Time will tell, John. But if the legislation changes, at least the manufacturers won't be able to use that as an excuse for dumping tons (tonnes?) of multi-lingual (and often poor quality) documents on you.
Re: Dave ... yes, operator's (and service) manuals should have a separate part number (stock number, catalogue number) - and often do - so they can be ordered as required (and in the quantities required, as well).
It would be better if regulations stated that (for example) "all operators' and technical information is to remain available for [so many] years following purchase of the equipment" -
ie, available for purchase - although FOC would be so much better ... rather than to be supplied with each item of equipment. That's one of the problems with "regulations" (and/or legislation) - so much of it is badly drafted.
Personally, I would go farther than that, and include:- "technical information shall include functional descriptions, maintenance procedures, all available circuit diagrams ("schematics") and parts lists".
