CE Certification Progress Keeps Conbit Up-to-Date

Outdated CE Marking

One of our first assignments was based on that competence. A customer had tools designed for the last two decades. They were designed according to the latest Machine Directive and were CE-certified if needed at that time. 

As we know, the idea of safety has also changed. Within the High Tech industry, safety is and always will be a number one focus: 

• Human safety: making sure that the equipment is safe to operate and maintain throughout its entire lifetime. 
• Machine safety: Equipment in the High Tech industry is typically very expensive, especially when at a standstill. This means that the risks of damaging the equipment while installing or during maintenance must be mitigated as far as possible.

As Conbit High Tech is aware of the newest Machine Directive and complies with the different safety requirements, Conbit is also known for working on equipment that needs to run at all times. Our clients have asked us to support them with checking and updating existing hoisting and lifting equipment.

Gap Analysis to Update CE Certificates

These kinds of assignments typically start with an observation from the field. An operator observes the job to determine if there are any potential or present safety hazards. A ticket is made, and the investigation starts by looking at the Technical Product Documentation (TPD) and any additional documents. The investigation also considers the following:

• Are there differences between the former and current Machine Directives?
• Do the tools adhere to the current CE certification and/or the Machine Directive?
• Does the end-user have new ideas about the approach, safety factors, and changes in tooling?
• Do the operators at the production plant use the tools properly and safely?
• Do the technicians at the assembly plant use the tools properly and safely?
• Do the installation and customer support technicians use the tools properly and safely?
• Does the use of the tools still conform to how the tool was designed?
• Have the changes in the use of the tools been accounted for in the Safety Risk Assessment to avoid human injury or machine damage?

Make Changes to the Product If Necessary

After completing the investigation, there still needs to be a solid basis for making changes, as this will always come at a certain cost. Human safety is always addressed, but there are levels of risks and levels of changes. Therefore, a business case is developed. All things are considered, given weight, and put into the correct perspective. With the correct data, the decision can be taken by the customer.

Execute Change to Meet Current CE Legislation

The final step is to execute the change. There are no uncertainties from this point onwards, and we can plan for completion. Technical Product Documentation (TPD) and design documents are made or updated. Prototype tools and/or parts are ordered and tested with the customer team. Finally, a plan is developed to validate and implement the change in the field.

After plan execution, the hoisting, lifting, and handling tools are technically up-to-date and can be safely used for many years.

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