Personal protective equipment (PPE) For what protection?

What is the role of PPE? & What PPE is required?

Benefiting from good protection is essential for professionals in the exercise of their activities, Having personal protective equipment avoids any risk (falls from heights, falling objects, etc.) that can create health problems for them (ear plugs, skin problems, etc.) or reduce their productivity. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE for short provides them with protection so that they can carry out their work as safely as possible. It should be noted that PPE is not, however, the only means of protecting employees in the context of their work. In addition, each sector of activity requires specific PPE. The wearing of PPE is recommended, even, it is an obligation in certain sectors of activity, moreover certain employers may oblige the wearing of PPE, for this it is necessary to look at the internal regulations of the company. The employer must provide all employees with PPE to carry out their daily work in compliance with working conditions ensuring everyone's safety. What does the law say in the labor code:

Article L. 230-2 specifies that "The employer shall take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the health of the workers of the establishment, including temporary workers. These measures include actions to prevent occupational risks, information and training, as well as the implementation of an appropriate organization and resources, ensuring that these measures are adapted to take account of changing circumstances and seek to improve existing situations. Without prejudice to the other provisions of this code, when in the same workplace workers from several companies are present, employers must cooperate in the implementation of the provisions relating to safety, hygiene and health according to terms and conditions defined by decree in Council of State."

PPE, the different categories: 1, 2, 3

All PPE falls into a category of protection against risks, there are three categories:

• I-superficial mechanical aggression; this category requires CE self-certification
• II-intermediate risks between I and III; we are talking about mechanical, physical or chemical injuries. Equipment in this category must protect against shocks affecting vital parts of the body and likely to cause irreversible damage. CE certification is affixed by an authorized body after testing.
• III-irreversible or fatal risks; PPE in this category must have CE type certification followed by a production check carried out by an authorized organization.

List of personal protective equipment for workers

Be careful, PPE is not the only protection available, it must be in addition to work clothes adapted to your sector of activity. PPE is for personal use and is complementary to collective protection means, PPE includes a wide range of equipment. Personal protective equipment is divided into several categories, each of which must meet safety standards.

What are the means of protection? & What is the protective equipment?

There are several types of PPE:

• PPE for the head: helmet with chinstrap, cap, etc.
• PPE for the ears, hearing protection headphones, noise-canceling headband
• PPE for the eyes and face: visor, goggles, etc.
• PPE for the respiratory tract: mask
• PPE for the body: a set of high visibility, �
• PPE for upper limbs: gloves, harnesses, etc.
• PPE for the lower limbs: safety shoes, trousers with knee pads, etc.

Why wear PPE?

From the time you work, wearing PPE is important for your safety and comfort in the workplace. exercise of your work. To know when to wear PPE, you must assess the risks in your professional environment to define priority preventive measures in order to preserve the health and safety of workers. employees.

What standards / regulations for PPE?

PPE is governed by safety standards. Depending on your activity, all or part of your body must be protected. It is important to know the standards governing the exercise of your profession to ensure the state of compliance.

PPE is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, this legislation promotes the improvement of the safety of PPE available on the market and guarantees that all PPE on the European market complies with the regulation and therefore with the relevant standards in force.

There are standards depending on the specificity of protection and the type of PPE, here is a non-exhaustive list:

• Knee protection: EN ISO 14404
• High visibility clothing: EN ISO 20471, class 1, class 2, class 3
• Protection against heat and flame: EN ISO 11612
• Protection for welders and allied techniques: EN ISO 11611
• Protection against thermal arc hazards: IEC 61482-2
• Protective against liquid chemicals type 6 and type PB[6]: EN 13034
• Protection against electrostatic charges: EN 1149-5
• Rain protection: EN 343
• Controlling risks in explosive atmospheres: ATEX ZONES

For more information on this subject, you can consult this page: click here.

PPE provides safety for how long?

All PPE has an expiry date, therefore a different lifespan, it is essential to change PPE at the right time, therefore, it depends on the type of material, the manufacturer, the use made by the employee, the current state of the PPE, �
Manufacturers have the obligation to define and give the theoretical lifespan of their PPE, you will find the information in the instructions for use . There are two dates:

• Lifetime in use,
• The maximum lifespan.

Don't forget PPE such as: headphones, or even safety shoe, safety trainers. They should be complemented with workwear: Work trousers, work overalls , or more specific workwear such as high-visibility clothing.