A scrubber must have one CE marking to comply with European safety standards. This certification shows that the machine meets guidelines for electrical safety, mechanical protection and user safety. Without a valid CE marking you may not use the scrubber commercially in Europe.
Why is CE marking important for your scrubber?
CE marking is mandatory for all cleaning equipment sold and used within the European Union. This certification guarantees that you scrubber meets all relevant requirements safety requirements and technical standards.
In the industrial cleaning sector, employees work every day with electrical equipment that uses water. This combination entails specific risks. A certified scrubber protects your staff against electric shock, mechanical injuries and other safety risks.
The legal requirements are clear: without CE marking you may not use the machine in commercial conditions. This applies to both new and used scrubbers that you purchase for your company.
What exactly does CE marking mean for scrubbers?
CE stands for “Conformité Européenne” and means that the manufacturer declares that the product complies with all applicable European directives. It CE symbol is an official quality mark that enables free trade within Europe.
Various European directives apply to scrubbers:
- Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) for mechanical safety
- EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) for electromagnetic compatibility
- Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) for electrical safety
- RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) for restriction of hazardous substances
Manufacturers must draw up a declaration of conformity and maintain technical documentation. These documents prove that all safety tests have been carried out and that the machine meets the required requirements.
Which safety standards must a scrubber comply with?
scrubbers must meet specific technical standards that ensure user safety. The most important standard is EN 60335-2-72, which governs electrical safety for commercial cleaning equipment.
| Safety category | Main requirements | Control aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical safety | Insulation, earthing, leakage current protection | Watertight connections, safe cabling |
| Mechanical aspects | Protection of moving parts, stability | Covers, emergency stop functions, tip-over protection |
| User protection | Ergonomic controls, visibility | Handles, warning labels, instructions for use |
In addition, scrubbers must meet noise standards to prevent hearing damage. Most modern machines produce less than 70 decibels during normal use.
How do you recognize a correctly certified scrubber?
A valid CE marking can always be found in a clearly visible place on the machine. Look for the CE logo on the rating plate, usually located near the controls or on the side of the machine.
Always check the following documents when purchasing:
- EU declaration of conformity in Dutch
- Instructions for use with safety instructions
- Technical specifications and maintenance instructions
- Supplier's warranty certificate
Please note that the CE symbol is correctly sized and is not placed together with other quality marks that could cause confusion. Do you doubt its authenticity? Ask the supplier for the original declaration of conformity.
What are the consequences of a scrubber without CE marking?
Use of a scrubber without a valid one scrubber certification entails various risks. Legally speaking, you are violating European legislation, which can lead to sanctions from the Labor Inspectorate.
Safety risks are even more important. Uncertified machines can cause electric shock, mechanical failure or fire. As an employer, you can be held liable in the event of accidents involving staff.
Insurance issues are another problem. Many business insurance policies do not cover damage caused by the use of non-certified equipment. This can have significant consequences in the event of disasters.
Operationally, non-certified machines can be unreliable, disrupting your cleaning process and preventing your business floors from achieving the desired quality.
Key considerations for CE certification of scrubbers
Always work with reliable suppliers who are transparent about certification. Check whether all machines in their stock have a valid CE marking and associated documentation.
Extra caution is required when purchasing used scrubbers. Make sure that the original CE marking is still present and that no unauthorized modifications have been made that would invalidate the certification.
Also think about the future: choose brands that are known for their quality and... safety standards. Well-known brands such as Tennant, Nilfisk, Hako and Fimap continuously invest in certification and safety.
With us you will only find certified scrubbers that meet all European requirements. We ensure that each machine is delivered complete with all necessary documents, so that you can get started safely right away. Our advisors are happy to help you choose the right certified scrubber for your specific application. You can always ask for more information contact us.