Loaders

ISO 6395:2008 with the operating and testing conditions set out in Annex D of that standard.

38. Mobile cranes

EN 13000:2010+A1:2014, clause 5.3

39. Mobile waste containers

Test area

—Reflecting surface of concrete or non-porous asphalt

—Laboratory room which provides a free field over a reflecting plane

Environmental correction K2A

Measurement in the open air:

K_2A = 0

Measurement indoors:

The value of the constant K_2A, determined in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Annex A, shall be ≤ 2,0 dB, in which case K_2A shall be disregarded.

Measurement surface/number of microphone positions/measuring distance

Hemisphere/six microphone positions in accordance with EN ISO 3744:2010, Annex F/r = 3 m.

Operating conditions during test

All the measurements shall be carried out with an empty container.

Test No 1: Free shutting down of the lid along the container body

—initially, the lid shall be raised vertically;

—the lid shall be released forward, if possible without giving an impulse, with the operator at the back of the container, unmoving until the lid is shut;

—after complete shutting, the lid shall be raised to its initial position.

To minimise the operator’s influence on the measurements, the operator shall stand at the back side of the container (hinge side). The lid shall be released by its middle, to prevent warping during its fall.

The measurement shall carried out during the following cycle, repeated 20 times:

Note:If necessary, the operator may temporarily move to raise the lid.

Test No 2: Complete opening of the lid

—initially, the lid shall be opened horizontally;

—the lid shall be released without giving an impulse;

—after complete opening, and before a possible rebound, the lid shall be raised to its initial position.

To minimise the operator’s influence on the measurements, the operator shall stand at the back side of the container (hinge side) for the four-wheel containers, or on the right side of the container (between microphone position 10 and microphone position 12) for the two-wheel containers. The lid shall be released by its middle or as near as possible to its middle.

To prevent any moving of the container, wheels shall be locked during the test. For the two-wheel containers, and to prevent any bounce of the container, the operator may maintain it by placing a hand on the top rim.

The measurement shall be carried out during the following cycle:

Test No 3: Rolling of the container over an artificial irregular track

For this test, an artificial test track, simulating irregular ground, shall be used. This test track shall consist of two parallel strips of steel mesh (6 m long and 400 mm wide), fastened in the reflecting plane approximately every 20 cm. The distance between the two strips shall adapted to the type of container to allow the wheels to roll all over the whole length of the track. The mounting conditions shall ensure a flat surface. If necessary, the track shall be fastened on the ground with resilient material to avoid emission of parasitic noise.

Note:Every strip may be composed of several 400 mm wide elements fitted together.

An example of adequate track is given in figures 39.1 and 39.2. The operator shall be situated at the lid hinge side.

The measurement shall be carried out while the operator draws the container along the artificial track, with a constant speed of approximately 1 m/s, between points A and B (4,24 m distance – see Figure 39.3) when the wheel axle, for a 2-wheel container, or the first wheel axle for a 4-wheel container, reaches point A or point B. This procedure shall be repeated three times in each direction.

During the test, for a 2-wheel container, the angle between the container and the track shall be 45°. For a 4-wheel container, the operator shall ensure an appropriate contact of all the wheels with the track.

Periods of observation/determination of resulting sound power level if more than one operating condition is used

Test Nos 1 and 2: Free shutting down of the lid along the container body and complete opening of the lid

If possible, the measurements shall be carried out simultaneously at the six microphone positions. Otherwise, the sound levels measured at each microphone position shall be classified in increasing order and the sound power levels shall be calculated by associating the values at each microphone position according to their row.

The A-weighted single-event time-integrated sound pressure level shall be measured for each of the 20 shuttings and the 20 openings of the lid at each measurement point. The sound power levels L_WAshutting and L_WAopening shall be calculated from the quadratic mean of the five highest values among those obtained.

Test No 3: Rolling the container over an artificial irregular track

The period of observation T shall be equal to the duration necessary to cover the distance between point A and point B on the track.

The sound power level L_WArolling shall be equal to the mean of six values differing by less than 2 dB. If this criterion is not fulfilled with six measurements, the cycle shall be repeated as often as necessary.

The resulting sound power level shall calculated as follows:

L_WA = 10 log 1/3 (10^{0,1 LWAshutting} + 10^{0,1 LWAopening} + 10^{0,1 LWArolling})

Figure 39.1 — Drawing of the rolling track

Figure 39.2 — Detail of construction and mounting of the rolling track

Figure 39.3 — Measurement distance

40. Motor hoes

See No 32

The tool shall be disconnected or removed during measurement.

