There are a number of European and national directives that require the employer to, where possible, remove hazards from the workplace by changes or controls in the manufacturing process and where this is not possible, carry out a risk assessment to determine appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is suitable for purpose.

European Directives

DIR 89/686/EEC - Harmonisation of PPE laws.
DIR 89/656/EEC - Use of PPE in the workplace.

PPE is divided into 3 categories dependent on the risk involved:

Category 1

Minimal Risk: User can assess the level of protection, the product requires CE marking, this is self certified by the manufacturer.

Category 2

Normal Risk: Product requires CE marking, manufacturer submits equipment with technical documentation to inspection body for approval.

Category 3

Emergency / Higher Risk: Immediately dangerous to health, CE marking is required, manufacturer submits equipment with technical documentation to inspection body for approval. Manufacturer must also ensure conformity of production with approved model, normally achieved via a Quality System: ISO9002.

National Requirements

The selection, training, use and maintainance of PPE is also covered by a number of national standards some of which cover specific risks and industries.

Amongst the major ones are:

United Kingdom - COSHH 2002 (amended 2004)
Germany - BRG 190