Everything about PPE
PPE stands for personal protective equipment: everything an employee wears to protect themselves against health and safety risks at work. Think of helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, face masks, gloves, safety shoes and fall protection. On this page you will read which rules apply to PPE, what the risk categories mean and which standards you will encounter for each body part, so that you choose the right protection.
On this page: Laws and regulations · Risk categories I, II and III · How to choose the right PPE · PPE per body part · Gloves and their standards · Respiratory protection · Fall protection · Use, inspection and replacement · Frequently asked questions
Which laws and regulations apply to PPE?
Throughout the European Union, PPE must comply with the PPE regulation (EU) 2016/425. This requires that protective equipment is tested, has a CE marking and is supplied with instructions for use and an EU declaration of conformity. In addition, there is a harmonised European standard for almost every type of PPE with the precise testing requirements, such as EN 397 for helmets or EN 388 for gloves.
For use in the workplace, the Dutch Working Conditions Act applies. The employer must identify the risks in the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) and, according to the occupational hygiene strategy, first see whether a risk can be eliminated at the source, for example with a quieter machine or extraction. PPE is the last step: protection if other measures are not sufficient. If PPE is required, the employer must provide it free of charge and explain how to use it. The employee is, in turn, obliged to wear the PPE.
What do risk categories I, II and III mean?
The PPE regulation classifies protective equipment according to the severity of the risk. The higher the category, the stricter the inspection.
| Category | Risk | Examples | Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Minimal risks, such as superficial mechanical injury or contact with mild cleaning agents | Simple gardening and work gloves, sunglasses | Manufacturer declares conformity themselves |
| II | Risks that do not fall under I or III | Safety shoes, safety glasses, helmets, hi-vis clothing, work gloves such as the Griphandschoen Latex Portwest A100 | EU type examination by a notified body |
| III | Risks with very serious consequences, such as death or irreparable damage | Fall protection harnesses, respiratory protection, hearing protection, chemical gloves, chainsaw trousers | Type examination plus continuous production monitoring |
Category III covers, among other things, hazardous substances, oxygen deficiency, biological agents, falls from height, electric shocks, harmful noise, chainsaw cuts and extreme heat or cold. You can identify this PPE by the four-digit number of the notified body after the CE marking.
How do you choose the right PPE?
- Identify the risks. Use the RI&E or a task risk assessment: what is the employee exposed to, for how long and how often?
- Choose the right standard and the right level of protection. A glove for glass processing requires a different cut level than a glove for warehouse work.
- Pay attention to combinations. Safety glasses must fit well with a face mask, and hearing muffs with a helmet. Choose components that fit together.
- Ensure a good fit and comfort. PPE that pinches or makes you sweat will be taken off. Let employees try on and choose where possible.
- Provide regular instruction and maintenance. Explain how the PPE is worn, inspected and replaced.
PPE per body part: overview with standards
| Body part | Protective equipment | Main standard |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Safety helmets and bump caps | EN 397 (industrial helmet), EN 812 (bump cap) |
| Eyes and face | Safety glasses, full-view glasses, face shields | EN 166 / EN ISO 16321 |
| Ears | Earplugs and earmuffs | EN 352, with SNR value in decibels |
| Respiratory tract | Dust masks and half-face masks | EN 149 (FFP1 to FFP3), EN 140 with filters |
| Hands | Work gloves | EN 388, EN ISO 374, EN 407, EN 511 |
| Feet | Safety shoes | EN ISO 20345 |
| Knees | Knee protectors | EN 14404 |
| Body | Protective clothing, disposable overalls | EN ISO 20471, EN ISO 11612, EN 13034 and others |
| Falls from height | Harnesses, lanyards, fall arrest devices | EN 361, EN 355, EN 360, EN 362 |
Replace a helmet after a hard impact, even if you do not see any damage. For hearing protection, choose an SNR value that suits the noise level: too much attenuation is also not good, because then you will no longer hear warning signals and colleagues. For knee protectors, EN 14404 indicates whether they are separate knee pieces or inserts in the knee pockets of work trousers; read more about this in our blog about the EN 14404 standard.
