89/686/EEC - Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Council Directive 89/686/EEC harmonizes the laws of EU Member States relating to personal protective equipment (PPE). It establishes the conditions for placing PPE on the market and ensures their free movement within the Community, requiring PPE to meet essential health and safety requirements to protect users. The directive defines PPE broadly, including devices worn or held to protect against health and safety hazards, and mandates that products comply with harmonized European standards which confer a presumption of conformity. National regulations diverging from these unified standards were to be phased out by 31 December 1992. The directive also sets procedures for conformity assessment, certification, and market surveillance. Member States must ensure that PPE bearing the CE marking meets the directive’s requirements, recognizing inspection results from other States to avoid barriers to trade. Measures are provided for removing non-compliant PPE from the market. The directive encourages cooperation between industry and standardization bodies, ensuring safety while facilitating the internal market's operation. It excludes products covered by other directives and includes transitional provisions for standards development.
Purpose
Council Directive 89/686/EEC, adopted on 21 December 1989, aims to harmonize the laws of Member States concerning personal protective equipment (PPE) to enable the free movement of PPE within the European Community, while ensuring a high level of health and safety protection for users. The Directive targets the removal of trade barriers created by diverse national regulations related to design, manufacture, testing, quality, and certification of PPE. It sets out essential health and safety requirements for PPE and establishes procedures for conformity assessment and market surveillance, thereby facilitating the creation and operation of the internal market.
Key Obligations
Safety Requirements: PPE must satisfy the basic health and safety requirements detailed in Annex II, ensuring protection against one or more health and safety hazards without compromising others' safety.
Market Access Conditions: PPE may only be placed on the market and put into service if it complies with the Directive and preserves the health and safety of users under proper maintenance and intended use.
Conformity Assessment: Manufacturers or their authorized representatives must assemble technical documentation (Annex III) before placing PPE on the market. Type-examination (EC type-examination) is required for complex PPE models, certifying conformity with the Directive’s provisions.
EC Marking: PPE conforming to the Directive must bear the EC mark. Member States shall not restrict market access of PPE or components bearing this mark.
Certification Bodies: Member States must designate and notify competent bodies responsible for certification procedures, following criteria outlined in Annex V.
Standardization: Harmonized European standards related to PPE design, manufacture, testing, and specifications facilitate conformity assessment, giving a presumption of conformity with the Directive's basic requirements. These are non-mandatory but important for proving compliance.
Market Surveillance and Safeguard Measures: Member States shall monitor PPE in the market. If PPE bearing the EC mark poses risks, States must take measures to remove or restrict it and inform the Commission. The Commission will coordinate follow-up actions.
Industry Involvement: Member States must enable industry stakeholders to participate in the formulation and review of harmonized standards at the national level.
Affected Products and Actors
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Defined broadly as any device or appliance intended to be worn or held by an individual to protect against health and safety hazards. This includes:
- Combined units made by manufacturers for protection against multiple risks,
- Protective devices combined with non-protective personal equipment,
- Interchangeable components essential for PPE function.
Excluded Products: Certain classes of PPE covered by other directives with similar objectives or listed in Annex I are excluded.
Manufacturers and Authorized Representatives: Responsible for ensuring conformity, technical documentation, and certification processes.
Notified Bodies: Designated by Member States to conduct conformity assessments such as EC type-examination.
Member States: Responsible for implementation, market surveillance, and enforcement of the Directive’s provisions.
Implementation Timeline
Harmonized Standards and Conformity: While harmonized standards were being developed, existing national standards remained valid on a transitional basis until 31 December 1992 at the latest, provided they complied with Treaty provisions.
Industry Participation: By 30 June 1991, Member States were required to facilitate industry participation in the development and review of harmonized standards.
Transitional Arrangements: PPE models that do not require EC type-examination (simple design) were exempt from prior type-examination but still required declaration of conformity.
Market Surveillance: Ongoing from the date of the Directive’s entry into force, with Member States and the Commission obliged to take timely actions on unsafe PPE bearing the EC mark.
The Directive established a legal framework setting harmonized safety requirements and conformity procedures to be fully implemented by the end of 1992 to support the internal market in PPE, balancing safety and trade facilitation.
This Directive applies to personal protective equipment (PPE), defined as any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards. It covers not only individual PPE items but also units made up of several combined devices, protective devices combined with non-protective personal equipment, and essential interchangeable PPE components. The Directive governs the placing on the market and free movement of PPE within the European Community and sets basic safety requirements to ensure health protection and safety for users. It excludes PPE covered by other directives with similar objectives and specific classes of PPE listed in Annex I. The scope encompasses equipment intended to protect users in various sectors and activities against risks such as mechanical action, chemical exposure, low or high temperatures, electrical hazards, falls, and other occupational dangers.
