Personal protective equipment in 1992 — The European dimension

Three proposed European Directives will affect the standards, use and marketing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout Europe.

The PPE Product Directive deals with the manufacture and marketing of PPE. After July 1992 all PPE placed on the European market will have to carry the “CE Mark” indicating conformity with the Directive. All PPE except simple designs will have to be tested by approved bodies to harmonised European standards or to technical specifications. Manufacture of complex PPE intended for high risk uses will additionally be subject to quality control procedures.

The Framework Directive covers the general responsibilities of employers and employees for health and safety at work, and acts as a basis for other directives.

One of these Directives is the Use of PPE Directive which will require employers to provide and maintain suitable PPE for their workers, when risks cannot be controlled by other means. Employees will have to be consulted and trained in the use of PPE.

Both these Directives have to take effect by the end of December 1992.