The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (425/2016/EU), came into effect on the 21st April 2018 and applies to;
any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards.
The PPE Directive (89/686/EC) has been replaced by a new EU Regulation (No. 2016/425), which became applicable from the 21st April 2018.
There are three categories for products; Category I, Category II and Category III. Certain products are excluded from the scope:
- PPE intended specifically for use by armed forces or law enforcement
- PPE for self defence with the exception of PPE intended for sporting activities
- PPE designed and manufactured for private use against adverse weather; damp and water during dishwashing
- PPE intended for exclusive use on seagiong vessels or aircraft that are subject to the relevant international treaties
- Head, face or eye protection intended for drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds intended to be used on public roads