Machinery Safety & Compliance Testing, Inspection, and Certification Services

Testing, inspection, and conformity assessment support for industrial machinery and equipment.

Machinery safety requirements depend on the market, the equipment, and how it will be installed or used. QAI supports machinery safety testing, inspection, and conformity assessment for new equipment, modifications, and export projects. We help confirm applicable standards and directives, including Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC requirements where applicable, and provide the records needed for technical files, internal quality review, and regulatory compliance.

Machinery safety requirements depend on the market, the equipment, and how it will be installed or used. QAI supports machinery safety testing, inspection, and conformity assessment for new equipment, modifications, and export projects. We help confirm applicable standards and directives, including Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC requirements where applicable, and provide the records needed for technical files, internal quality review, and regulatory compliance.Machinery safety requirements depend on the market, the equipment, and how it will be installed or used. QAI supports machinery safety testing, inspection, and conformity assessment for new equipment, modifications, and export projects. We help confirm applicable standards and directives, including Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC requirements where applicable, and provide the records needed for technical files, internal quality review, and regulatory compliance.Machinery safety requirements depend on the market, the equipment, and how it will be installed or used. QAI supports machinery safety testing, inspection, and conformity assessment for new equipment, modifications, and export projects. We help confirm applicable standards and directives, including Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC requirements where applicable, and provide the records needed for technical files, internal quality review, and regulatory compliance.Machinery safety requirements depend on the market, the equipment, and how it will be installed or used. QAI supports machinery safety testing, inspection, and conformity assessment for new equipment, modifications, and export projects. We help confirm applicable standards and directives, including Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC requirements where applicable, and provide the records needed for technical files, internal quality review, and regulatory compliance.Machinery safety requirements depend on the market, the equipment, and how it will be installed or used. QAI supports machinery safety testing, inspection, and conformity assessment for new equipment, modifications, and export projects. We help confirm applicable standards and directives, including Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, and EMC requirements where applicable, and provide the records needed for technical files, internal quality review, and regulatory compliance.QAI Laboratories is an established, independent test and assessment agency offering evaluation of Machinery to worldwide requirements.

The QAI team of compliance engineers have many years of experience in industrial and commercial test methodologies and standards. Continued involvement in IEC and ISO standards development keeps QAI current in safety standards requirements. Our engineers have been associated with European standards committees for many years giving us an in-depth understanding of the European Union and what it takes to have your product comply with the requirements.

Machinery Safety Testing, Inspection, and Evaluation Services

Machinery Safety Evaluation

Manufacturers exporting machinery to the European Union must fulfill the Essential Health and Safety Requirements of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EEC). This includes the need for a comprehensive risk assessment evaluation according to EN ISO 14121-1, guidance on the requirements of safety related control functions (EN ISO 13489-1) and the development of the required Technical File. As a member of IEC Technical Committee 44, QAI participates in the maintenance of IEC 60204-1 and IEC 62046 safety standards.

EMC Laboratory Testing

It is never too early to assess a product design for EMC performance. Access to an accurate and rapid assessment facility can expedite your product to market.  QAI is able to assist manufacturers and designers through all stages of product development. Experienced engineers are available to assist in solving difficult EMC issues. Products and machinery which realistically cannot be assessed in the typical EMC laboratory may be evaluated in-situ.  QAI has extensive expertise in conducting in-situ assessments for a wide range of different and diverse equipment. Working in this environment requires flexibility, patience and innovation. QAI has an affiliation with a Notified Body in the EU and UK who specializes in the on-site assessment of machinery and can issue statements of compliance based on QAI’s EMC testing.

Electrical Safety Testing – Machinery

Electrical Safety assessment and test are a world-wide requirement. Ensuring that your product is safe to use and operate is vitally important in today’s world of product liability.  QAI has the expertise and is equipped to evaluate products to specific safety standards both at your facility, in the field, or at our laboratory.  QAI is a OSHA recognized NRTL, Standards Council of Canada accredited certification body, and accredited field evaluation body for electrical safety.  For more information about QAI’s electrical safety capabilities, please visit: https://qai.org/electrical/

Regulatory Compliance

QAI’s team of experienced engineers are on hand to advise and assist manufacturers in the development and implementation of a compliance strategy.  The strength of QAI is firmly invested in its employees. We are able to work with you to determine the requirements applicable to your machine and create a scope of work to obtain the necessary approvals.

CE Marking

Products which fall within the scope of European Union New Approach Directives require mandatory CE Marking. The correct application of all applicable Directives may involve third party testing, system assessment, and technical file preparation. Manufacturers must be aware of the product liability issues of the European marketplace.  QAI is able to develop a compliance program for your product including all documentation, testing, and file preparation. Experienced engineers assist you in the fulfillment of these requirements.

Environment Testing

Extremes of temperature and humidity, dust, and vibration are the leading causes of product failure. Verification of the design to product specification parameters is essential to good product performance and life.  QAI is equipped to conduct extreme temperature and humidity testing, dust, corrosion, vibration & shock testing. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a reasonable environment profile for your product.

Typical Equipment and Systems Evaluated

• Industrial machinery used in manufacturing and automation
• Industrial control panels and associated wiring systems
• Automated systems including robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Machinery with variable frequency drives, sensors, and electronic subsystems requiring EMC considerations
• Custom built machinery that cannot be assessed in a standard lab environment
• Machinery installed in regulated environments where in situ testing or inspection is required

Standards and Directives for Machinery Compliance

• 2006/42/EC – Machinery Directive is a European Union directive that sets essential health and safety requirements for machinery. Compliance is required for CE marking and market access in the EU.
• 2014/35/EU – Low Voltage Directive (LVD) ensures electrical equipment within certain voltage limits provides a high level of protection for users. It applies to machinery with electrical components and is essential for CE marking.
• 2014/30/EU – Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) regulates the electromagnetic emissions of machinery and ensures it does not interfere with other equipment. EMC testing is crucial for electronic and automated systems.
• ISO 13849 – Safety of Machinery: Control Systems specifies the safety-related parts of control systems, including performance levels and risk reduction. It’s widely used for functional safety validation in automated machinery.
• ISO 14121 – Risk Assessment for Machinery provides a structured approach to identifying hazards and assessing risks associated with machinery. It supports compliance with the Machinery Directive and CE marking.
• ISO 12100 – Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction
• IEC 60204-1 – Electrical Equipment of Machines covers the safety of electrical systems in machinery, including wiring, control panels, and protection devices. It’s essential for electrical safety certification.
• CSA SPE-1000 – Field Evaluation of Electrical Equipment is a Canadian standard used for evaluating electrical equipment that is not certified at the factory. It’s often applied to custom-built or imported machinery.
• UL 508A – Industrial Control Panels is a North American standard for the construction and safety of industrial control panels. It ensures panels meet electrical safety requirements for installation and operation.
• NFPA 79 – Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery is a North American standard fo machinery