PPE Standards

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).

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).

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.