Die Richtlinie 89/686/EWG zielt auf die Harmonisierung der Rechtsvorschriften der EU-Mitgliedstaaten für persönliche Schutzausrüstungen (PSA) ab, um den freien Warenverkehr innerhalb des Binnenmarkts zu gewährleisten und gleichzeitig einen hohen Gesundheitsschutz und Arbeitssicherheitsstandard sicherzustellen. Sie legt grundlegende Anforderungen an die Gestaltung, Herstellung und Konformitätsbewertung von PSA fest, definiert harmonisierte Normen als technische Spezifikationen und stellt sicher, dass PSA, die das EG-Konformitätszeichen tragen, den festgelegten Sicherheitsstandards entsprechen. Darüber hinaus regelt die Richtlinie Verfahren der EG-Baumusterprüfung, Konformitätserklärung und die Benennung von zugelassenen Stellen zur Überwachung der Einhaltung. Sie schließt PSA aus, die bereits von anderen Richtlinien abgedeckt sind, und schafft Regelungen zur vorübergehenden Anerkennung nationaler Normen bis zur Einführung harmonisierter Normen. Die Mitgliedstaaten sind verpflichtet, Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Benutzer zu ergreifen und Informationen über nicht konforme Produkte auszutauschen. Die Richtlinie fördert zudem die Mitwirkung der Sozialpartner bei der Normenerarbeitung, um sichere Arbeitsbedingungen durch geeignete persönliche Schutzausrüstungen zu gewährleisten.
Zweck
Die Richtlinie 89/686/EWG regelt die Angleichung der Rechtsvorschriften der EU-Mitgliedstaaten für persönliche Schutzausrüstungen (PSA). Ziel ist die Schaffung eines harmonisierten Binnenmarktes für PSA durch eine Vereinheitlichung der grundlegenden Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsanforderungen. Sie soll den freien Verkehr von PSA innerhalb des Binnenmarktes gewährleisten, den Schutz der Benutzer sichern und Handelshemmnisse zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten beseitigen. Dabei soll das bestehende Schutzniveau beibehalten oder verbessert werden. Die Richtlinie umfasst die Gestaltung, Herstellung, Prüfung und Konformitätsbewertung von PSA.
Wesentliche Pflichten
Sicherheitsanforderungen (Artikel 3): PSA müssen die grundlegenden Gesundheits- und Sicherheitsanforderungen aus Anhang II erfüllen, um die Gesundheit und Sicherheit der Benutzer zu gewährleisten.
Inverkehrbringen und Zulassung (Artikel 1 und 2): PSA dürfen nur dann in Verkehr gebracht und in Betrieb genommen werden, wenn sie den Anforderungen dieser Richtlinie entsprechen.
Gemeinsames EG-Zeichen und Freier Warenverkehr (Artikel 4 und 5):
- PSA, die den Anforderungen genügen und das EG-Baumusterprüfzeichen haben, dürfen nicht verboten oder beschränkt werden.
- Es besteht eine gegenseitige Anerkennung der Konformitätsbewertungen der PSA.
- Hersteller müssen ggf. eine EG-Baumusterprüfung (Art. 8 ff.) durchlaufen.
- Für einfache PSA, die nur gegen geringfügige Risiken schützen, gelten vereinfachte Regelungen.
Technische Dokumentation (Artikel 8): Hersteller müssen technische Unterlagen erstellen, um die Konformität nachzuweisen.
Benannte Stellen (Artikel 9):
- Mitgliedstaaten benennen Prüfstellen, die für Konformitätsbewertung zuständig sind.
- Die Kommission veröffentlicht Listen dieser Stellen.
- Kriterien zur Anerkennung der Stellen sind harmonisiert.
Konformitätsbewertungsverfahren (Artikel 10 ff.):
- Die EG-Baumusterprüfung dient der Prüfung und Zertifizierung von Modellen.
- Komplexe PSA mit hohen Gefahren erfordern strengere Prüfverfahren.
Maßnahmen bei Nichtkonformität (Artikel 7):
- Mitgliedstaaten müssen Maßnahmen gegen nicht konforme PSA ergreifen und die Kommission informieren.
- Es besteht ein Verfahren zur schnellen Beurteilung und ggf. zum Rückzug von PSA aus dem Markt.
Normenentwicklung: Harmonisierte europäische Normen werden von CEN und CENELEC erstellt, deren Einhaltung als Konformitätsnachweis gilt, jedoch unverbindlich ist.
Sozialpartner: Die nationalen Sozialpartner sind in den Normungsprozess einzubinden.
Betroffene Produkte und Akteure
Persönliche Schutzausrüstungen (PSA):
- Vorrichtungen oder Mittel, die eine Person tragen oder halten kann, um gegen ein oder mehrere Gesundheits- oder Sicherheitsrisiken zu schützen.
- Dazu zählen Einheiten aus mehreren Komponenten, Schutzvorrichtungen, austauschbare Bestandteile und Verbindungssysteme für PSA.
- Ausgeschlossen sind PSA, die bereits unter andere EU-Richtlinien fallen oder in der Ausschlussliste (Anhang I) genannt sind.
Hersteller und Bevollmächtigte: Sind verantwortlich für die Einhaltung der Richtlinie, Erstellung der technischen Unterlagen, Durchführung der erforderlichen Prüfungen und Anbringung des EG-Zeichens.
Benannte Stellen: Prüfen und bescheinigen die Konformität der PSA.
Mitgliedstaaten: Kontrollieren das Inverkehrbringen, benennen Prüfstellen, ergreifen Maßnahmen gegen nicht konforme Produkte und sorgen für die Einbindung der Sozialpartner.
Sozialpartner: Beteiligt an der Erarbeitung harmonisierter Normen auf nationaler Ebene.
Umsetzungszeitraum
Die Richtlinie wurde am 21. Dezember 1989 erlassen.
Sie knüpft an die Verwirklichung des Binnenmarktes bis zum 31. Dezember 1992.
