A Comprehensive List of EN Standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for safeguarding workers from various hazards in the workplace. In Europe, the performance and safety of PPE are governed by a set of technical specifications known as EN Standards. These standards are crucial for manufacturers, employers, and safety professionals to ensure that PPE meets the necessary criteria for providing effective protection.

Here’s an overview of the key EN standards that cover different categories of PPE used across various industries. These standards help determine the specific performance requirements, testing methods, and marking for each type of PPE to ensure its effectiveness.

1. EN 388 – Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks

This standard applies to protective gloves designed to protect against mechanical risks such as abrasion, cutting, tearing, and puncturing. The EN 388 standard tests the performance of gloves against these risks and provides a performance level for each type of risk.

• Main Hazards Covered: Abrasion, cutting, tearing, puncture.

• Test Methods: Gloves are tested using standardized methods, and the results are marked on the gloves for user awareness.

• Glove Marking: A 4-digit code indicates the level of protection for each of the tested risks.

  
  

2. EN 166 – Personal Eye Protection

This standard specifies the requirements for eye protection such as safety goggles, face shields, and spectacles. It covers various hazards such as impact, dust, and splashes that could harm the eyes. EN 166 is essential for those working in environments where eye injuries are a concern.

• Main Hazards Covered: Mechanical impact, optical radiation, liquid splashes, and airborne particles.

• Performance Tests: Testing includes impact resistance, field of vision, and protection against specific hazards.

• Marking: The product's marking includes information about the level of protection and any special features.
  

3. EN 149 – Respiratory Protective Devices (FFP Masks)

EN 149 sets out the performance requirements for respiratory protective devices used to protect against harmful airborne particles, such as dust, fumes, and aerosols. The standard covers FFP (Filtering Facepiece) Respirators used in industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.

• Main Hazards Covered: Particulate matter and airborne particles.

• Classes: FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3, based on their filtering efficiency.

• Test Methods: Performance is tested for filtration efficiency, breathing resistance, and compatibility with facial features.
  

4. EN 340 – General Requirements for PPE

EN 340 provides general requirements for all types of PPE, covering aspects like design, comfort, size, and marking. This standard acts as a framework for ensuring that any PPE product complies with essential health and safety requirements before it is sold or used in the EU market.

• Main Requirements: The standard covers PPE materials, construction, fit, and comfort. It also outlines the requirement for providing clear instructions for use.

• Applicability: This standard applies to all PPE that falls under Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
  

5. EN 381 – Protective Clothing for Users of Hand-Held Chainsaws

This standard applies to protective clothing designed to protect the wearer when operating hand-held chainsaws, typically used in forestry and logging. It includes requirements for protective trousers, jackets, gloves, and boots.

• Main Hazards Covered: Chainsaw injury protection.

• Test Methods: Protective clothing is tested for resistance to chainsaw cuts and other mechanical risks.
  

6. EN 1384 – Helmets for Equestrian Use

EN 1384 specifies the requirements for helmets designed for equestrian use. It ensures that the helmets provide adequate protection to the wearer in case of a fall or impact while riding.

• Main Hazards Covered: Protection against impact to the head.

• Test Methods: Includes testing for impact absorption, durability, and retention of the helmet.
  

7. EN 137 – Respiratory Protective Devices: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

EN 137 applies to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used in hazardous environments, such as firefighting or rescue operations. The standard ensures that these devices provide sufficient protection against harmful gases and environments that could be life-threatening.

• Main Hazards Covered: Harmful gases and low-oxygen environments.

• Test Methods: Includes testing for gas filtration, durability, and breathing comfort.
  

8. EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 – Gloves for Protection Against Mechanical Risks

An updated version of EN 388, this standard provides more rigorous testing and evaluation for protective gloves designed to protect workers from mechanical hazards. The revision introduced new test methods for glove durability and cut resistance.

• Main Hazards Covered: Abrasion, blade cuts, tear resistance, and puncture resistance.

• Test Methods: Includes improved testing methods for cut resistance, along with performance levels for each type of hazard.
  

9. EN 1073-2 – Protective Clothing Against Contamination by Radioactive Particles

EN 1073-2 covers protective clothing used to protect against contamination from radioactive particles. This is crucial for industries like nuclear power, waste management, and environmental cleanup.

• Main Hazards Covered: Radioactive contamination.

• Test Methods: Includes testing for the ability to prevent radioactive particles from passing through the fabric.
  

10. EN 20471 – High Visibility Clothing

EN 20471 applies to high-visibility clothing, ensuring that workers are visible and safe when working in areas with poor lighting or high-risk traffic. This standard is especially important for road workers, airport ground staff, and anyone working in potentially hazardous environments where visibility is critical.

• Main Hazards Covered: Visibility in low-light or high-risk environments.

• Test Methods: Reflectivity, fluorescent properties, and design requirements for high-visibility apparel.
  

11. EN 12568 – Test Methods for Shock Absorption for Protective Footwear

EN 12568 applies to protective footwear used in industries where workers are at risk of foot injuries, such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. It tests the shock absorption capabilities of the footwear to reduce impact-related injuries.

• Main Hazards Covered: Foot protection from impact and compression.

• Test Methods: Includes testing for shock absorption, durability, and resistance to punctures.
  

12. EN 13034 – Protective Clothing Against Liquid Chemicals

EN 13034 is a standard for protective clothing that provides protection against liquid chemicals. It is particularly important for workers in industries such as chemical processing, cleaning, and agriculture, where chemical exposure is a risk.

• Main Hazards Covered: Protection against liquid chemicals and splashes.

• Test Methods: Testing includes chemical penetration resistance and garment integrity.
  

13. EN 352 – Hearing Protection

EN 352 specifies the requirements for hearing protection devices, such as earplugs and earmuffs, used to protect workers from noise-related hearing damage. It covers the performance and comfort aspects of hearing protection devices.

• Main Hazards Covered: Noise-induced hearing loss.

• Test Methods: Includes testing for attenuation, fit, and comfort.
  

Conclusion

The EN Standards for PPE are essential tools for ensuring that personal protective equipment meets the necessary safety requirements in the workplace. These standards not only protect workers from various hazards but also provide manufacturers and employers with clear guidelines to follow when selecting and using PPE. Adherence to these standards is crucial for maintaining worker safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality.

By using PPE that complies with EN standards, employers can help reduce workplace accidents and injuries while ensuring that workers have access to reliable and effective protection.