Translations of machinery instructions play a decisive role in the proper use of equipment and user safety. A complex process, this type of translation requires specialised knowledge and experience in the subject area concerned (whether construction, automobile, electronics, moulds, or any other).
Significant quantities of technical equipment are produced in foreign countries (most notably in Asia) and are subsequently distributed worldwide. As such, the instructions for this machinery must be available in multiple languages.
Given the impact on the use and safety of machinery and the need to comply with legal requirements, this type of translation requires unparalleled accuracy. Translators must have sufficient technical knowledge of the equipment and sector, which must then be updated and complemented through terminological research in the relevant specialist fields. In short, translations of machinery instructions can only be carried out within adequate quality parameters when performed by competent, experienced, highly trained professionals.
DIRECTIVE 2006/42/EC on machinery
This Directive provides that all machinery instructions must be made available in the official community language of the Member State by which the machinery is placed on the market. “The instructions accompanying the machinery must be either ‘Original instructions’ or a ‘translation of the original instructions’, in which case the translation must be accompanied by the original instructions.” Failure to comply with the legal requirement concerning translating instructions is an offence punishable by penalties determined and applied by the applicable national entity.
New Words’ Experience
New Words has gained extensive experience translating machinery instructions, helping its clients comply with all applicable standards.
From moulding through to health and construction equipment (scaffolding, formwork, and lifting systems) to electrotechnical and communications, New Words is proud to be the partner of choice for countless companies, both within Portugal and abroad.
