It's more expensive to make mistakes than to do it right
Machinery regulations more relevant than ever
The Machinery Regulations have been part of Norwegian regulations since 1995, but in recent years attention has increased significantly. More inspections, stricter expectations for documentation and increased legal focus mean that non-compliance has greater consequences than before.
"The Machinery Regulations give the companies flexibility through functional requirements, but that flexibility also entails a great responsibility," says Johnny Drange, general manager of Trygg Maskin AS and course instructor for NITO's course in practical introduction to the Machinery Regulations.
He finds that many employers want to do the right thing, but is unsure of what is actually required in practice.
"It's not enough to think that the machines are safe. The enterprise must be able to show how the requirements have been assessed and documented.
New rules from 2027 change the rules of the game
From January 2027, new EU regulations will come into force, including those related to cyber security and artificial intelligence. The changes will also affect machinery safety and documentation requirements.
"Machinery safety is no longer just about mechanics and protection. Digital systems, software and the interaction between technology and people are becoming more important," explains Drange.
He believes this makes competence in the machinery regulations extra important now.
"Companies that start preparations early are in a much stronger position. Those who wait risk both deviations and costly consequences.
Prevention is always cheaper than non-conformities
Although there are no formal requirements for courses in the Machinery Regulations, more and more employers are choosing to invest in training. Some send employees on NITO's open courses, while others choose in-house courses when several people in the company need the same expertise.
"It's more expensive to make mistakes than to do it right," says Johnny Drange.
"Non-conformities, orders and, in the worst case, shutdown of operations can have major consequences. Preventive competence gives the company better control, lower risk and safer compliance with the regulations.
He emphasizes that the courses are designed to provide practical value in everyday work.
"The participants work with specific issues and get templates and tools they can use directly in their own work. It is only then that the expertise actually provides value.
Course evaluation: high benefit and great satisfaction
Perceived benefit in everyday work:
Course participants give an average of 5.0 out of 6 on the extent to which the course contributes to better success in everyday work.
Satisfaction with the course instructor:
Over 90% of the course participants answer that they are very satisfied or very satisfied with the course instructor.
Practical course – adapted to the companies
NITO, in collaboration with Drange, offers the course Practical Introduction to Machine Regulations both as an open course and as an internal company course. According to Drange, in-house courses have a particularly big effect.
"When we start from the company's own machines and routines, it becomes easier to identify risks, close deviations and strengthen documentation afterwards.
He also points to the importance of regional services.
"Machinery safety is just as relevant in rural areas as in the largest cities. The need for practical expertise is great – all over the country.
Strengthen skills before 2027
NITO's course in practical introduction to the Machinery Regulations provides knowledge and tools that make companies better equipped to meet both current requirements and upcoming regulatory changes from 2027.
Open course in Practical introduction to the Machinery Regulations
In-house course in Practical introduction to the Machinery Regulations
Johnny Drange
The course instructor, Johnny Drange, is the general manager of Trygg Maskin AS and has broad experience in machinery safety and compliance with regulations. He has a background as a machine mechanic and helicopter technician from the Air Force, and extensive experience from industry, offshore and management roles in larger companies. Johnny combines solid technical insight with a good understanding of companies' practical challenges related to compliance with the Machinery Regulations. In the courses, he places great emphasis on practical examples, documentation and solutions that can be used directly in everyday work. He gets very good feedback from previous course participants.
