THE VOICE OF THE EQUIPMENT RENTAL INDUSTRY

1.          MACHINERY DIRECTIVE

The new Machinery Directive is applicable as of 29 December 2009. The primary scope of this legislation is for the equipment manufacturers although it can also have implications on the rental industry following the definition of “placing on the market”.

2.          CECE LEGISLATION ROADMAP

The European Construction Equipment Industry (CECE) developed a discussion document to inform the European Commission on the issues of concern for their industry.

3.          SERVICES DIRECTIVE

The overall aim of this Directive is to abolish legal barriers and to reduce the administrative burden when providing cross-border services. This legislation applies to a wide range of services among which construction services, training and rental.

4.          ROME 1/CONTRACT LAW

This legislation regulates the cross-border contractual relations between companies and consumers. The regulation foresees a system of choice-of-law rules for obligations in civil and commercial matters.

5.          INSPECTION OF WORK EQUIPMENT

The ERA has published a statement on the inspection of work equipment, which is of primary importance for the equipment manufacturers, it becomes relevant for the rental industry as it has an impact to the safety of the users of the equipment.

6.          OPERATOR LICENCES AND TRAINING

The ERA is working on establishing an outline of the different elements which will have to be taken into account regarding operator licences and training.

7.          INSTRUCTION MANUALS

The ERA is developing an outline of what type of information should be included in instruction manuals. This approach can generate potential savings on the communication towards customers.

8.          ULTRA LOW SULFUR DIESEL

This Directive modifies, among other points, the requirements on sulphur content in liquid fuels. The main implications will be for the manufacturers of the engines, although it is very important for the rental sector to be aware of these changes.

9.          NOISE  - EXPOSURE OF WORKERS

This Directive falls in the framework of health & safety protection of workers and applies to all activities in which workers are exposed to risk from noise as a result of their work. The responsibility to respect the noise limits is placed on the employers.

10.     NOISE OF EQUIPMENT IN OUTDOOR USE

This Directive aims to harmonise the legislation related to noise limits and noise marking of equipment used outdoors. The responsibility to comply with the legislation lies with the manufacturer or any person placing the equipment on the market.

11.     POSTING OF WORKERS

This legislation deals with the posting of employees in another MemberState than the one in which they normally work. The objective of the Directive is to foresee sufficient protective rules for the worker in relation to the terms and conditions.

12.     WORKING TIME

The revision of the Working Time Directive was ended without an agreement between Council and European Parliament. As a consequence the 2003 Directive remains into force.