41. Paver-finishers

EN 500-6:2006+A1:2008, clause 5.17

42. Piling equipment

(a) Foundation equipment

EN 16228-4:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.8

(b) Interchangeable auxiliary equipment for piling

EN 16228-7:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.3

(c) Any other equipment for piling

EN 16228-1:2014+A1:2021, clause 5.27.2.2

43. Pipelayers

ISO 6393:2008

44. Piste caterpillars

ISO 6393:2008, with the same procedures and operating conditions described for tractor-dozers. The test site surface shall be the hard reflecting plane (5.3.2. in ISO 6393:2008).

45. Power generators

EN ISO 8528-10:2022

The measurement method of this standard based on EN ISO 3744:2010 shall be applied.

46. Power sweepers

(a) Road sweepers

EN 17106-2:2021, clause 4.3

(b) Other power sweepers for use out-doors

EN 60335-2-72:2012, Annex DD

47. Refuse collection vehicles

EN 1501-4:2023

48. Road milling machines

EN 500-2:2006+A1:2008, clause 5.17

49. Scarifiers

(a) Combustion-engine driven equipment

EN 13684:2018, clause 5.16.2

(b) Electric-motor operated equipment

EN IEC 62841-4-7:2022, EN IEC 62841-4-7:2022/A11:2022, Annex I, clause I.2

50. Shredders/chippers

(a) Garden hand-fed shredders/chippers

(i)Combustion-engine driven equipmentEN 13683:2003+A2:2011, clause 5.10.2EN 13683:2003+A2:2011/AC:2013

(ii)Electric-motor operated equipmentEN 50434:2014, clause 20.107.2

(b) Forestry horizontally hand-fed wood chippers

EN 13525:2020, clause 5.5

(c) Forestry vertically hand-fed wood chippers, forestry mechanically (vertically and horizontally) loaded wood chippers and other shredders/chippers

Test under load

The shredder/chipper shall be tested chipping one or more pieces of wood.

The work-cycle shall consist of chipping a round piece of wood (dry pine or plywood) of at least 1,5 m length, that is sharpened at one end and has a diameter approximately equal to the maximum that the shredder/chipper is designed to accept specified in the instructions supplied to the purchaser.

Period of observation/determination of resulting sound power level

The period of observation shall end when there is no more material in the chipping area, but it shall not exceed 20 s. If both operation conditions are possible, the higher sound power level shall be retained.

51. Snow-removing machines with rotating tools

(a) Road operation snow clearing machines

EN 17106-3-1:2021, clause 4.2

(b) Pedestrian-controlled and ride-on snow throwers

(i)Combustion-engine driven equipmentEN ISO 8437-4:2021, Annex A

(ii)Electric-motor operated equipment:The machine shall be operated at maximum speed at no-load for 10 min before the test starts. The collector or impeller devices shall be lubricated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.During the test, the collector or impeller shall be engaged and unloaded. The test shall be carried out stationary at the maximum speed at no-load.Machines shall be measured by placing them on the surface in such a way that the projection of the geometrical centre of their main parts (excluding handle, etc.) coincides with the origin of the coordinate system of the microphone positions. If an artificial surface is used, it shall be placed so that its geometrical centre also coincides with the origin of the coordinate system of the microphone positions. The longitudinal axis of the machine shall be on the x-axis. The measurement shall be carried out without an operator.During measurements, the machine shall operate under stable conditions. Once the noise emission is steady, the measurement time interval shall be at least 15 s. If measurements are made in octave or one-third octave frequency bands, the minimum period of observation shall be 30s for the frequency bands centred on or below 160 Hz, and 15 s for the frequency bands centred on or above 200 Hz.

52. Suction vehicles

Test under load

The suction vehicle shall be tested in a stationary position. The engine and auxiliary units shall operate at the speed provided by the manufacturer for the operation of the working equipment. The vacuum pumps shall operate at the maximum speed provided by the manufacturer. The suction equipment shall be operated in such a way that the internal pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure (0 % vacuum). The flow noise of the suction nozzle shall not have any influence on the results of the measurements.

Period of observation

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

53. Tower cranes

EN 14439:2006+A2:2009, clause 6.4.1

54. Trenchers

ISO 6393:2008

55. Truck mixers

EN 12609:2021, Annex B

56. Water pump units

EN ISO 20361:2019, EN ISO 20361:2019/A11:2020

The measurement method of this standard based on EN ISO 3744:2010 shall be applied.