Übergangsregelung (Artikel 5 Abs. 3): Für PSA ohne harmonisierte Normen konnten bis zum 31. Dezember 1992 noch nationale Regelungen angewandt werden, sofern sie mit dem Vertrag vereinbar waren.
Frist für Einbindung der Sozialpartner: Spätestens bis zum 30. Juni 1991 müssen Mitgliedstaaten Maßnahmen ergreifen, um die Sozialpartner in den Normungsprozess einzubinden.
Die Kommission veröffentlicht und aktualisiert die Listen harmonisierter Normen und benannter Stellen fortlaufend.
Diese Richtlinie bildet die Grundlage für die Sicherheit und den freien Verkehr persönlicher Schutzausrüstungen im europäischen Binnenmarkt. Mit dem Erlass folgender Verordnungen und Richtlinien (z.B. der Verordnung (EU) 2016/425) wurde sie mittlerweile ersetzt oder ergänzt.
Die Richtlinie 89/686/EWG gilt für persönliche Schutzausrüstungen (PSA), die dazu bestimmt sind, von einer Person getragen oder gehalten zu werden, um sie vor Risiken zu schützen, welche ihre Gesundheit und Sicherheit gefährden können. Dazu zählen auch Einheiten aus mehreren zusammengefügten Vorrichtungen, Schutzvorrichtungen, die mit nichtschützender persönlicher Ausrüstung verbunden sind, sowie austauschbare Bestandteile, die für das Funktionieren der PSA unerlässlich sind. Die Richtlinie regelt das Inverkehrbringen und den freien Verkehr dieser Produkte innerhalb der EU und legt grundlegende Gesundheits- und Sicherheitsanforderungen fest, die die PSA erfüllen müssen. Ausgenommen sind PSA, die bereits unter andere EU-Richtlinien fallen oder in einer Ausschlussliste genannt sind. Die Forderung nach Harmonisierung tritt insbesondere bei verschiedenen nationalen Vorschriften in Kraft, die sonst den freien Warenverkehr behindern könnten.
La directive 89/686/CEE vise à harmoniser les législations des États membres concernant les équipements de protection individuelle (EPI) afin de garantir leur libre circulation au sein du marché intérieur européen, tout en assurant un niveau élevé de protection de la santé et de la sécurité des utilisateurs. Elle définit les exigences essentielles de sécurité auxquelles doivent répondre les EPI, applicables à tout dispositif destiné à protéger une personne contre des risques susceptibles de menacer sa santé ou sécurité. La directive instaure des procédures de certification, notamment l’apposition de la marque CE, attestant la conformité des EPI aux normes harmonisées européennes. Elle prévoit également des mécanismes permettant aux autorités nationales d’intervenir en cas de risque avéré lié à un EPI sur le marché. La reconnaissance mutuelle des contrôles et l’harmonisation des critères d’évaluation des organismes chargés de la certification facilitent la libre circulation des EPI. Cette harmonisation participe à la création d’un environnement de travail plus sûr tout en préservant les niveaux de protection existants et en favorisant l’innovation et la sécurité au sein de la Communauté européenne.
Objet
La directive 89/686/CEE du Conseil du 21 décembre 1989 vise à harmoniser les législations des États membres de l'Union européenne relatives aux équipements de protection individuelle (EPI). Son objectif est d’établir un marché intérieur sans frontières, assurant la libre circulation des EPI tout en garantissant un niveau élevé de protection de la santé et de la sécurité des utilisateurs.
La directive définit les EPI comme tout dispositif ou moyen destiné à être porté ou tenu par une personne pour la protéger contre un ou plusieurs risques pouvant menacer sa santé ou sa sécurité. Elle regroupe également les ensembles de dispositifs incorporés solidement ou dissociablement, ainsi que les composants interchangeables indispensables à leur fonctionnement.
Obligations principales
Respect des exigences essentielles de santé et de sécurité : Tous les EPI doivent satisfaire aux exigences définies dans l’annexe II de la directive, garantissant la protection des utilisateurs sans compromettre la sécurité d’autres personnes ou des biens.
Procédures de mise sur le marché :
- Le fabricant ou son mandataire doit constituer une documentation technique (annexe III) avant la mise sur le marché.
- La plupart des EPI doivent faire l’objet d’un examen « CE » de type avant production.
- Certains EPI considérés comme simples, protégeant contre des risques mineurs dont les effets sont facilement reconnaissables par l'utilisateur, peuvent être exemptés de cet examen.
Marquage CE :
- Le marquage CE est obligatoire pour les EPI conformes aux exigences essentielles.
- Les États membres ne peuvent pas interdire ou restreindre la mise sur le marché des EPI marqués CE, sauf en cas de risques avérés.
Reconnaissance mutuelle des contrôles : Une harmonisation des critères d’évaluation et des procédures de certification est établie pour éviter la multiplication des contrôles dans les différents États membres.
Gestion des non-conformités : En cas de risque lié à un EPI marqué CE, les États membres doivent retirer le produit du marché et informer la Commission. Cette dernière coordonne la réponse et peut décider d’une modification des normes harmonisées.
Participation des partenaires sociaux : Les partenaires sociaux doivent être impliqués dans le processus d’élaboration et de suivi des normes harmonisées relatives aux EPI au niveau national.
Produits et acteurs concernés
Produits : Tous les équipements de protection individuelle destinés à protéger les personnes contre des risques pour leur santé ou sécurité, incluant :
- Dispositifs portables ou tenus par la personne (casques, gants, vêtements de protection, lunettes, protections auditives).
