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In August 2024, the Ministry of Heavy Industry introduced a comprehensive regulation known as the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024. This regulation is a significant step forward in aligning Indian safety standards with international practices, ensuring machinery and electrical equipment manufactured or sold in India meet stringent safety requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the regulation and what it entails.

What is the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024?

The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 is a new set of safety standards introduced to improve the quality and safety of machines and electrical equipment in India. This regulation aims to protect consumers, workers, and the environment by ensuring that these products comply with high safety standards. It is part of the government's effort to enhance product reliability and reduce risks associated with the operation of machinery and electrical devices.

Key Highlights of the Order

1. Title and Implementation Timeline
    The Order, officially known as the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, is scheduled to come into effect one year after its publication in the Official Gazette. This means that manufacturers, importers, and businesses will have until August 2025 to comply with the new standards.
   
2. Scope of Application
    This Order covers a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components. However, any machinery or electrical equipment already covered under other existing regulations under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, will not fall under this Order's scope. This ensures there is no overlap with existing standards and that each regulation focuses on specific product categories.
   

Conformity to Safety Standards

One of the core elements of the Order is the requirement for machines and electrical equipment to meet strict safety standards:

● Type A Standards: These are general safety standards applicable to a wide range of machinery. The primary standard referenced here is IS 16819:2018/ISO 12100:2010, which focuses on the principles of safe machinery design, risk assessment, and risk reduction.

● Type B Standards: These standards are specific to certain safety aspects like machinery ergonomics or protective devices. These are outlined in the second Schedule of the Order.

● Type C Standards: These standards are detailed and pertain to specific machinery types or categories. If a Type C standard contradicts a provision in a Type A or B standard, the Type C standard takes precedence, providing more tailored guidelines for particular machines.

Certification Requirements

● All machines and electrical equipment listed in the first Schedule of the Order must bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid license. This confirms that the product meets the prescribed Indian Standards.

● For products not intended for continuous manufacturing, manufacturers can obtain a Certificate of Conformity instead of a license, following the provisions in the Scheme X of the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

● Before applying for a BIS license or certificate, manufacturers are required to register with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This ensures that the manufacturing process aligns with safety protocols from the outset.

Labeling, Marking, and Technical Documentation

To comply with the regulation, manufacturers must adhere to labeling, marking, and safety instruction requirements. This includes:

● Labeling and Marking: Machines and equipment must be labeled according to the guidelines outlined in Scheme X of the Conformity Assessment Regulations. Labels should include necessary safety instructions and symbols.

● Technical Documentation: A comprehensive technical file must be maintained, detailing risk assessments, design features, and safety compliance measures. This file acts as a reference for the product’s safety credentials.

Monitoring and Enforcement

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the primary authority responsible for certification, enforcement, and market surveillance:

● Market Surveillance: BIS will conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure products in the market comply with the new safety standards. This surveillance will be based on guidelines issued periodically by BIS.

● Enforcement: Any violations of the Order's provisions will be penalized under the relevant sections of the BIS Act, 2016. This underscores the government's commitment to strict enforcement and adherence to safety standards.

Exemptions and Special Provisions

The Order provides certain exemptions to ensure flexibility in implementation:

● Products manufactured exclusively for export are not subject to this regulation, recognizing that they may be designed to meet the standards of the destination country.

● Construction equipment covered under the CMVR Rule 1989, regulated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is also exempt from this Order to avoid overlapping regulations.

Impact of Revisions and Amendments

Any future updates to the Indian Standards referenced in the Order will automatically apply once notified by BIS. This ensures that the regulation remains dynamic and in line with technological advancements and global safety practices.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the Order carries penalties as outlined in the BIS Act, 2016. These penalties aim to ensure that manufacturers and businesses prioritize safety, thereby protecting consumers from substandard products.

Conclusion

The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 is a landmark regulation in India’s effort to enhance machinery and electrical safety. By setting clear and stringent standards, the regulation is poised to improve product quality, ensure safer work environments, and align Indian safety practices with global benchmarks. Manufacturers and stakeholders in the machinery and electrical equipment industry must prepare for this transition, ensuring they adhere to these standards within the stipulated timeline.

This Order is a crucial step towards fostering a culture of safety, quality, and innovation in the Indian industrial landscape, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers.