Ce marking

CE marking is the key requirement for placing machinery and equipment on the market in the European single market. For demolition and cutting technology – such as concrete demolition shears, rock and concrete splitters, combination shears, steel shears, tank cutters, multi cutters, as well as associated hydraulic power units – it establishes that essential safety and health requirements are fulfilled. In Darda GmbH’s typical fields of application, from concrete demolition to rock demolition and special deconstruction, CE marking applies not only to the individual tool but also to its interaction with carrier machines and work methods. It is a prerequisite for placing products on the market in the European Economic Area and signals that the relevant conformity procedures have been completed.

Definition: What is meant by CE marking?

CE marking is a mark affixed by the manufacturer declaring that the product complies with all applicable European legislation. It is not a quality or origin label, but a declaration of conformity regarding safety, health protection, environmental, and, where applicable, noise requirements. CE marking is based on a self-responsible conformity assessment, the creation of technical documentation, and an EU declaration of conformity. For machinery and equipment this includes, in particular, fulfilling essential safety and health requirements, performing a risk assessment, and providing a clear operating manual.

In short: CE confirms legal compliance and safe integration in intended applications; it does not rate performance or durability. Products without a valid conformity basis must not be placed on the market or put into service.

Legal framework and scope of application

Harmonized legislation applies in the EU to machinery and interchangeable equipment. Additional regulations may also apply, for example for pressure equipment (hydraulic accumulator), electromagnetic compatibility, or outdoor noise. Which provisions apply in a specific case depends on design, energy type, intended use, and function. For hydraulically operated demolition tools – such as concrete demolition shears or rock and concrete splitters – machinery legislation typically takes precedence. Depending on the configuration, components may also be subject to additional requirements. The information in this article is general and does not replace a case-by-case assessment.

Relevant legal acts typically include, for example:

• Machinery legislation (currently Directive 2006/42/EC; the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will apply from 2027), including provisions for partly completed machinery
• Pressure Equipment requirements for accumulators and pressure vessels
• Electromagnetic compatibility requirements for electrical or electronic components
• Outdoor noise emission rules for certain equipment used outdoors
• Where applicable, regulations for explosive atmospheres if work involves potentially explosive areas

For cross-border supply within the European Economic Area, CE marking is the common basis for market access. National regulations may complement but not contradict harmonized EU law.

Conformity assessment: From risk assessment to marking

The path to CE marking follows a structured process. This is similar for all machines, regardless of whether they are concrete demolition shears, combination shears, steel shears, tank cutters, multi cutters, or power units.

1. Identify legal scope – determine applicable legislation and essential requirements.
2. Carry out risk assessment – over the full life cycle; derive protective measures by priority.
3. Apply relevant standards – use harmonized A-, B-, and C-type standards to demonstrate presumption of conformity.
4. Compile technical documentation – ensure completeness and traceability.
5. Prepare and sign the EU declaration of conformity – name a responsible person and reference applied legislation and standards.
6. Affix the CE marking – visible, legible, and durable on the product.

Risk assessment and standards landscape

It starts with a systematic risk assessment over the entire life cycle (transport, installation, operation, maintenance, fault, decommissioning). Protective measures are prioritized: by design, technical, informational. Harmonized standards guide the selection of suitable solutions. Common practice is to align with A-, B-, and C-type standards, e.g., for risk assessment, hydraulic safety, or specific machine types. For attachments, the interface to the carrier machine (e.g., quick coupler, hydraulic connection) is also safety-relevant.

Typical hazards to evaluate include entanglement, crushing, shearing, ejection of fragments, hose whip due to burst or detachment, unintended movement, as well as exposure to noise and vibration. The ergonomics of controls, access for maintenance, and lockout procedures are part of the assessment.

Technical documentation

The technical documentation includes, among other things, design drawings, circuit diagrams (hydraulic/electrical), calculations, test reports, the risk assessment, the operating and installation manual, and the list of applied standards. It must be sufficiently complete for authorities to trace compliance with the requirements.

Documentation is kept available for the competent authorities for a defined retention period (typically up to 10 years after the last unit is manufactured). The technical file does not need to be supplied in full to end users, but must be producible on request.

