OM 2009/03
All HSE inspectors and visiting staff
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.
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 These Regulations have been replaced by the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/1144).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:
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:
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.
OM 2006/01 cancel and destroy.
