8 Essential Steps to Verify PPE Compliance in the EU and Ensure Workplace Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for ensuring the safety of individuals in hazardous environments. In the European Union (EU), all PPE must comply with EU Regulation 2016/425 to meet stringent safety and quality standards before it can be placed on the market. This guide will help you understand how to verify whether PPE meets EU compliance standards, ensuring it provides adequate protection.

1. Look for the CE Marking

• The CE marking is the most recognizable symbol of EU compliance. If PPE has the CE mark, it indicates that the product meets the essential health and safety requirements of EU regulations, specifically Regulation 2016/425 for PPE.

• Check that the CE marking is permanent, visible, and legible on the PPE. Also, make sure it hasn’t been modified or altered in any way.

  
  

2. Identify the Notified Body Number

• For high-risk PPE (Category III), additional certification is required. The CE marking should be followed by a four-digit number, which represents the Notified Body that carried out the conformity assessment.

• Verify the number of the Notified Body through the European Commission’s NANDO (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations) database, where you can check that the organization is indeed authorized to assess PPE.

  
  

3. Review the EU Declaration of Conformity

• Every PPE product must have an EU Declaration of Conformity, which is a document stating that the product complies with all applicable EU regulations.

• This declaration should be accessible either through the product packaging, online, or provided by the manufacturer. It includes essential details, such as the PPE model, applicable standards, and the Notified Body number.

  
  

4. Check for Technical Documentation

• Manufacturers are required to provide comprehensive technical documentation to demonstrate the PPE’s conformity.

• If you’re a business purchasing PPE in bulk, requesting access to this documentation is recommended for full compliance assurance.

  
  

5. Verify Standards Compliance

• PPE in the EU must comply with specific European standards (EN standards) relevant to its type and intended use. For example, respiratory protective devices must meet EN 143 for particle filtering, while eye protection must meet EN 166.

• Verify that the PPE you’re purchasing lists these applicable EN standards on its label, packaging, or instruction manual.

  
  

6. Assess the Manufacturer’s Information

• Make sure the manufacturer’s details are clearly displayed on the product packaging or in the documentation. The label should include:

  • The manufacturer’s name and address.

  • The product model or batch number.

  • A clear usage description or purpose of the PPE.

• Avoid PPE that lacks adequate manufacturer information, as this is a red flag for non-compliance.

  
  

7. Conduct Due Diligence with Trusted Suppliers

• If you’re purchasing PPE through a supplier, ensure that they are a reputable distributor who sources products from compliant manufacturers.

• Trusted suppliers will often have third-party certifications and quality controls in place, and they should be able to provide the EU Declaration of Conformity or technical documentation if requested.

  
  

8. Be Wary of Counterfeit PPE

• Counterfeit PPE is a significant risk, especially with essential items like masks and gloves. Check for common signs of counterfeit products, such as low-quality packaging, lack of certification details, and missing or incorrect markings.

• Cross-check the product with images or descriptions from the official manufacturer’s website to confirm its authenticity.

  
  

Conclusion

Ensuring that PPE complies with EU Regulation 2016/425 is vital for the safety of individuals and for businesses to meet legal standards. By verifying the CE marking, Notified Body number, Declaration of Conformity, and applicable EN standards, you can confidently confirm PPE compliance. Following these steps can help you select products that are both compliant and reliable, offering essential protection in a variety of work environments.