Wearing PPE what are the rules and standards to follow?

Personal protective equipment are devices designed to protect workers from occupational hazards. The compliance, manufacture and maintenance of PPE are subject to the regulations in force. The Labor Code effectively regulates the obligations of the employer and the employee as well as their use. So what are these rules and standards?

PPE or personal protective equipment includes clothing and various work accessories which contribute to the protection of employees from possible risks in their workplace. Wearing PPE is compulsory for certain areas of activity such as the medical sector, construction, food and heavy industries. In addition, these safety devices regain their usefulness to ensure consumer protection by preventing the proliferation and contamination of bacteria in food. In addition, respirators aim to limit the risks associated with handling chemicals. While gloves, safety shoes and disposable coveralls are recommended to protect against the risk of falling heavy elements. All of these products are in the category of essential personal protective equipment.

Basic PPE categories: the choice of safety

Three categories of PPE exist:

• Category I PPE: these include equipment intended to protect the user from minor risks, which do not cause serious injury. Among these equipment, you will find earplugs, noise-cancelling headbands, hearing protectors and protective gloves.
• Category II PPE: they protect the vital parts of employees' bodies. In addition, this equipment prevents irreversible damage. Glasses, women's work shoes, helmets and masks fall into this category.
• Category III PPE: they protect employees from fatal risks. These devices consist of life jackets, safety harnesses and breathing apparatus.

PPE: means of protection against risks

Personal protective equipment is intended to protect workers against different types of risks such as:

• Superficial lesions: which can be of different origins such as mechanical, physical or chemical attacks that do not expose workers to serious dangers. There is protection equipment against UV, small shocks and chemical and toxic products.
• Serious attacks: PPE protects against hazards that can cause serious injury to vital parts of the body.
• The mortal dangers

To minimize the risks and especially the dangers that can occur in the workplace, wearing PPE is mandatory. No device should replace them. Also remember that their compliance and manufacture must meet strict standards to be qualified as reliable for workers. In terms of use and obligations of employees and employers, they are governed by the Labor Code.

To guarantee optimal protection of employees and avoid possible lawsuits, all employers must comply with obligations for the provision and wearing of these devices, regardless of the sector of activity. According to article R4321-4 of the Labor Code, the employer is obliged to provide personal protective equipment adapted to workers, as needed. Depending on the level of risk linked to the sector of activity, the employer ensures that employees use PPE correctly. The choice of PPE depends on the users and the risks to be prevented.

Who should provide personal protective equipment?

Of course, the employer is primarily responsible for the safety of its employees. The provision of the necessary PPE is up to him. To do this, he must assess the health and safety risks and dangers to which workers are exposed. Then, the employer must provide the appropriate security measures according to his assessment. Also, he must make his employees aware of the wearing of PPE by training them on the use of PPE so that they comply with the instructions displayed on the equipment. Finally, the employer must ensure that the PPE is worn correctly and that it displays a certificate of conformity. It can even impose internal regulations concerning the obligation to wear PPE.

Wearing PPE: employee obligations

Who should wear protective clothing or PPE in the workplace?