PPE Regulations

Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of 9 March 2016

The Regulation defines the legal obligations to ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on the EU internal market provides the highest level of protection against risks.

PPE is defined as any device to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards.

The Regulation specifically defines the obligation of manufacturers and end users as regards PPE.

The Regulation covers the design, manufacture and marketing of PPE.

PPE covered by the regulation is divided into 3 categories:

Category I – ‘Simple’ design P.P.E. – e.g. gardening gloves, sun glasses.
Category II – ‘Intermediate’ design P.P.E. e.g. Hurling helmets, high visibility clothing.
Category III – ‘Complex’ design P.P.E. – e.g. Fireman’s Structural Fire Suits.

Manufacturers as well as distributors, legislators and end users require conformity to those standards applicable to their particular product, industry or end use and it is of the utmost importance for end users that they only specify and purchase equipment which conforms to their particular end use.

Specifiers are advised to consult the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 before purchasing any PPE.