- Ensembles intégrés de plusieurs dispositifs.
- Composants interchangeables essentiels à ces équipements.
Acteurs :
- Fabricants : doivent assurer la conformité des EPI aux exigences, réaliser ou mandater les études et certifications nécessaires, tenir à jour la documentation technique et apposer le marquage CE.
- Mandataires établis dans la Communauté : agissent comme représentants des fabricants hors UE.
- Organismes notifiés : désignés par les États membres pour effectuer les examens et contrôles de conformité.
- Autorités nationales : contrôlent la mise sur le marché et prennent des mesures en cas de danger.
- Partenaires sociaux : participent à la normalisation.
Calendrier de mise en œuvre
- La directive fixe une période transitoire jusqu’au 31 décembre 1992 pour que les EPI non encore couverts par des normes harmonisées continuent à respecter les normes nationales existantes.
- Les États membres devaient prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour rendre la directive applicable au plus tard au 30 juin 1991, impliquant notamment la transposition en droit national et la mise en place des mécanismes de contrôle et de notification des organismes de certification.
- La Commission publie régulièrement la liste des normes harmonisées applicables et la liste des organismes notifiés chargés de réaliser les certifications CE.
Ce cadre législatif permet d’établir un marché communautaire commun pour les équipements de protection individuelle garantissant à la fois la libre circulation des produits et un haut niveau de sécurité pour les utilisateurs au sein de l’Union européenne.
La directive 89/686/CEE s'applique aux équipements de protection individuelle (EPI) destinés à être portés ou tenus par une personne pour la protéger contre un ou plusieurs risques susceptibles de menacer sa santé et sa sécurité. Cela inclut également les ensembles de dispositifs solidaires, les dispositifs protecteurs solidaires d'équipements non protecteurs, ainsi que les composants interchangeables indispensables au bon fonctionnement des EPI. Sont exclus les EPI couverts par d'autres directives européennes poursuivant les mêmes objectifs de sécurité et de libre circulation, ainsi que certains équipements listés en annexe I. La directive concerne la mise sur le marché et la libre circulation intracommunautaire de ces équipements, en garantissant qu'ils respectent des exigences essentielles de santé et de sécurité afin de protéger les utilisateurs, tout en assurant une harmonisation des législations nationales pour faciliter le fonctionnement du marché intérieur.
Direktiva 89/686/EGS določa osnovne zahteve in postopke za dajanje v promet ter prosti pretok osebne zaščitne opreme (OZO) znotraj Evropske skupnosti, s ciljem vzpostavitve enotnega trga in zagotovitve visoke ravni varstva zdravja in varnosti uporabnikov. Opredeljuje OZO kot naprave ali sredstva, ki jih posameznik nosi ali drži za zaščito pred nevarnostmi za zdravje in varnost, vključno z večjedrnim sestavom in zamenljivimi deli. Direktiva določa obveznosti proizvajalcev pri pripravi tehnične dokumentacije, postopkih ES-tipskega preskusa, sistemih nadzora kakovosti proizvodnje ter izdaji ES-oznake skladnosti. Države članice so dolžne zagotoviti, da se OZO lahko daje v promet le, če izpolnjuje osnovne varnostne zahteve in ima ustrezne certifikate. Prav tako je predviden mehanizem za medsebojno priznanje pregledov, spremljanje skladnosti, umik nevarnih izdelkov ter pristojnosti akreditiranih organov. Direktiva spodbuja sodelovanje socialnih partnerjev pri oblikovanju usklajenih standardov, ki omogočajo dokazovanje skladnosti in olajšajo prosti pretok OZO brez zmanjšanja ravni varnosti.
Namen
Direktiva Sveta 89/686/EGS z dne 21. decembra 1989 ureja približevanje zakonodaj držav članic v zvezi z osebno zaščitno opremo (OZO). Namen direktive je zagotoviti prosti pretok osebne zaščitne opreme na notranjem trgu Evropske skupnosti, hkrati pa ohraniti ali celo izboljšati raven varstva zdravja in varnosti uporabnikov.
Ta direktiva je bila sprejeta, da bi uskladila različne nacionalne predpise, ki urejajo zahteve glede zasnove, izdelave, preskušanja in certificiranja osebne zaščitne opreme. S tem se preprečijo ovire pri trgovini, ki bi lahko nastale zaradi različnih zahtev držav članic.
Ključne obveznosti
Skladnost z osnovnimi zahtevami: OZO mora izpolnjevati osnovne zdravstvene in varnostne zahteve, določene v direktivi (Priloga II), ki zagotavljajo varovanje uporabnikov pred poškodbami in boleznimi.
Dajanje v promet: OZO se lahko daje v promet in uporablja samo, če varuje zdravje in varnost uporabnikov, ne da bi pri tem ogrožala druge osebe, domače živali ali premoženje.
ES-oznake in certifikacija: OZO mora imeti ES-oznako, ki potrjuje skladnost z zahtevami direktive. Za zahtevnejše vrste OZO, ki varujejo pred resnimi nevarnostmi, se izvaja ES-tipski preskus pri priglašenih organih.
Postopki preskušanja in nadzor proizvodnje: Proizvajalec mora sestaviti tehnično dokumentacijo in lahko na zahtevo predloži izjavo o skladnosti. Poleg tega je predviden nadzor kakovosti proizvodnje in naključni pregledi OZO s strani priglašenih organov.
