The PTO shafts, which are being sold as complete shafts, are marked with incorrect versions of the letters CE. They are being supplied by some leading importers and being sold to farmers who believe the goods are in compliance with the strict EU regulation of PTO shaft safety.

The Irish Farmers Journal has seen the results of an industry investigation into the quality issues. Most of these Chinese origin PTO shafts are marked with the letters ‘CE’, which in this case apply to Chinese Export rather than Conformité Européenne, meaning European conformity. The differences between what is shown in the shafts of Chinese origin and EU-approved shafts are subtle. Few farmers or contractors would spot that difference. What is more noticeable is that all PTO shaft covers must carry the manufacturer’s name in addition to the safety markings. The Chinese origin shaft covers do not carry the manufacturer’s name.

These non-compliant, illegal and dangerous shafts and covers are being sold at about half the price of shafts and covers that are EU compliant and CE approved. The Irish Farmers Journal has seen significant price differences from invoices received on the purchase of a Series 1 and Series 4 type PTO shafts, the latter which would be typically fitted to a slurry tanker.

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For PTO shafts, the CE approval applies primarily to the PTO cover, safety chains and instructions. The purpose of CE marking is to ensure that the minimum health and safety requirements are obeyed. PTO shafts without the essential markings and documentation are therefore non-CE certified and are considered to be dangerous.

To obtain CE-Certification PTO shafts must undergo a series of tests and inspections to ensure suitability, durability and, most importantly, safety. Any PTO shaft without an approved CE stamp doesn’t conform to the relevant statutory provisions and is illegal to sell/supply for use at work, under the Health, Safety and Welfare act 2005.

It is the supplier’s responsibility to ensure that the CE markings are legitimate. Under the Health Safety and Welfare Act 2005 it is illegal to sell or supply Non-Certified PTO Shafts. Depending on the severity of the offence, the offender may be tried in a circuit court where the maximum penalty is a €3m fine and/or imprisonment for a term less than two years.

Incorrect CE markings are subtly presented. The PTO shafts with the incorrect markings can be identified by examining:

1. The ‘CE’ marking.

2. The markings and warnings on the PTO Shaft Guard.

3. The instruction book.

Some PTO shafts are supplied with certifications from British test houses. Although the certifications appear genuine, the PTO shaft markings, warnings labels and instruction manuals do not have all the essential requirements.

Therefore, these PTO shafts do not meet necessary requirements outlined in the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

Choosing a guard

When buying a guard with a PTO drive shaft, make sure it has the CE mark on it and has a Declaration of Conformity, which shows it complies with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. If in doubt, ask the supplier.

PTO drive shaft guards sold individually do have to have the CE mark. Users have a duty to make sure the equipment they buy meets any relevant legislation.

If buying a guard on its own, check with your supplier that it has been made and tested to the appropriate standard, EN 12956 and ISO 5647, for wear and strength.

Make sure the guard is the correct size and length for the drive shaft. If in doubt, consult the guard supplier. Remember to take into account the shaft’s vertical and lateral movement during work.