Personal protective equipment (PPE) or workwear is a crucial component of workplace safety in Europe. To protect workers from hazards including fire, chemicals and electrical problems, the European Union (EU) has set strict safety rules for workwear.
The main piece of legislation governing the safety and performance standards for workwear is the EU PPE Directive (89/686/EEC). This directive applies to all forms of PPE, such as clothing, head protection, eye and face protection, respiratory protection and fall protection.
All workwear must carry the CE mark, which confirms that it has been tested and complies with EU safety regulations, as one of the key requirements of the PPE Directive. The CE mark also guarantees that the workwear has been manufactured in accordance with EU quality control and production criteria.
In addition to the PPE Directive, there are a number of specific EU laws that apply to certain categories of workwear. For example, the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on PPE defines safety and performance standards for PPE, including clothing, head protection, eye and face protection and fall protection.
The EN ISO 20471 standard, which details high-visibility clothing for professional use, is another important workwear standard in Europe. By ensuring that workers are visible in low light and poor visibility, these guidelines reduce the likelihood of accidents.
It is also very important to remember that employers are responsible for ensuring that employees have the appropriate PPE for their specific job duties, as well as for maintaining and updating the PPE as needed. Employees also need to be frequently trained on how to use and maintain the PPE, as well as regularly inspecting, cleaning and repairing the PPE.
To ensure that workers are protected from risks, the EU has adopted strict safety rules for workwear. Employers are required by law to provide appropriate PPE and ensure that their workers are properly supervised. By complying with these requirements, employers can help ensure the safety and health of their workers.