One QR code per machine type – print once, valid for good

If you provide the instructions for use digitally, you must indicate on the machinery how users can find them. Where that is not possible, the packaging or an accompanying document is sufficient.

“how the digital instructions for use can be accessed”

A QR code with a short link is the obvious way to do this. What matters is that it leads to the right place for many years.

Why a fixed QR code instead of a new address per version?

A rating plate is made once and stays on the machine for its entire lifetime. The instructions, on the other hand, change: corrections, new standards, additional safety information. If every version received a new address, you would have to replace labels – which is practically impossible for machines already delivered.

ManualPass therefore separates code and content. The QR code points to the machine type, not to a file. When you upload a new version, the scan page automatically shows the current version. Earlier versions remain archived unchanged and retrievable, so you can later prove which version applied when (see Archiving).

No subscription trap of a QR generator

Many dynamic QR code generators redirect via their own addresses. If the subscription ends or the provider discontinues the service, the code leads nowhere – even on machines already at the customer’s site. The Machinery Regulation, however, requires online availability for at least ten years after placing on the market (point (c) of the second subparagraph of Article 10(7)).

With ManualPass, the code points to an address operated by ManualPass itself and not to a third party’s redirect service. So there is no additional provider between your rating plate and the instructions. The contractual details on the term are set out in the Terms.

How the QR code gets onto your machine

1. Create a machine type: enter the designation, and ManualPass immediately assigns the fixed QR code and short link.
2. Upload documents: instructions for use, EU declaration of conformity and other PDFs, optionally in several languages.
3. Choose label or SVG: download a print-ready label or include the code as SVG in your rating plate layout.
4. Attach and test: stick on the label or have the rating plate made, scan it once with a smartphone – done.

Labels in three sizes

On one label you can combine up to three languages for the accompanying text, for example German, English and French. The QR code itself is language-independent; the scan page detects the device language automatically.

SVG for your own rating plate

If you have rating plates engraved, laser-marked or printed anyway, use the QR code as SVG. The vector graphic can be scaled without loss of quality and passed directly to your plate manufacturer. This keeps the indication of access permanently attached to the machine.

Background on the legal side can be found in the guide Instructions for use via QR code. What users see after scanning is shown on the scan page.