Date issued:

2009-04-17

Review date:

2014-04-17

Open Government Status

Fully open

Author Unit

Safety unit HSE and PPE team HSL

Target audience

All HSE inspectors and visiting staff

Purpose

This OM replaces OM 2006/01. It provides inspectors and other visiting staff with practical guidance for interpreting the markings provided on personal protective equipment to comply with the requirements of European Standards.

Background

In recent years there has been a continued increase in the number of harmonised standards for personal protective equipment, (PPE) produced to support the Personal Protective Equipment Directive on Supply (89/686/EEC) which was implemented in the UK as the Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 1992 (PPE(EC) Regulations).  These Regulations have been replaced by the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/1144).  These Regulations are predominantly enforced by trading standards officers (TSOs), although some aspects are enforced by HSE.

In the case of newly supplied PPE (After 15 May 2002), compliance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 is a requirement of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPEW Regulations) and of certain other regulations, eg COSHH.  Prior to 15 May 2002 newly supplied PPE would have to comply with the PPE(EC) Regulations as required by the PPEW Regulations.

Because there is a very large number of transposed harmonised standards, most PPE suppliers choose to comply with the PPE Regulations 2002 by manufacturing in accordance with the relevant standard.  The practical effect of this is that almost all PPE for use at work is marked according to the coding rules of the relevant EN Standards.

The appendices to this OM contain a summary of all the currently available PPE standards, grouped under the following headings:

• Appendix 1 - Head protection [PDF 62KB]
• Appendix 2 - Hearing [PDF 39KB]
• Appendix 3 - Eye and face [PDF 118KB]
• Appendix 4 - Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) [PDF 137KB]
• Appendix 5 - Hands and arms [PDF 150KB]
• Appendix 6 - Foot and leg [PDF 102KB]
• Appendix 7 - Clothing [PDF 177KB]
• Appendix 8 - Buoyancy, immersion and diving suits [PDF 258KB]
• Appendix 9 - Fall arrest [PDF 119KB]

The summaries are intended to draw inspectors' and others’ attention to the marks on PPE which are of greatest significance for health and safety.  The information may assist in determining the adequacy of PPE for use at work.  A full copy of any listed EN can be supplied from the HSE Knowledge Centre or via the divisional information officer.  A number of HSE staff also have direct on-line access to the full text of EN standards through BSI. Any queries on the use of PPE should be directed as follows:

• for respiratory protective equipment (RPE) cases, contact your local RPE specialist Occupational Hygiene inspector; or
• Safety Unit (Manchester) for all other PPE; or
• PPE team, HSL.

The introductory page to each summary directs technical queries on interpretation of the Standards to the PPE team at the Health and Safety Laboratory, Buxton

The summary information in the attachments will be reviewed periodically and an updated OM issued accordingly.

Cancellation of instructions

OM 2006/01 cancel and destroy.