NoC 141/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
ANNEX 11 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKPLACES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 6 
The requirements set out in this Annex only apply where the workplace is subject to the risk in question. 
1. Buildings containing workplaces shall be structurally sound and possess a stability appropriate to the nature 
of their use. 
2. Escape routes and emergency exits shall follow the shortest possible route to the outside or a safe area. In the 
event of danger, it shall be possible to evacuate all workplaces quickly and safely; there shall be an adequate 
number of escape routes and emergency exits. 
3. Emergency exit doors shall be easy to open and shall open outwards; sliding or rotating doors shall not be 
permitted. 
Escape routes and emergency exits shall be marked in accordance with the national regulations 
implementing Directive 77/756/EEC. They shall be permanently marked at appropriate points. 
Workplaces shall be equipped with suitable first-aid and fire-fighting equipment. The location of this 
equipment shall be adequately marked at appropriate points. 
4. If the workplaces contain hazardous areas, due to the nature of the work, or involve the risk of workers 
falling or of falling objects, these workplaces shall be equipped, as far as possible, with devices preventing 
workers from entering such areas. 
5. Rooms in which workers would be exposed to particular risks if the artificial lighting were to fail, and all 
emergency exits and traffic routes, shall have emergency lighting which provides sufficient illumination. 
6. Swing doors shall be transparent or have see-through panels. 
7. Workplaces shall be organized in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate without danger. 
8. Workplaces shall be organized in such a way that workers have separate rooms in the vicinity of their 
workstations equipped with an adequate number of toilets and washbasins (cubicles). 
9. Appropriate measures for the protection of non-smokers shall be taken in staff rest rooms. 
Proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States 
relating to personal protective equipment 
COM(88) 157 final 
(Submitted by the Commission to the Council on 14 April 1988) 
(88/C 141/03) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 100A 
thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social 
Committee, 
In cooperation with the European Parliament, 
Whereas it is necessary to adopt measures with the aim of 
progressively establishing the internal market over a period 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/15 
expiring on 31 December 1992; whereas the internal 
market comprises an area without internal frontiers in 
which the free movement of goods, persons, services and 
capital is guaranteed; 
Whereas, in recent years, several Member States have 
introduced regulations and standards covering numerous 
items of personal protective equipment with a view, in 
particular, to safeguarding public health, improving safety 
at work and ensuring user protection; 
Whereas these regulations and standards frequently 
contain extremely detailed requirements relating to the 
design, manufacture, quality level, testing and certification 
of personal protective equipment with a view to the 
protection of individuals against injury and illness; 
Whereas, in particular, the requirements relating to safety 
at work make the use of personal protective equipment 
compulsory; whereas many requirements oblige employers 
to make appropriate personal protective equipment 
available to their staff in the event of the absence or 
inadequacy of (priority) public protection measures; 
Whereas national provisions relating to personal protective 
equipment may differ significantly from one Member State 
to another and may thus constitute a barrier to trade with 
direct consequences for the creation and operation of the 
common market; 
Whereas it is necessary to harmonize these different 
national provisions in order to ensure the free movement of 
these products, without in any way reducing the valid levels 
of protection already required in the Member States, and to 
provide for any necessary increase therein; 
Whereas the provisions governing the design and manufac­
ture of personal protective equipment laid down in this 
Directive which are fundamental, in particular, to attempts 
to ensure a safer working environment are without 
prejudice to provisions relating to the use of such 
equipment and the organization of the health and safety of 
workers at the workplace; 
Whereas this Directive defines only the basic requirements 
to be satisfied by personal protective equipment; whereas, 
in order to facilitate proof of conformity with those basic 
requirements, it is essential that harmonized European 
standards be available relating, in particular, to the design 
and manufacture of, and the specifications and test 
methods applicable to, personal protective equipment, 
since compliance therewith confers on these products a 
presumption of conformity with the above-mentioned 
basic requirements; whereas such harmonized European 
standards are drawn up by private bodies and must retain 
the status of non-mandatory texts; whereas, to this end, the 
European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the 
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization 
(Cenelec) are the competent bodies which have been 
authorized to adopt harmonized standards in accordance with the general guidelines governing cooperation between 
the Commission and those two institutions ratified on 13 
