In the past PPE was governed by (EU) 2016/245 – it is now being implemented as a legally binding regulation, with some amendments. For example – hearing protection has been moved from category II to Category III – essentially it has now been classified as more important to protect your teams hearing.
PPE Category Classifications
| PPE Category | Category Description | Activity | Above the neck PPE product examples |
| Category I | Simple PPE (PPE designed to protect users against minimal risks) | Placing product on the market – manufacturers self-declaration | Sweatbands Cold Weather Hood System Sun Capes |
| Category II | Intermediate PPE (PPE not covered within category I or III) | Initial Product approval | Safety spectacles Industrial helmets Bump caps |
| Category III | Complex PPE (PPE falling under this category includes exclusively the risks that may cause very serious consequences such as death or irreversible damage to health) | On-going surveillance through testing or factory auditing | Respiratory PPE Industrial helmets claiming Molten Metal and Electrical Resistance(EU) 2016/425 PPE Regulation change: Hearing Protection |
PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as gloves, safety helmets, eye and ear protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
A risk assessment will help to identify where you need to look at certain risks and these control measures in more detail. These control measures do not have to be assessed separately but can be considered as part of, or an extension of, your overall risk assessment. It is the Last Resort to use PPE, other avenues must also be considered.
Walker Health and Safety Services Limited have teamed up with Active Workwear to bring you a PPE info graphic. I would recommend that you issue to employees and display on noticeboards as the information could be beneficial to them.
Contact Walker Health and Safety Services should you require further information.
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