Odprava nezakonitih proizvodov: Če organi ugotovijo, da OZO z ES-oznako ogroža varnost, lahko odredijo umik opreme s trga in prepovejo njeno dajanje v promet.
Sodelovanje socialnih partnerjev: Države članice morajo omogočiti vpliv socialnih partnerjev na postopke oblikovanja usklajenih standardov.
Vplivani izdelki in akterji
Osebna zaščitna oprema: Vsaka naprava ali sredstvo, namenjeno nošenju ali držanju za zaščito uporabnika pred enim ali več nevarnostmi za zdravje in varnost.
Vključuje tako posamezne elemente kot tudi sestavljene enote (npr. celotni sklopi zaščitne opreme), varnostne naprave, ki so kombinirane z nezaščitno osebno opremo, ter zamenljive dele, ki so ključnega pomena za neoporečno delovanje OZO.
Proizvajalci in zastopniki: Proizvajalci ali njihovi pooblaščeni zastopniki s sedežem v Skupnosti so odgovorni za pripravo tehnične dokumentacije, izvedbo postopkov potrjevanja skladnosti in sodelovanje s priglašenimi organi.
Priglašeni organi: Neodvisni kontrolni organi, ki izvajajo pregled in potrjevanje skladnosti (certifikacijo in preskušanje), so imenovani in nadzorovani s strani držav članic.
Države članice: Zagotavljajo nadzor nad izvajanjem direktive, obveščajo Komisijo, urejajo seznam priglašenih organov in sprejemajo ustrezne ukrepe v primeru tveganj.
Rok za izvajanje
Do 31. decembra 1992 je bil določen rok za dokončno vzpostavitev notranjega trga brez notranjih meja, kar vključuje tudi uskladitev zakonodaje glede osebne zaščitne opreme.
Države članice so morale do 30. junija 1991 sprejeti ukrepe, da socialni partnerji lahko vplivajo na standardizacijski postopek na nacionalni ravni.
Nacionalne uredbe za OZO brez usklajenih standardov so imele prehodni rok do 31. decembra 1992, do koder so še veljale, če so bile v skladu s pogodbo.
Proizvajalci so pred uvedbo OZO na trg morali izvesti potrebne postopke, kot je ES-tipski preskus in nadzor kakovosti, skladno z zahtevami direktive.
Ta direktiva predstavlja temeljni pravni okvir za zagotavljanje varnosti in prostega pretoka osebne zaščitne opreme znotraj Evropske unije, in je vplivala na nadaljnje zakonodajne akte na tem področju.
Direktiva 89/686/EGS se uporablja za osebno zaščitno opremo (OZO), ki je namenjena zaščiti posameznika pred eno ali več nevarnostmi za zdravje in varnost. Vključuje posamezne naprave ali sredstva, večkomponentne enote, varnostne naprave, ki so kombinirane z drugo osebno opremo, ter zamenljive dele, pomembne za neoporečno delovanje OZO. Direktiva ureja pogoje dajanja te opreme v promet in njen prosti pretok v Evropski skupnosti, pri čemer določa osnovne varnostne in zdravstvene zahteve za zagotavljanje varstva uporabnikov. Izjeme so OZO, ki so urejene z drugimi direktivami ali so posebej izključene po prilogi I. Namenjena je raznim sektorjem in dejavnostim, kjer se uporablja osebna zaščitna oprema za varnost pri delu, zaščito zdravja in preprečevanje poškodb, ob upoštevanju skladnosti z evropskimi standardi ter zagotovitev prostega pretoka blaga na notranjem trgu.
General Information
This document specifies requirements, test methods, marking, manufacturer’s instructions and information and packaging for guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line forming a single product. This anchor line is attached to an upper anchor point for vertical and inclined applications; for horizontal applications, the anchor point can be located at the user’s foot level. Guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line conforming to this document are components of one of the fall arrest systems covered by EN 363:2018. Other types of fall arresters are specified in EN 353-1:2014+A1:2017 or EN 360:2023.
- Standard42 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the test method for determining the resistance of chemical protective clothing to penetration by sprays of liquid chemicals at two different levels of intensity:
a) Method A: low-level spray test. This is applicable to clothing that covers the full body surface and is intended to be worn when there is a potential risk of exposure to small quantities of spray or accidental low-volume splashes of a liquid chemical.
b) Method B: high-level spray test. This is applicable to clothing with spray-tight connections between different parts of the clothing and, if applicable, between the clothing and other items of personal protective equipment, which covers the full body surface and which is intended to be worn when there is a risk of exposure to sprayed liquid chemical.
This document does not apply to chemical permeation resistance of the materials from which the chemical protective clothing is made.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements, test methods, marking, manufacturer’s instructions and information and packaging for guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line forming a single product. This anchor line is attached to an upper anchor point for vertical and inclined applications; for horizontal applications, the anchor point can be located at the user’s foot level. Guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line conforming to this document are components of one of the fall arrest systems covered by EN 363:2018. Other types of fall arresters are specified in EN 353-1:2014+A1:2017 or EN 360:2023.
- Standard42 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the test method for determining the resistance of chemical protective clothing to penetration by sprays of liquid chemicals at two different levels of intensity:
a) Method A: low-level spray test. This is applicable to clothing that covers the full body surface and is intended to be worn when there is a potential risk of exposure to small quantities of spray or accidental low-volume splashes of a liquid chemical.
b) Method B: high-level spray test. This is applicable to clothing with spray-tight connections between different parts of the clothing and, if applicable, between the clothing and other items of personal protective equipment, which covers the full body surface and which is intended to be worn when there is a risk of exposure to sprayed liquid chemical.