November 1984; whereas, for the purposes of this 
Directive, a harmonized standard is a text containing 
technical specifications (a European standard or a 
harmonization document) which has been adopted by one 
or both of the above-mentioned bodies at the instigation of 
the Commission in accordance with the provisions of 
Council Directive 83/189/EEC of 28 March 1983 laying 
down a procedure for the provision of information in the 
field of technical standards and regulations (*) and 
pursuant to the above-mentioned general guidelines; 
Whereas, pending the adoption of harmonized standards 
within the meaning of this Directive, which will be very 
numerous because of the broad scope of application and 
the preparation of which within the deadline set for the 
creation of the internal market will involve a great deal of 
work, it would be advisable to maintain, on a transitional 
basis and subject to the requirements of the Treaty, the 
status quo as regards conformity with existing national 
standards for personal protective equipment not covered 
by a harmonized standard at the date of adoption of this 
Directive; 
Whereas, given the general and horizontal nature of the 
role played by the standing Committee set up pursuant to 
Article 5 of Directive 83/189/EEC in the implementation of 
the Community standardization policy and, more par­
ticularly, its part in the preparation of standardization 
applications and the operation of the existing European 
standardization agreements, this standing Committee is 
especially suited to the task of assisting the Commission in 
monitoring the conformity of harmonized standards 
throughout the Community; 
Whereas steps should be taken to ensure adequate 
consultation of the two sides of industry and, in particular, 
the workers' organizations in the context of the standardiz­
ations and administrative activities associated with this 
Directive; 
Whereas compliance with these technical requirements 
must be monitored in order to ensure adequate user and 
third-party protection; whereas existing monitoring 
procedures may differ appreciably from one Member State 
to another; whereas, in order to avoid numerous checks 
which merely impede the free movement of personal 
protective equipment, provision should be made for the 
mutual recognition of inspections conducted by the 
Member States; whereas, in order to facilitate such 
recognition, it is necessary, in particular, to lay down 
harmonized Community procedures and to harmonize the 
criteria to be taken into account in selecting the bodies 
responsible for examination, monitoring and verification, 
(!) OJ No L 109, 26. 4. 1983, p. 8. 
NoC 141/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
CHAPTER I 
Scope, marketing and free movement 
Article 1 
1. This Directive applies to personal protective equip­
ment, hereinafter referred to as 'PPE'. 
It lays down the conditions governing its marketing and 
free movement within the Community and the basic safety 
requirements which PPE must satisfy in order to ensure the 
safety and health protection of users. 
2. For the purposes of this Directive, PPE means any 
device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an 
individual for protection against one or more safety and 
health hazards. 
PPE also covers: 
(a) a unit constituted by several devices or appliances which 
have been integrally combined by the manufacturer for 
the protection of an individual against one or more 
potentially simultaneous risks; 
(b) a protective device or appliance combined, separably or 
inseparably, with personal non-protective equipment 
worn or held by an individual for the execution of a 
specific activity; 
(c) interchangeable PPE components which are essential to 
its satisfactory functioning. 
3. Any system marketed in conjunction with PPE for its 
connection to an external device shall be regarded as an 
integral part of that equipment even if the system is not 
intended to be worn or held permanently by the user for the 
entire period of risk exposure. 
4. This Directive does not apply to: 
— PPE covered by another Community Directive designed 
to achieve the same objectives as this Directive with 
regard to marketing, free movement of goods and 
safety, 
— the PPE classes and types specified in the list of excluded 
products in Annex I, independently of the above-
mentioned reason for exclusion. 
Article 2 
1. Member States shall take all appropriate measures to 
ensure that the PPE referred to in Article 1 may be placed on 
the market and brought into service only if it protects the 
health and ensures the safety of users without prejudice to the health or safety of other individuals, domestic animals 
or goods, when properly maintained and used for its 
intended purpose. 
2. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the right of 
Member States to lay down — in conformity with the 
Treaty — any requirements which they consider necessary 
to ensure user protection, provided that this does not give 
rise to modifications to PPE which could result in its non­
conformity with the provisions of this Directive. 
3. Member States shall not prevent the presentation at 
trade fairs, exhibitions and the like of PPE which is not in 
conformity with the provisions of this Directive, provided 
that an appropriate notice is displayed drawing attention to 
this fact and the prohibition on its acquisition and (or) use 
for any purpose — including tests involving individuals — 
until it has been brought into conformity by the 
manufacturer or his representative established in the 
Community. 
