PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) standards

Specific standards against specific risks

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 to meet the essential health and safety requirements of workers exposed to one or more occupational risks. This regulation therefore defines risks to which to associate suitable PPE, the procedures for placing on the market, with the constitution of the EU type examination application and other associated documentation.

In accordance with the legislation, PPE is subject to an EU type examination by a notified body. Each garment comes with a sewn-in PPE sticker and instructions for use guaranteeing its compliance with the requirements of the claimed standards and the essential provisions of Regulation 2016/425.

Regulation 2016/425 defines 3 categories of PPE according to the risks involved:

 

 

Category 1 - PPE against minor risks (“Simple PPE”)

PPE intended for protection against minor risks whose effects do not affect the user’s health (e.g. superficial injuries).

  • Superficial mechanical injury.
  • Interaction with slightly harmful cleaning agents or prolonged contact with water.
  • Interaction with hot surfaces which temperature doesn’t exceed 50°C
  • Damage caused to the visual organs as a result of abnormal sunlight exposure (other than during sun observation).
  • Atmospheric circumstances that are not of an extreme nature.

For these PPEs, the manufacturer self-certifies the PPE by drawing up a file documenting the claimed area of protection to attest to the conformity of the PPE to the claimed area of protection (test report, technical data sheet, CE marking).

Category 2 - PPE against significant risks (“Intermediate PPE”)

PPE intended for protection against major risks which may lead to and cause irreversible effects. These are so-called “intermediate” risks.

Example: high visibility, cold, welders, etc.

These more complex PPEs are tested for compliance with European standards by an authorised body. After validation, the notified body issues the manufacturer with an ETA (EU Type Examination Certificate).

Category 3 - PPE against serious and fatal risks

PPE intended for protection against serious and irreversible risks and fatal risks.

Example: protection against large splashes of molten metal, chemical protection, protection against the thermal risks of the electric arc, etc.

In addition to being tested for compliance with European standards by an authorised body, these PPEs are subject to mandatory annual quality control according to a choice of 2 modules:

  • MODULE C2: Supervised product controls at random intervals (sampling – Annex VII of the Regulation)
  • MODULE D: Production quality assurance (quality system audit – Annex VIII of the Regulation)

All PPE that complies with the European standard must be clearly and fully marked. It must be sold with instructions for care and use.

  • Norm EN ISO 11612

    PPE Category 2 or 3

    Protection against heat and flames

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  • Norm EN ISO 11611

    PPE Category 3

    Protective equipment for welding and allied processes

    Read more
  • Norm EN 1149-5

    PPE Category 3

    Protection against electrostatic charges

    Read more
  • Norm EN 388

    PPE - Glove

    Protecting the hands against mechanical risks

    Read more
  • Norm EN 407

    PPE - Glove

    Hand protection against various thermal risks

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