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SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE: WHY PPE IS UNAVOIDABLE
Comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to provide employees with the best possible protection against risks at work and in the workplace. Clear categorization helps to assess risks fairly and ensure that PPE is subject to the appropriate testing and certification requirements. In the EU, the classification and conformity of PPE is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425. The regulation divides PPE into different risk categories, I, II and III. These differ in terms of the severity of the risks against which the respective equipment is intended to protect. Such categorization ensures uniform and clear safety standards in the EU so that PPE is assessed according to the same requirements in all member states.ALL THE FACTS AT A GLANCE: PPE FOR EVERY RISK
Risk category I: minor risks
PPE category I protects against minor risks, the effects of which users can assess themselves. These risks include, for example:
- Superficial mechanical injuries
- Contact with weak cleaning agents
- Protection from UV radiation
Typical PPE in this category are, for example:
- Gardening gloves
- Simple protective gloves
- Work aprons
As the risk is manageable, manufacturers may declare conformity themselves. This involves drawing up an EU declaration of conformity and affixing the CE marking.
Risk category II: Medium risks
PPE in risk category II protects against medium risks that do not fall into either category I or III. These risks require a standardized protective effect that should not be based on the individual assessments of the user. Examples of such risks are:
- Mechanical hazards
- Thermal stress
- Poor visibility
Category II PPE includes, among other things:
- safety helmets
- safety shoes
- high visibility clothing
In this risk category, PPE is often custom-made and customized to meet specific requirements. Category II PPE must therefore be tested by a notified body to prevent misuse or unsafe products. The manufacturer receives a type examination certificate and then affixes the CE marking.
Risk category III: Very serious risks
PPE in risk category III offers protection against serious risks that can lead to irreversible damage to health or even death. These risks are so complex that the user cannot assess them themselves. These hazards include, among others:
- Chemical and electrical hazards
- Working with harmful substances
- High noise levels
Examples of PPE in this category are:
- respiratory masks
- Chemical protective gloves
- hearing protection
Equipment in risk category III requires a particularly high level of protection and is often equipped with complex materials and technologies. Category III PPE therefore requires additional quality control in addition to the type examination. The manufacturer must either have regular testing carried out by a notified body or introduce a quality assurance system. The CE marking is also given a four-digit number of the notified body that carries out the monitoring.
PPE CONFORMITY: HOW SAFETY IS GUARANTEED
For each PPE category, there are specific safety requirements that must be met for the equipment to be considered safe and effective. The following steps are essential to ensure conformity:1. categorization - classification of PPE into one of the three risk categories.
2. test procedure - Depending on the category, a type test is carried out in accordance with the applicable standards.
3. technical documentation - preparation of product descriptions, drawings and test reports.
4. CE marking - Confirmation of compliance with all safety standards after successful testing.
5. EU Declaration of Conformity - Official certificate from the manufacturer confirming compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements.
These processes ensure that only safe and standard-compliant PPE is sold and used.
Whether it's simple protective gloves or life-saving respiratory protective equipment - the correct assignment of the PPE risk category ensures optimum protection for employees against occupational hazards. Those who adhere to the prescribed standards actively help to prevent accidents and long-term damage to health.