EU declaration of conformity and CE mark

After completing the assessment, the manufacturer issues the EU declaration of conformity. Only then is CE marking affixed to the product in a visible, legible, and durable manner. For some equipment, the category “partly completed machine” may apply – in this case there is no CE marking, but an incorporation declaration with assembly instructions, and final conformity arises only in combination with the complete machine. The applicable classification depends on the product’s function and autonomy.

The declaration identifies the product, the applicable legislation, the applied standards, the responsible signatory, and the place and date of issue. The CE marking and product identification must be consistent with the declaration.

CE marking for hydraulic demolition and cutting tools

Hydraulically actuated tools such as concrete demolition shears, rock and concrete splitters, combination shears, multi cutters, steel shears, and tank cutters feature moving parts, high forces, and pressure hydraulics – typical hazards such as crushing, cutting, ejection, bursting, noise, and vibration must be considered. CE conformity ensures that protective measures are provided, such as load-dependent check valves, robust guarded areas, clear marking of limits (working pressure/flow rate), and that the interface to the carrier machine is described. Power units that supply such tools are standalone machines with their own CE assessment; if they contain pressure vessels, additional requirements may apply. In practice, the decisive factor is the intended use: the risk situation differs significantly between concrete demolition in confined spaces, rock demolition in a tunnel, or cutting tanks.

Interface clarity is essential: permitted hydraulic media, hose and coupling specifications, required flow conditioning, and stability of the carrier machine must be defined. Where quick couplers are involved, measures against uncontrolled movements and hose ejection are expected.

Marking and information on the product

The nameplate and further notices must be durable, easily legible, and unambiguous in content. Typical entries include:

• CE marking and year of manufacture
• Manufacturer’s name and address (e.g., Darda GmbH)
• Type/series designation and serial number
• Essential parameters (e.g., permissible hydraulic working pressure, volume flow rate, maximum opening/closing forces, mass data)
• Pictograms and safety notices
• Where applicable, emission data (noise, vibration)

Marking must be permanently affixed on the product itself. Supplemental digital access (e.g., a QR code linking to the current operating manual) can improve availability of safety-relevant information, provided the physical minimum marking remains present.

Operating manual, language, and safety instructions

CE marking includes a clear operating manual in the language of the country of use. It describes installation, commissioning, operation, malfunctions, maintenance, and decommissioning. For demolition tools, information on hydraulic parameters, tool change, cutting/splitting range, permitted materials, and limits of use is essential.

Good practice covers training prerequisites, qualification of personnel, locking and tagging procedures, and inspection intervals. For cross-border use, translation quality must ensure that safety information remains precise and unambiguous.

Intended use and operating limits

The documentation defines what the product is designed for. For concrete demolition shears, for example: fragmenting concrete and reinforcement within the specified parameters; for rock and concrete splitters: controlled splitting of rock/concrete. Misuse – e.g., cutting unsuitable materials – can lead to unacceptable risks.

Foreseeable misuse must be addressed: attempts to exceed working pressure or flow, use on unstable carrier machines, or use outside the specified temperature range require clear prohibitions and countermeasures.

Residual risks, PPE, and work environment

Even with safe design, residual risks remain. The manual identifies these and describes measures: safe set-up, hazard zone, load securing, function tests, pressure relief, use of personal protective equipment. Information on noise and vibration emission values supports operational planning.

Depending on the application, PPE may include eye and face protection against flying fragments, hearing protection matched to declared sound levels, cut-resistant gloves, and protective footwear. Ventilation and dust control are relevant for interior deconstruction.

Roles and responsibilities in the supply chain

The manufacturer is responsible for design, assessment, documentation, and marking. Importers and distributors ensure that only compliant products are made available. Operators ensure proper use, train employees, and keep documentation available. Anyone who substantially modifies or combines machines may legally become the manufacturer of the modified/overall machine – with corresponding obligations.

Each economic operator must ensure traceability by maintaining records of upstream and downstream partners and by preserving identification data. Assemblers integrating attachments into a carrier system must verify compatibility and complete the conformity of the overall assembly.

Modifications, retrofits, and substantial changes

Retrofits are common, such as new jaw sets, additional guards, quick coupler adapters, or changes to power units. The key question is whether the risk profile changes materially. In the event of a “substantial modification,” conformity assessment and documentation must be reconsidered. Replacing like-for-like wear parts is generally uncritical as long as specified parameters are not exceeded.

