PPEdirektiivista

The PPE Directive, officially Directive 89/686/EEC, established the essential health and safety requirements that personal protective equipment must meet to be sold within the European Economic Area. Its primary goal was to ensure that PPE available on the market provided adequate protection for users and that there was a uniform framework for its assessment and certification across member states. The directive covered a wide range of equipment, from safety helmets and gloves to fall arrest systems and protective clothing.

Key aspects of the PPE Directive included the principle of "essential health and safety requirements," which listed the fundamental safety criteria PPE had to satisfy. Manufacturers were responsible for demonstrating conformity with these requirements, often through self-declaration or by involving a Notified Body for specific categories of higher-risk PPE. The directive also introduced the CE marking, a visible indicator that the product meets the applicable EU safety standards.

While the PPE Directive was highly influential, it has been superseded by Regulation (EU) 2016/425. This new regulation, which became applicable from April 21, 2019, aims to modernize the framework, address new risks, and improve market surveillance. Despite its replacement, understanding the PPE Directive is crucial for appreciating the historical development of PPE safety standards in the EU and the foundational principles that continue to influence current regulations.