Work gloves: which standard do you need?
Hands are often injured at work. That is why there are many different gloves and standards:
- EN 388 – mechanical risks. The numbers stand for abrasion resistance, cut resistance (coupe test), tear resistance and puncture resistance. A letter from A to F indicates the cut level according to ISO 13997, with F being the highest; an extra P means impact protection. View cut-resistant gloves or read EN 388 explained.
- EN ISO 374 – chemicals and microorganisms. Type A, B or C indicates how many test substances the glove is resistant to for at least 30 minutes (type C: 10 minutes).
- EN 407 – heat and fire, such as during welding or working with hot parts.
- EN 511 – cold, for outdoor work and freeze cells.
- EN 12477 – welding gloves, type A (more protection) or type B (more dexterity).
For short, hygienic tasks, there are disposable gloves, and for electronics ESD gloves. A glove with a good grip, such as a grip glove, also prevents tools from slipping.
Respiratory protection: FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3?
Dust masks according to EN 149 are available in three classes. The higher the class, the less air leaks around and through the mask:
- FFP1 – maximum 22% leakage; for non-toxic, nuisance dust.
- FFP2 – maximum 8% leakage; for harmful dust, such as during construction work.
- FFP3 – maximum 2% leakage; for very harmful or carcinogenic dust, such as quartz dust during grinding and sawing in concrete.
A valve makes breathing easier during prolonged wear. Masks with the code NR are for one work shift; R means reusable. A mask only protects if it fits well: beard hair in the seal greatly reduces protection. For gases and vapours, you need a half-face mask with the right filter, not a dust mask.
Fall protection
Fall protection is required if there is a risk of falling from height and a fixed provision such as a handrail or scaffold is not possible. A fall protection system always consists of three parts: an anchor point, a connecting means (a lanyard with fall damper according to EN 355 or a fall arrest device according to EN 360, with carabiners according to EN 362) and a harness according to EN 361. Never work alone with fall protection and ensure there is a rescue plan, because after a fall someone must be freed quickly. According to EN 365 and the manufacturers, fall protection must be inspected by an expert at least once a year and taken out of use immediately after a fall.
Use, inspection and replacement of PPE
- Check PPE before each use for damage, wear and the expiry date.
- Store PPE clean, dry and away from the sun. UV light and heat weaken plastic and textiles.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, service life and replacement.
- Record inspections, especially for fall protection. A clothing register helps to keep track of what has been issued to each employee.
- Replace PPE immediately after an incident, such as a helmet after an impact or a harness after a fall.
Frequently asked questions about PPE
What all falls under PPE?
Everything an employee wears or holds to protect themselves against risks at work: helmets, glasses, hearing and respiratory protection, gloves, safety shoes, protective clothing such as hi-vis or flame-retardant clothing, knee protectors and fall protection. Ordinary workwear without a protective function does not fall under this.
Who pays for PPE, the employer or the employee?
The employer. According to the Working Conditions Act, the employer must provide PPE required for work free of charge. An employee contribution for PPE is not allowed.
How do I recognize if protective equipment is approved?
By the CE marking, the standard stated on the product or packaging and the instructions for use with an EU declaration of conformity. For category III, there is also a four-digit number of the inspection body next to the CE marking.
How often do I need to replace PPE?
This varies per product. Disposable masks and gloves are for single use. Helmets, harnesses and other PPE have a service life stated by the manufacturer in the instructions for use. Always replace PPE immediately upon damage or after an incident.
Can I order PPE on a business account?
Yes. Companies, institutions and employment agencies can register as a business and then order on account. Not sure which protection you need? Contact us.
View the full range of personal protective equipment, or also read everything about work shoes and everything about workwear.