Article 3 
1. The PPE referred to in Article 1 shall satisfy the basic 
safety requirements set out in Annex II. 
2. The PPE mentioned in Article 8(2) shall conform: 
— either to relevant national standards, transposing 
harmonized standards, the titles and reference numbers 
of which have been published in the Official Journal of 
the European Communities, 
— or to other technical specifications, provided that these 
give the PPE a level of protection equivalent to that 
defined in the basic safety requirements, to be assessed 
by an approved inspection body referred to in Article 9, 
in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
10(3). 
3. The PPE referred to in Article 8(2), for which 
harmonized standards are not available, may continue, on 
a transitional basis until 31 December 1992 at the latest, to 
be subject to national provisions already in force on the 
date of adoption of this Directive, provided that any such 
provisions are compatible with the requirements of the 
Treaty. 
Article 4 
1. Member States shall not prohibit, restrict or hinder the 
marketing of PPE or PPE components which satisfy the 
provisions of this Directive and which bear the 'EC mark. 
2. Member States shall not prohibit, restrict or impede 
the marketing of PPE components, which do not bear the 
'EC mark, and which are intended to be incorporated in 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/17 
PPE, provided that they are not essential to its satisfactory 
functioning. 
Article 5 
Member States shall presume that PPE satisfies the basic 
safety requirements referred to in Article 3 if it bears the 
'EC mark, declaring its conformity: 
— with relevant national standards, transposing harmo­
nized standards, the titles and reference numbers of 
which have been published in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities. The Member States shall 
publish the appropriate references of these national 
standards, 
— or with other technical specifications providing a level 
of protection equivalent to that defined in the basic 
safety requirements of this Directive. 
Article 6 
If a Member State or the Commission considers that the 
harmonized standards referred to in Article 5 do not, or no 
longer, completely satisfy the relevant basic requirements 
referred to in Article 3, the Commission or the Member 
State concerned shall refer the matter to the Standing 
Committee created pursuant to Directive 83/189/EEC, 
hereinafter referred to as 'the Committee', setting out its 
reasons. The Committee shall deliver an opinion without 
delay. 
In the light of that opinion, the Commission shall inform 
the Member States whether the reference to the standards 
in question need or need not be withdrawn from the 
publications referred to in Article 5. 
Article 7 
1. If a Member State discovers that PPE bearing the 'EC 
mark and used in accordance with its intended purpose 
could compromise the safety of individuals, domestic 
animals or property, it shall take all necessary measures to 
remove that equipment from the market and prohibit the 
marketing or free movement thereof. 
The Member State concerned shall immediately inform the 
Commission of such action, indicating the reasons for its 
decision and, in particular, stating whether non-conformity 
is due to: 
(a) failure to comply with the basic requirements referred 
to in Article 3; 
(b) the unsatisfactory application of the standards referred 
to in Article 5; 
(c) a gap in the standards referred to in Article 5. 
2. The Commission shall initiate discussions with the 
parties concerned as soon as possible. If, after such 
consultation, the Commission decides that the action taken 
was justified, it shall immediately inform the Member State concerned and all the other Member States to this effect. If 
the action referred to in paragraph 1 was taken as a result of 
a gap in the standards, the Commission shall refer the 
matter to the Committee within two months if the Member 
State concerned intends to adhere to its decision and shall 
initiate the procedures referred to in Article 6. 
3. If PPE which is not in conformity with the relevant 
requirements bears the 'EC mark, the Member State 
concerned shall take the appropriate measures with regard 
to those responsible for affixing the mark and shall inform 
the Commission and the other Member States accordingly. 
4. The Commission shall ensure that the Member States 
are kept informed of the progress and results of the 
procedure provided for in this Article. 
CHAPTER II 
Certification procedures 
Article 8 
1. Before placing a PPE model on the market, the 
manufacturer or his authorized representative established 
in the Community shall assemble the documentation 
referred to in Annex III (I), so that this can, if necessary, be 
submitted to the competent authorities. 
2. Prior to the series production of PPE other than that 
referred to in paragraph 3, the manufacturer or his 
authorized representative established in the Community 
shall submit a model for 'EC type-examination in 
accordance with Article 10. 