The period of observation shall be at least 15 s.

57. Welding generators

EN ISO 8528-10:2022

The measurement method of this standard based on EN ISO 3744:2010 shall be applied.

Annex IV · Models of the ce marking of conformity and of the indication of the guaranteed sound power level

The CE conformity marking must consist of the initials ‘CE’ taking the following form:

Iff the CE marking is reduced or enlarged according to the size of the equipment the proportions given in the above drawing must be respected. The various components of the CE marking must have substantially the same vertical dimension which may not be less than 5 mm.

The indication of the guaranteed sound power level must consist of the single-number of the guaranteed sound power in dB, the sign L_WA and a pictogram taking the following form:

If the indication is reduced or enlarged according to the size of the equipment the proportions given in the above drawing must be respected. However, the vertical dimension of the indication should, if possible, not be less than 40 mm.

Annex V · Internal control of production

1.This Annex describes the procedure whereby the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established within the Community, who carries out the obligations laid down in point 2, ensures and declares that the equipment concerned satisfies the requirements of this Directive. The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must affix the CE marking of conformity and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level as required in Article 11 to each piece of equipment and draw up a written EC declaration of conformity as required in Article 8.

2.The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must draw up the technical documentation described in point 3 and he must keep it for a period ending at least 10 years after the last product has been manufactured at the disposal of the relevant national authorities for inspection purposes. The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, may entrust another person to keep the technical documentation. In this case he has to include the name and address of this person in the EC declaration of conformity.

3.The technical documentation must enable the conformity of the equipment with the requirements of this Directive to be assessed. It must contain at least the following information:

—name and address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community

—a description of the equipment

—make

—trade name

—type, series and numbers

—the technical data relevant for the identification of the equipment and the assessment of its noise emission, including, if appropriate, schematic drawings and any description and explanation necessary for their understanding

—the reference to this Directive

—the technical report of noise measurements carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Directive

—the technical instruments applied and the results of the evaluation of the uncertainties due to production variation and their relation to the guaranteed sound power level.

4.The manufacturer must take all measures necessary in order that the manufacturing process ensures continuing compliance of the manufactured equipment with the technical documentation referred to in points 2 and 3 and with the requirements of this Directive.

Annex VI · Internal control of production with assessment of technical documentation and periodical checking

This Annex describes the procedure whereby the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, who carries out the obligations laid down in points 2, 5 and 6 ensures and declares that the equipment concerned satisfies the requirements of this Directive. The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must affix the CE marking of conformity and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level as required in Article 11 to each piece of equipment and draw up a written EC declaration of conformity as required in Article 8.

The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must draw up the technical documentation described in point 3 and he must keep it for a period ending at least 10 years after the last product has been manufactured at the disposal of the relevant national authorities for inspection purposes. The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, may entrust another person to keep the technical documentation. In this case he has to include the name and address of this person in the EC declaration of conformity.

—name and address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community

—a description of the equipment

—make

—trade name

—type, series and numbers

—the reference to this Directive

—the technical report of noise measurements carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Directive

—the technical instruments applied and the results of the evaluation of the uncertainties due to production variation and their relation to the guaranteed sound power level.

The technical documentation must enable the conformity of the equipment with the requirements of this Directive to be assessed. It must contain at least the following information:

The manufacturer must take all measures necessary in order that the manufacturing process ensures compliance of the manufactured equipment with the technical documentation referred to in points 2 and 3 and with the requirements of this Directive.

5. Evaluation by the notified body prior to placing on the market

The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, shall present a copy of his technical documentation to a notified body of his choice before the first item of equipment is placed on the market or put into service.

If there are doubts about the plausibility of the technical documentation, the notified body shall inform accordingly the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community, and, if need be, carry out, or have carried out modifications to the technical documentation, or possibly, tests deemed necessary.

After the notified body has issued a report confirming that the technical documentation satisfies the provisions of this Directive, the manufacturer or his authorised representative established within the Community may affix the CE marking to the equipment and issue an EC declaration of conformity in accordance with Articles 11 and 8, for which he will bear complete responsibility.

6. Evaluation by the notified body during production

The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, shall further involve the notified body in the production phase according to one of the following procedures to be chosen by the manufacturer or his authorised representative established within the Community:

—the notified body shall carry out periodical checks in order to verify continuing compliance of the manufactured equipment with the technical documentation and with the requirements of this Directive; in particular the notified body shall concentrate on:

—the correct and complete marking of the equipment according to Article 11,

—issuing of the EC declaration of conformity according to Article 8,

—the technical instruments applied and the results of the evaluation of the uncertainties due to production variation and their relation to the guaranteed sound power level,

The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, shall give the notified body free access to all the internal documentation supporting these procedures, the actual results of the internal audits and the corrective actions which have been taken, if any.

Only if the above checks give unsatisfactory results shall the notified body carry out noise tests, which, on its own judgement and experience, may be simplified or completely carried out according to the provisions laid down in Annex III for the relevant type of equipment,

—the notified body shall carry out or have carried out product checks at random intervals. An adequate sample of the final equipment, chosen by the notified body, must be examined and appropriate noise tests as set out in Annex III, or equivalent tests, must be carried out to check the conformity of the product with the relevant requirements of the Directive. The product checking must include the following aspects:

—the correct and complete marking of the equipment according to Article 11,

—issuing of the EC declaration of conformity according to Article 8.

In both procedures, the frequency of the checks shall be defined by the notified body according to the results of previous evaluations, the need to monitor corrective actions and further guidance for the frequency of the checks that may be given by the yearly production and the general reliability of the manufacturer to maintain the guaranteed values; however a check shall be carried out at least once every three years.

If there are doubts about the plausibility of the technical documentation or the adherence during production, the notified body shall inform accordingly the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community.

In those cases where equipment checked does not conform to the provisions of this Directive, the notified body must inform the notifying Member State.

VII · Unit verification

This Annex describes the procedure whereby the manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, ensures and declares that the equipment which has been issued with the certificate referred to in point 4 conforms to the requirements of this Directive. The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must affix the CE marking supplemented by the information as required in Article 11 to the equipment and draw up the EC declaration of conformity referred to in Article 8.

—the name and address of the manufacturer and, if the application is lodged by the authorised representative, his name and address in addition

—a written declaration that the same application has not been lodged with any other notified body

—a technical documentation conforming to the requirements set below:

—a description of the equipment

—trade name

—type, series and numbers

—the reference to this Directive.

The application for a unit verification must be lodged by the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community with a notified body chosen by him.

This application must include:

—examine whether the equipment has been manufactured in conformity with the technical documentation

—agree with the applicant the location where, in accordance with this Directive, the noise tests will be carried out

—in accordance with this Directive, carry out or have carried out the necessary noise tests.

The notified body must:

Where the equipment meets the provisions of this Directive, the notified body must issue a certificate of conformity to the applicant as described in Annex X.

If the notified body refuses to issue a certificate of conformity, it must state the detailed grounds for the refusal.

The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must keep with the technical documentation copies of the certificate of conformity for a period of 10 years from the date on which the equipment is placed on the market.

VIII · Full quality assurance

This Annex describes the procedure whereby the manufacturer who satisfies the obligations of point 2 ensures and declares that the equipment concerned satisfies the requirements of this Directive. The manufacturer, or his authorised representative established in the Community, must affix the CE marking supplemented by the information as required in Article 11 to each product and draw up the written EC declaration of conformity referred to in Article 8.

The manufacturer must operate an approved quality assurance system for design, manufacture and final product inspection and testing as specified in point 3 and shall be subject to surveillance as specified in point 4.

3. Quality assurance system

—all relevant information for the product category envisaged, including technical documentation of all equipment already in phase of design or production that must contain at least the following information:

—name and address of the manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community

—a copy of the EC declaration of conformity

—a description of the equipment

—make

—trade name

—type, series and numbers

—the reference to this Directive

—the technical report of noise measurements carried out in accordance with the provisions of this Directive

—the technical instruments applied and the results of the evaluation of the uncertainties due to production variation and their relation to the guaranteed sound power level

—the documentation concerning the quality assurance system.

3.1.

The manufacturer must lodge an application for assessment of his quality assurance system with a notified body of his choice.

The application must include:

3.2.

The quality assurance system must ensure compliance of the product with the requirements of the Directives that apply to it.

All the elements, requirements and provisions adopted by the manufacturer shall be documented in a systematic and orderly manner in the form of written policies, procedures and instructions. The quality assurance system documentation must permit a common understanding of the quality policies and procedures such as quality programmes, plans, manuals and records.

—the quality objectives and the organisational structure, responsibilities and powers of the management with regard to design and product quality

—the technical documentation to be drawn up for each product, containing at least the information indicated in point 3.1 for the technical documentations mentioned there

—the design control and design verification techniques, processes and systematic actions that will be used when designing the products pertaining to the equipment category covered

—the corresponding manufacturing, quality control and quality assurance techniques, processes and systematic actions that will be used

—the examinations and test that will be carried out before, during and after manufacture, and the frequency with which they will be carried out

—the quality records, such as inspection reports and test data, calibration data, qualification reports of the personnel concerned, etc.