This document does not apply to chemical permeation resistance of the materials from which the chemical protective clothing is made.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies the performance classification and test methods for materials used in chemical protective clothing, including gloves and footwear. The gloves and boots should have the same chemical protective barrier requirements as the fabric when an integral part of the clothing. This is a reference standard to which chemical protective clothing performance standards may refer in whole or in part, but this standard is not exhaustive in the sense that product standards may well require testing according to test method standards which are not included in this standard.
While these performance levels are intended to relate to the usage to which the chemical protective clothing is to be put, it is essential that the chemical protective clothing manufacturer or supplier indicate the intended use of the protective clothing and that the user (specifier) carries out a risk assessment in order to establish the correct performance level for the intended task.
- Standard33 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies the performance classification and test methods for materials used in chemical protective clothing, including gloves and footwear. The gloves and boots should have the same chemical protective barrier requirements as the fabric when an integral part of the clothing. This is a reference standard to which chemical protective clothing performance standards may refer in whole or in part, but this standard is not exhaustive in the sense that product standards may well require testing according to test method standards which are not included in this standard.
While these performance levels are intended to relate to the usage to which the chemical protective clothing is to be put, it is essential that the chemical protective clothing manufacturer or supplier indicate the intended use of the protective clothing and that the user (specifier) carries out a risk assessment in order to establish the correct performance level for the intended task.
- Standard33 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements, testing, marking and manufacturer’s instructions and information for sit harnesses to be used in restraint, work positioning and rope access systems, where a low point of attachment is required. Sit harnesses are not suitable to be used for fall arrest purposes.
- Standard24 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard applies to rope adjustment devices intended for use in rope access systems. It specifies the requirements, test methods, marking and manufacturer’s instructions and information.
- Standard40 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies requirements, testing, marking and manufacturer’s instructions and information for sit harnesses to be used in restraint, work positioning and rope access systems, where a low point of attachment is required. Sit harnesses are not suitable to be used for fall arrest purposes.
- Standard24 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies minimum requirements for powered filtering Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) incorporating a loose fitting respiratory interface (RI). It does not cover devices designed for use in circumstances where there is or might be an oxygen deficiency.
Escape RPD and filters for use against CO are not covered by this document.
Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
- Standard41 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard applies to rope adjustment devices intended for use in rope access systems. It specifies the requirements, test methods, marking and manufacturer’s instructions and information.
- Standard40 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements, test methods, marking, manufacturer’s instructions and information for retractable type fall arresters (RTFAs) and applies to a RTFA with a single retractable lanyard and a RTFA with two retractable lanyards (twin RTFA) as components of one of the fall arrest systems covered by EN 363:2018.
This European standard is not applicable to RTFAs and twin RTFAs used in any sport or recreational activity.
- Standard65 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies minimum requirements for powered Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) incorporating a tight-fitting respiratory interface. It does not cover devices designed for use in circumstances where there is or might be an oxygen deficiency.
Escape RPD and filters for use against CO are not covered by this document.
Laboratory tests and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
- Standard44 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements, test methods, marking, manufacturer’s instructions and information for retractable type fall arresters (RTFAs) and applies to a RTFA with a single retractable lanyard and a RTFA with two retractable lanyards (twin RTFA) as components of one of the fall arrest systems covered by EN 363:2018.
This European standard is not applicable to RTFAs and twin RTFAs used in any sport or recreational activity.
- Standard65 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document is applicable to all afocal (plano power) sunglasses and clip-ons for general use, including road use and driving, intended for protection against solar radiation.
Information on the use of sunglass filters is given in Annex A. Requirements for unmounted filters used as replacement or alternative filters are given in Annex C.
This document is not applicable to:
a) eyewear for protection against radiation from artificial light sources;
b) eye protectors intended for specific sports (e.g. ski goggles or other types – see ISO18527 (all parts));
c) sunglasses that have been medically prescribed for attenuating solar radiation;
d) products intended for direct observation of the sun, such as for viewing a partial or annular solar eclipse, for which ISO12312-2 applies;
e) products intended for occupational eye protection – see, for example, ISO16321 (all parts).
- Standard40 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document is applicable to all afocal (plano power) sunglasses and clip-ons for general use, including road use and driving, intended for protection against solar radiation.
Information on the use of sunglass filters is given in Annex A. Requirements for unmounted filters used as replacement or alternative filters are given in Annex C.
This document is not applicable to:
a) eyewear for protection against radiation from artificial light sources;
b) eye protectors intended for specific sports (e.g. ski goggles or other types – see ISO18527 (all parts));
c) sunglasses that have been medically prescribed for attenuating solar radiation;
d) products intended for direct observation of the sun, such as for viewing a partial or annular solar eclipse, for which ISO12312-2 applies;
e) products intended for occupational eye protection – see, for example, ISO16321 (all parts).
- Standard40 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies methods for testing footwear designed as personal protective equipment.
- Standard106 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard106 pagesGerman languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety and in water performance requirements for construction, sizing, marking and information supplied by the manufacturer for swimming aids intended to ensure a degree of buoyancy to assist beginners with movement through the water while learning to swim or while learning part of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.
