Process Step 2 - Entering your product limits
In this step you specify the limits and intended correct use of your product together with details of its intended operating environment.
The "intended use" is particularly important here.
The manufacturer must define exactly how the product is expected to be used. The product is only designed for the use defined in this way. If the product is "misused" for other purposes, the manufacturer is not liable for any accidents that may occur.
However, the manufacturer must also consider "reasonably foreseeable misuse", take appropriate measures against it and explicitly address it in the operating instructions.
Also included is data that is important for operating the product safely. For example, the limits of the power supply in the case of electric drive, or the product's own weight if it is expected that the product will be transported or placed in variable positions. Only some of the fields are mandatory and you can leave some fields blank if they are not relevant or still unclear.
In the last section you can add your own limits which may be specific and relevant to your product.
1. Retrieve the product overview to be worked on
On the right hand side you see the progress indicator. The second process step is for defining the product limits. Click on product limits.
Section 1 - General limits
2. Begin at Section 1 - Limits
There are three sections to complete. They are visible at the top of the screen. General limits, technical limits and other limits.
3. Enter the product's "Intended Use"
This is a critical aspect of CE marking, as it determines the scope of the product's compliance with applicable European Union (EU) directives and regulations.
Describe carefully the intended use for your product here.
The input fields may be extended using the resize grip in the bottom right corner.
💡 What is "intended use"?
"Intended use" refers to the purpose for which a product is designed, manufactured, and marketed. It represents the specific functions, applications, and conditions under which the product is intended to be used, as defined by the manufacturer.
4. Describe "Foreseeable misuse" of the product.
In this section you are required to describe situations of misuse of your product that can be reasonably anticipated by the manufacturer but not intended or recommended. It involves describing how the equipment may be used incorrectly or in ways which could lead to safety hazards.
Please add your descriptive text with examples of foreseeable product misuse specific to the product and its application.
To assist you, we have also prepared and included standard text blocks here covering general misuse of equipment which you can include and amend as needed.
💡 Why do I have to consider "foreseeable misuse"?
This refers to the potential use or application of a product in a way that is not intended but could reasonably be anticipated by the manufacturer or the regulatory authorities.
When a product is undergoing CE marking, it is essential to assess and identify the potential risks associated with foreseeable misuse. This helps manufacturers take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks through design, labeling, instructions, or other means to ensure the safety of the product during its intended use as well as foreseeable misuse scenarios.
By considering foreseeable misuse, manufacturers can enhance the overall safety of their products and comply with relevant CE marking directives and regulations.
5. Enter the "Site of Installation"
This relates to the specific environment or conditions where the product is intended to be installed and operated safely.
💡 Site of installation
When obtaining CE marking for a product, manufacturers are required to provide information and instructions regarding the appropriate site of installation. This includes specifying any specific requirements or limitations related to the installation environment to ensure the product's safe and proper functioning.
6. Spatial limits - Dimensions
Enter the external dimensions and spacial requirement of the product
💡 Why are spatial limits important?
When obtaining CE marking for a product, manufacturers are typically required to provide information regarding the spacial needs of the product. This information helps users and installers determine the appropriate space or area needed for the product to function and to be cleaned and maintained safely and effectively.
For example, machinery or equipment may have specific spatial requirements, such as clearance distances, access areas, or ventilation needs. By providing clear information about these needs, manufacturers enable users to plan and allocate the necessary space for the product in order to ensure its safe and optimal performance.
The Platzbedarf information is typically provided in the product's operating manual, technical documentation, or labeling as part of the CE marking requirements.
7. Time (temporal) limits
This refers to the specified time period during which a product is designed to be used safely and effectively, as determined by the manufacturer and are an important aspect of the intended use declaration for CE marking.
Outline both operational and maintenance related limits here.
💡 Temporal limits?
They define the duration or frequency of use for which the product has been designed and tested to meet the applicable safety and performance requirements.
The temporal limits may vary depending on the type of product. For a machinery product, the manufacturer might define the recommended duty cycle or the maximum operating hours per day.
By providing clear temporal limits, manufacturers enable users to understand the product's expected lifespan, maintenance requirements, and any usage restrictions related to time. It also helps users make informed decisions about product maintenance, replacement, or potential risks associated with exceeding the specified temporal limits.
8. Click on "Next step" to proceed
Section 2 - Technical limits
9. Move to Section 2 - Technical limits
Please fill out the all relevant technical details for your product.
Make sure to include the units of measure for reference. You are free to choose the units based on the product and application.
These limits are grouped into connections, supplies, environmental and others.
💡 Environmental limits?
Environmental limits are an essential aspect of the intended use declaration for CE marking. They outline the range of conditions, such as temperature, humidity, pressure or other environmental factors, that the product can withstand and operate within while still meeting the applicable safety and performance requirements.
The manufacturer specifies the environmental limits based on the product's design, materials, and intended application.
By providing clear environmental limits, manufacturers enable users and regulators to understand the product's capabilities and potential risks in different environmental conditions. It helps users assess the suitability of the product for specific environments and take appropriate precautions to ensure safe and reliable operation.
10. Ambient and environmental limits
The operating temperature is a mandatory field and must be entered.
If your product is used in a special environment, for example high humidity or with a hazard area classification such as Ex-Zone 2, then add those details here.
11. Dead Weight (Product weight without load)
The dead weight is a mandatory field and must be entered.
Also add the other limits if deemed relevant to your product, then continue with 'Next Step'
Section 3 - Other limits
12. Move to section 3 - Other Limits
In this section you can define and describe further limits and product boundaries which you believe to be important for the safe operation and maintenance of the product. Some possible examples are listed here for reference.
- Maximum permissable conveyor gradient
- Maximum residual current
Define and briefly describe the limits you have added.
Add the limit values and a specific units of measure for each.
If you wish to add further limits click on add another limit.
13. Click on "Save limits"
If you subsequently identify more limits relevant to you product, simply add them here.
Make sure you always record your products limits by clicking the save button.
(v0.0.3)