—the means to monitor the achievement of the required design and product quality and the effective operation of the quality assurance system.

3.3.

It must contain in particular an adequate description of:

The notified body must assess the quality assurance system to determine whether it satisfies the requirements referred to in point 3.2. It shall presume conformity with these requirements in respect of quality assurance systems that implement EN ISO 9001.

The auditing team must have at least one member with experience as an assessor in the equipment technology concerned. The assessment procedure must include an assessment visit to the manufacturer's premises.

The decision must be notified to the manufacturer. The notification must contain the conclusion of the examination and the reasoned assessment decision.

3.4.

The manufacturer must undertake to fulfil the obligations arising out of the quality assurance system as approved and to maintain it in an adequate and efficient manner.

The manufacturer or his authorised representative established within the Community shall keep the notified body that has approved the quality assurance system informed of any intended updating of the quality assurance system.

The notified body must evaluate the modifications proposed and decide whether the modified quality assurance system will still satisfy the requirements referred to in point 3.2 or whether a reassessment is required.

It must notify its decision to the manufacturer. The notification must contain the conclusions of the examination and the reasoned assessment decision.

4. Surveillance under the responsibility of the notified body

4.1.The purpose of surveillance is to make sure that the manufacturer duly fulfils the obligations arising out of the approved quality assurance system.

4.2.The manufacturer must allow the notified body entrance for inspection purposes to the locations of design, manufacture, inspection and testing, and storage and must provide it with all necessary information, in particular:

—the quality assurance system documentation

—the quality records as foreseen by the design part of the quality assurance system, such as results of analyses, calculations, tests, etc.

—the quality records as foreseen by the manufacturing part of the quality assurance system, such as inspection reports and test data, calibration data, qualification reports of the personnel concerned, etc.

4.3.The notified body shall periodically carry out audits to make sure that the manufacturer maintains and applies the quality assurance system and must provide an audit report to the manufacturer.

4.4.Additionally the notified body may pay unexpected visits to the manufacturer. During such visits the notified body may carry out, or cause to be carried out, tests to verify that the quality assurance system is functioning correctly, if necessary. The notified body must provide the manufacturer with a visit report and, if a test has taken place, with a test report.

—the documentation referred to in the second indent of point 3.1 of this Annex

—the updating referred to in the second paragraph of point 3.4

—the decisions and reports from the notified body which are referred to in the final paragraph of point 3.4, points 4.3 and 4.4.

The manufacturer must, for a period ending at least 10 years after the last equipment has been manufactured, keep at the disposal of the national authorities:

Each notified body must give the other notified bodies the relevant information concerning the quality assurance system approvals issued and withdrawn.

Annex IX · Minimum criteria to be taken into account by member states for the notification of bodies

1.The body, its director and its staff responsible for carrying out verification operations may be neither the designer, builder, supplier or installer of the equipment nor the authorised representative of any of those parties. They may become involved neither directly nor as authorised representatives in the design, construction, marketing or maintenance of such equipment nor represent the parties engaged in these activities. This does not preclude the possibility of exchange of technical information between the manufacturer and the body.

2.The body and its staff must carry out the assessments and verifications with the highest degree of professional integrity and technical competence and must be free from all pressures and inducements, particularly financial, which might influence their judgement or the results of their work, especially from persons or groups of persons with an interest in the results of verification.

3.The body must have at its disposal the necessary staff and possess the necessary facilities to enable it to perform properly the technical and administrative tasks connected with inspection and surveillance operations; it must also have access to the equipment required for any special verification.

4.The staff responsible for inspection must have;

—sound technical and professional training

—satisfactory knowledge of the requirements for the assessment of technical documentation

—satisfactory knowledge of the requirements for the tests they carry out and adequate practical experience of such tests

—the ability to draw up the certificates, records and reports required to authenticate the performance of the tests.

5.The impartiality of inspection staff must be guaranteed. Their remuneration must not depend on the number of tests carried out or the results of such tests.

6.The body must take out liability insurance unless its liability is assumed by the State in accordance with national law, or the Member State itself is directly responsible for the tests.

7.The staff of the body must observe professional secrecy with regard to all information gained in carrying out its tests (except vis-à-vis the competent administrative authorities of the State in which its activities are carried out) under this Directive or any provisions of national law giving effect to it.