This document applies only to swimming devices that are designed to be worn, to be securely attached to the body and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated. It only applies to class B swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes.
It does not apply to class A or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
This document is not applicable for products known as 'baby neck rings' aiming to keep the user's airways above the water level.
- Standard62 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements for construction, performance, sizing and marking for swimming devices intended to assist users with movement through the water in the early stages of water awareness, while learning to swim or while learning part of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.
This part 2 of EN 13138 applies only to class C swimming devices that are designed to be held in the hands or by the body. Typical swimming devices include kick boards and pull/kick boards. These swimming devices are used to assist in learning to swim or to assist with swimming strokes and improving specific elements of the stroke, which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated.
It does not apply to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements for design, sizing, materials, strength and in-water performance as well as provisions for marking and the information supplied by the manufacturer for swim seats. It also specifies the relevant test methods. This document is not applicable to products covered by EN 13138 1 and EN 13138 2.
This document applies only to swimming devices into which the user is placed and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated or a combination of both. It only applies to class A swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the water environment. These swimming devices are only intended for children aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 19 kg. It does not apply to class B or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
- Standard55 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for occupational footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It also specifies requirements for occupational footwear equipped with customized insocks, customized occupational footwear or individual manufactured customized occupational footwear. This standard does not cover the property of high visibility because of interaction with the clothing (e.g. trousers cover the footwear) and work area conditions (e.g. dirt, mud).
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and against molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders).
- Standard49 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard50 pagesGerman languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard – translation50 pagesSlovenian languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It also specifies requirements for safety footwear equipped with customized insocks, customized safety footwear or individual manufactured customized safety footwear. This standard does not cover the property of high visibility because of interaction with the clothing (e.g. trousers cover the footwear) and work area conditions (e.g. dirt, mud).
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders).
- Standard54 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard – translation58 pagesSlovenian languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for protective footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It also specifies requirements for protective footwear equipped with customized insocks, customized protective footwear or individual manufactured customized protective footwear. This standard does not cover the property of high visibility because of interaction with the clothing (e.g. trousers cover the footwear) and work area conditions (e.g. dirt, mud).
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders).
- Standard54 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard – translation56 pagesSlovenian languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies minimum requirements for powered Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) incorporating a tight-fitting respiratory interface. It does not cover devices designed for use in circumstances where there is or might be an oxygen deficiency.
Escape RPD and filters for use against CO are not covered by this document.
Laboratory tests and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
- Standard44 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies minimum requirements for powered filtering Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) incorporating a loose fitting respiratory interface (RI). It does not cover devices designed for use in circumstances where there is or might be an oxygen deficiency.
Escape RPD and filters for use against CO are not covered by this document.
Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
- Standard41 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for occupational footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It also specifies requirements for occupational footwear equipped with customized insocks, customized occupational footwear or individual manufactured customized occupational footwear. This standard does not cover the property of high visibility because of interaction with the clothing (e.g. trousers cover the footwear) and work area conditions (e.g. dirt, mud).
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and against molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders).
- Standard49 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard50 pagesGerman languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard – translation50 pagesSlovenian languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It also specifies requirements for safety footwear equipped with customized insocks, customized safety footwear or individual manufactured customized safety footwear. This standard does not cover the property of high visibility because of interaction with the clothing (e.g. trousers cover the footwear) and work area conditions (e.g. dirt, mud).
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders).
- Standard54 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard – translation58 pagesSlovenian languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for protective footwear used for general purpose. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It includes, for example, mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, ergonomic behaviour. It also specifies requirements for protective footwear equipped with customized insocks, customized protective footwear or individual manufactured customized protective footwear. This standard does not cover the property of high visibility because of interaction with the clothing (e.g. trousers cover the footwear) and work area conditions (e.g. dirt, mud).
Special risks are covered by complementary job-related standards (e.g. footwear for firefighters, electrical insulating footwear, protection against chain saw injuries, protection against chemicals and molten metal splash, protection for motorcycle riders).
- Standard54 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard – translation56 pagesSlovenian languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies methods for testing footwear designed as personal protective equipment.
- Standard106 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
- Standard106 pagesGerman languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety and in water performance requirements for construction, sizing, marking and information supplied by the manufacturer for swimming aids intended to ensure a degree of buoyancy to assist beginners with movement through the water while learning to swim or while learning part of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.
This document applies only to swimming devices that are designed to be worn, to be securely attached to the body and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated. It only applies to class B swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes.
It does not apply to class A or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
This document is not applicable for products known as 'baby neck rings' aiming to keep the user's airways above the water level.
- Standard62 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements for construction, performance, sizing and marking for swimming devices intended to assist users with movement through the water in the early stages of water awareness, while learning to swim or while learning part of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.
This part 2 of EN 13138 applies only to class C swimming devices that are designed to be held in the hands or by the body. Typical swimming devices include kick boards and pull/kick boards. These swimming devices are used to assist in learning to swim or to assist with swimming strokes and improving specific elements of the stroke, which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated.
It does not apply to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies safety requirements for design, sizing, materials, strength and in-water performance as well as provisions for marking and the information supplied by the manufacturer for swim seats. It also specifies the relevant test methods. This document is not applicable to products covered by EN 13138 1 and EN 13138 2.