Indicators for substantial modification include increases in maximum forces, pressure or flow beyond the declared limits, changes to control logic affecting safety functions, removal or bypass of guards, or additions that alter the intended use. In such cases, a renewed risk assessment and, where necessary, updated documentation and marking are required.

Practical relevance: fields of application and CE-relevant aspects

Concrete demolition and special deconstruction

For concrete demolition shears and combination shears, pinch and cutting zones must be safeguarded. The manual defines minimum distances and the approach to components. Information on the carrier machine, hose routing, and emergency procedures in the event of pressure loss is important.

Interior strip-out and cutting

In indoor environments, emission control plays a major role. Low vibration and minimal edge damage are desirable – the CE documentation provides parameter guidance and advice for dust- and noise-reduced application.

Rock demolition and tunnel construction

Rock and concrete splitters enable controlled splitting in sensitive environments. The CE documentation describes borehole dimensions, tightening torques, pressure and temperature limits, and behavior with rock mass stresses.

Natural stone extraction

When splitting natural stone, process stability and component preservation take priority. Values in the manual support selecting the right splitting technique and safe handling of heavy workpieces.

Special applications

When cutting tanks or working on contaminated components, additional hazards must be considered (explosion risk, media, residual energies). The CE documentation contains application-specific guidance and limits.

Standards: guidance for design and operation

Harmonized standards provide practical solutions, for example on risk assessment, safety distances, hydraulic safety, or marking. For hydraulic systems, requirements for lines, couplings, burst protection, pressure limitation, and energy dissipation are important. C-type standards for specific machine types take precedence over general standards. The selection of suitable standards depends on design and application.

Examples include standards for the safety of hydraulic systems, for functional safety of control systems, for noise and vibration measurement methods, and for safety signage. Applying the latest published editions is recommended to benefit from the presumption of conformity.

Measurements and emissions

Where required, noise and vibration emissions must be stated. They serve to compare work methods and plan protective measures. Practical values depend not only on the tool but also on the material, component geometry, carrier machine, and working method.

Declared values should be determined under defined test conditions and accompanied by measurement uncertainty where applicable. Operational planning should consider realistic on-site deviations and exposure duration.

Checklist for procurement, operation, and documentation

• EU declaration of conformity available; nameplate complete and legible
• Operating/installation manual available in the required language
• Risk assessment and technical documentation prepared and accessible
• Parameters checked: permissible hydraulic working pressure, volume flow rate, mass, limit values
• Compatibility with carrier machine (interfaces, quick coupler, stability)
• Protective devices complete, functional; inspections documented
• Personnel instructed; PPE defined; hazard zone marked
• Maintenance plan; spare and wear parts defined
• Document changes and assess their relevance to CE marking
• Applied standards listed; software and firmware versions documented where relevant
• Traceability ensured: serial numbers recorded; access to current documentation (including digital copies) verified

Common misconceptions about CE marking

• “CE is a tested quality seal” – in fact, it is a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity.
• “Only the tool needs CE, the rest does not” – interaction with the carrier machine and attachments can trigger CE obligations.
• “Modifications are unproblematic” – relevant changes may require a new assessment.
• “Operating manuals are optional” – they are an integral part of conformity.
• “CE applies only at first delivery” – conformity must be maintained throughout the life cycle and after significant changes.

Life cycle, maintenance, and records

CE conformity is supported by proper maintenance and operation within the specified parameters. Test evidence, maintenance records, training records, and complete serial-number traceability are important building blocks of traceability. Spare parts and consumables should meet the specified requirements.

Planned inspections for hydraulic hoses, connections, and safety devices reduce residual risk. Service actions, parameter changes, and updates to instructions should be documented and version-controlled to maintain a clear conformity history.

Digital documentation and outlook

Digital provision of operating manuals and declarations of conformity facilitates currency and access. For operators in dynamic projects – such as special deconstruction, in tunnels, or in natural stone extraction – this improves the availability of critical safety information at the point of use. At the same time, the rule remains: Read first, then act – CE marking only unfolds its protective effect if the specified measures are implemented in everyday practice.

Looking ahead, digital product identification and electronic instructions are increasingly supported by the evolving legal framework, provided essential safety information remains accessible with the machine. Version management and timely updates help ensure that the declared conformity reflects the delivered state of the equipment.