normakte / Instructions: mandatory content
The Regulation lists the minimum information in one long list. Here it is ordered by what the reader needs it for – with the reference for each item.
The list sets out minimum content “where applicable”: what does not concern your machine is left out. What does concern it follows from the risk assessment.
| Group | Information | Annex III 1.7.4.2 point 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | business name and full address of the manufacturer and, where applicable, the authorised representative | a) |
| designation of the machine as marked on it, except the serial number | b) | |
| EU declaration of conformity, or internet address or machine-readable code giving access to it | c) | |
| general description of the machine | d) | |
| Use | description of the intended use | g) |
| warnings concerning misuse that experience has shown might occur | h) | |
| description of the workstations likely to be occupied by operators | f) | |
| instructions for putting into service and use and, if necessary, for operator training | k) | |
| Installation and transport | assembly, installation and connection instructions, with drawings, diagrams and fixings | i) |
| installation and assembly instructions for reducing noise and vibration | j) | |
| stability conditions during use, transport, assembly, dismantling, when out of service, during tests and foreseeable breakdowns | o) | |
| safety instructions for transport, handling and storage, with the mass of the machine and its parts transported separately | p) | |
| Protection | information on residual risks | l) |
| protective measures to be taken by the user, including personal protective equipment where applicable | m) | |
| procedure in the event of accident or breakdown, safe release of blockages | q) | |
| arrangements, equipment and means for the immediate and safe rescue of persons | v) | |
| Maintenance | drawings, diagrams, descriptions for use, maintenance, repair and checking correct functioning | e) |
| adjustment and maintenance operations to be carried out by the user, preventive maintenance | r) | |
| instructions for safe adjustment and maintenance, with protective measures | s) | |
| specifications of spare parts affecting safety | t) | |
| essential characteristics of tools that may be fitted | n) | |
| Emissions | airborne noise: A-weighted emission sound pressure level above 70 dB(A), or the statement that it does not exceed 70 dB(A); C-weighted peak above 63 Pa (130 dB); sound power level where 80 dB(A) is exceeded – with uncertainty, operating conditions and measurement method | u) |
| non-ionising radiation that may harm persons, in particular persons with implantable medical devices | w) | |
| emission of hazardous substances: characteristics of the capture or filtration device and flow rate, concentration or efficiency | x) |
The instructions take account not only of the intended use but also of reasonably foreseeable misuse. For machinery intended for consumers, account must be taken of the level of general education and acumen that can reasonably be expected of such operators. Maintenance instructions for specialised personnel of the manufacturer or its authorised representative may be supplied in only one official Union language understood by that personnel (Annex III 1.7.4).
Because residual risks belong in the instructions, it makes sense to write them after the risk assessment: the third level of the Annex III 1.1.2 hierarchy – informing users of residual risks – lands right here.
No. They may be digital if the conditions of Art. 10(7) are met; at the user’s request at the time of purchase, they are provided on paper free of charge within one month.
In the language determined by the Member State, easily understood by users (Art. 10(7)). Check the national rules of the country where the machine is placed on the market.
The instructions must clearly describe the product model they correspond to (Art. 10(7)). A shared manual is possible if it is unambiguous what applies to which model.
Then exactly that must be stated (1.7.4.2 point 1(u)). A missing value is not acceptable.
Instead of instructions for use, assembly instructions under Annex XI are required (Art. 11(7)).
Residual risks, emission values and maintenance data are already in the risk assessment – normakte brings them together for the instructions. Trial file free until 20.01.2027.
Sources. Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, OJ L 165, 29.6.2023, including the corrigendum of 1.4.2025; Directive 2006/42/EC for the previous regime.
The information has been checked against the official text, paraphrased and shortened; only the official text is authentic.
normakte is a drafting and calculation aid; it replaces neither conformity assessment, nor a notified body, nor a technical assessment by a specialist, nor legal advice.