This document applies only to swimming devices into which the user is placed and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated or a combination of both. It only applies to class A swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the water environment. These swimming devices are only intended for children aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 19 kg. It does not apply to class B or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
- Standard55 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies particle filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices and filtering face pieces.
Laboratory tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
Some filters complying with this document can also be suitable for use with other types of respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices. If so, they need to be tested and marked according to the appropriate European Standard.
This document does not cover requirements concerning respiratory hygiene. Requirements for decrease of the microbiological hazards caused by the growth of bacteria and viruses on the filtration material are not determined.
- Standard17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document refers to gas filters and combined filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices.
Filters for use against CO are excluded from this document.
Laboratory tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
Some filters complying with this document can also be suitable for use with assisted respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices. If so they need to be tested and marked in accordance with the appropriate European Standard.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document establishes requirements for the management and control of activities in drain and sewer systems outside buildings and specifies requirements for development and implementation of work programmes, and the selection of techniques.
This document covers the management and control of rehabilitation activities.
It is applicable to drain and sewer systems from the point where wastewater leaves a building, roof drainage system, or paved area, to the point where it is discharged into a wastewater treatment plant or receiving water body.
Drains and sewers below buildings are included provided that they do not form part of the drainage system of the building.
- Standard21 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies acoustic test methods for hearing protectors. The purpose of these tests is to enable assessment of the performance of the hearing protector as specified in the appropriate product standard.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document refers to gas filters and combined filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices.
Filters for use against CO are excluded from this document.
Laboratory tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
Some filters complying with this document can also be suitable for use with assisted respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices. If so they need to be tested and marked in accordance with the appropriate European Standard.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies particle filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices and filtering face pieces.
Laboratory tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
Some filters complying with this document can also be suitable for use with other types of respiratory protective devices and/or escape devices. If so, they need to be tested and marked according to the appropriate European Standard.
This document does not cover requirements concerning respiratory hygiene. Requirements for decrease of the microbiological hazards caused by the growth of bacteria and viruses on the filtration material are not determined.
- Standard17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document provides requirements and recommendations for the selection and application of both personal flotation devices (PFD) complying with the relevant Parts of the ISO 12402 series:2020, and immersion suits according to ISO 15027 (all parts):2012.
It is intended to assist manufacturers, suppliers, users and regulators in the appropriate selection and application of those garments for the circumstances in which they will be used.
- Standard28 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies requirements, test methods, marking and information for protective gloves and other hand protective equipment’s against thermal risks for professional use, consumer, domestic use.
This document is also applicable to arm protective equipment.
It is used for all gloves and other hand protective equipment’s which protect the hands or part of the hand against heat and/or fire in one or more of the following forms: flame, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes or large quantities of molten metal.
This standarddocument is only applicable in conjunction with EN ISO 21420:2020.
This document doesn’tdoes not apply to gloves for fire-fighters or welding that have their own standards.
- Standard27 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the safety requirements and test methods for accessories used for personal flotation devices (PFDs).
- Standard25 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the safety requirements for lifejackets, performance level 275. It is applicable to lifejackets for adults, children or infants, for offshore use under severe conditions, or when protective clothing is being used or additional loads are being carried.
- Standard31 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the processes for evaluation of personal flotation devices for fulfilment of the requirements in ISO 12402‑2:2020 to ISO 12402‑6:2020, with which this document is intended to be used.
The classification of PFDs used in the ISO 12402 series:2020 is given in Annex A for information.
- Standard94 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the safety requirements for lifejackets, performance level 150. It is applicable to lifejackets used by adults, children and infants, for general, offshore or rough water use, or when the users are fully clothed.
- Standard31 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the safety requirements for lifejackets, performance level 100. It is applicable to lifejackets used by adults, children and infants, for use in sheltered or calm water, or when the users are fully clothed.
- Standard31 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the safety requirements for buoyancy aids, performance level 50. It is applicable to buoyancy aids for adults and children with a body mass greater than 25 kg only, used in sheltered waters.
Buoyancy aids require active participation by the user where help and rescue are close at hand.
One-piece and two-piece inherently buoyant floatation suit PFDs are deemed to qualify as special application devices according to ISO 12402-6:2020.
- Standard33 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the safety requirements and additional test methods for special application lifejackets and buoyancy aids (hereafter named PFD) for adults, children or infants. It is intended to be used in conjunction with ISO 12402‑2:2020, ISO 12402‑3:2020, ISO 12402‑4:2020 and ISO 12402‑5:2020, as applicable.
- Standard36 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard is applicable to active noise reduction (ANR) earmuffs. It specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information related to the inclusion of the active noise reduction facility.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard is applicable to level-dependent earplugs. It specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information related to the inclusion of the level-dependent functionality.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard is applicable to level-dependent earmuffs. It specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information related to the inclusion of the level-dependent functionality.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
An EU Directive is a legislative act of the European Union that sets out goals that all EU member states must achieve. However, it is up to each member state to devise their own laws on how to reach these goals through national transposition. Directives are used to harmonize laws across the EU, particularly for the functioning of the single market.
Directive 89/686/EEC covers "Personal protective equipment (PPE)". There are 1675 standards associated with this directive.
Harmonized standards under 89/686/EEC are European standards (ENs) developed by CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI in response to a mandate from the European Commission. When these standards are cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with them benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of 89/686/EEC, facilitating CE marking and free movement within the European Economic Area.