Hi there, I have a friend whose company has recently imported a Band Saw from the USA (main reason it was cheaper than the UK). They have trained staff on how to use this saw, it is similar to the one it replaces and has all the usual guards etc. The question he is looking for other than the saw must comply with PUWER, (it obviously does not have a CE mark being from USA) what other compliance or conformity should he be looking for? Any help would be appreciated. This is not my field of expertise and so I was not much help to him! Thanks Laura

I'm afraid the importer (your friend's company if they did in themselves) have already broken the UK law on Machinery Safety by importing a machine that does not comply to the European Machinery Directive and does not carry a CE Mark. Most US manufacturers make two version of their machines - one which does conform to the EHSRs and one which doesn't - guess which is cheaper... I see Jane beat me to it as I was writing this!

Good Morning Laura et al, I have had experience of this kind of situation before with US equipment brought to the UK. It is never easy to pick through SMR and of course the equipment is here now (and I presume at no small capital outlay) There are many things to consider - too many to write down here (rsi etc.) I'll message you my details and if you wish you can pass them on. Yours aye DB