3. 'EC type-examination shall not be required in the case 
of PPE models of simple design where the user can himself 
assess the level of protection provided against the minimal 
risks concerned which can be safely identified in good time 
owing to the gradual nature of their effects. 
This category includes PPE models intended for use in 
domestic, dressmaking and gardening activities and models 
providing protection against solar radiation, bad weather 
and dirt. 
Prior to marketing, series-manufactured PPE shall be 
subject to: 
(a) the 'EC verification procedure referred to in Article 11 
in the case of PPE of complex design intended to protect 
the user against mortal danger, the immediate effects of 
which cannot be identified in sufficient time. This 
category includes: 
— emergency equipment for use in atmospheres 
rendered unbreathable by oxygen deficiency and (or) 
serious contamination due to highly toxic or 
radiotoxic substances, which can harmfully affect 
No C 141/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
other parts of the body in addition to the respiratory 
tract, 
— emergency equipment for use in high-temperature 
environments in which the atmospheric temperature 
is liable to exceed 100 °C and which may or may not 
be characterized by the presence of flames or the 
projection of large amounts of molten material, 
— emergency equipment for use in low-temperature 
environments in which the atmospheric temperature 
is liable to be below -50 °C. 
(b) the 'EC declaration of conformity referred to in Article 
12 for all PPE not falling within the category referred to 
in (a). 
Article 9 
1. Each Member State shall inform the Commission and 
the other Member States of the approved bodies re­
sponsible for the execution of the certification procedures 
referred to in Article 8. For information purposes, the 
Commission shall publish in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities and keep up to date a list giving the 
names of these bodies and the distinguishing numbers it has 
assigned to them. 
2. Annex III (II) sets out the minimum criteria to be 
observed by the Member States in approving the above-
mentioned bodies. 
3. A Member State shall withdraw its approval from such 
a body if it establishes that the latter no longer satisfies the 
criteria referred to in Annex III (II). It shall inform the 
Commission and the other Member States of its action 
forthwith. 
'EC type-examination 
Article 10 
'EC type-examination is the procedure whereby the 
approved inspection body establishes and certifies that the 
PPE model in question satisfies the relevant provisions of 
this Directive. 
1. Application for 'EC type-examination shall be made by 
the manufacturer or his authorized representative to a 
single approved inspection body in respect of the model 
in question. The authorized representative shall be 
established in the Community. 
2. The application shall comprise: 
— the name and address of the manufacturer or his 
authorized representative and of the PPE production 
plant in question, 
— the manufacturer's file referred to in Annex III (I). 
It shall be accompanied by the appropriate number of 
specimens of the model to be approved. 
3. The approved inspection body shall conduct the 'EC 
type-examination in accordance with the under­
mentioned procedures: (a) It shall examine the manufacturer's technical file to 
establish its suitability; in the case of technical 
specifications, other than those of the harmonized 
standards, referred to in Article 3(2), it shall satisfy itself 
as to their suitability compared to the basic safety 
requirements. 
(b) In examining the model, the inspection body: 
— shall verify that it has been produced in accordance 
with the manufacturer's technical file and can be 
used in complete safety for its intended purpose, 
— shall conduct the necessary examinations and tests 
to establish the conformity of the model with the 
relevant standards or technical specifications and 
(or) basic requirements. 
4. If the model satisfies the relevant provisions, the 
inspection body shall draw up an 'EC type-examination 
certificate and shall notify the applicant to this effect. This 
certificate shall reproduce the findings of the examination, 
indicate any conditions attaching to its issue and in­
corporate the descriptions and drawings necessary for the 
identification of the approved model. 
The Commission, the other approved inspection bodies 
and the other Member States may obtain a copy of the 
certificate and, in response to a reasoned request, a copy of 
the manufacturer's technical file and the reports of the 
examinations and tests conducted. 
5. Any inspection body which refuses to issue an 'EC 
type-examination certificate shall inform the other ap­
proved inspection bodies of this fact. An inspection body 
withdrawing an 'EC type-examination certificate shall 
inform the Member State which approved it, to this effect. 
That Member State shall then inform the other Member 
States and the Commission, setting out the reasons for the 
decision. 
'EC verification 
Article 11 
1. 'EC verification is a procedure for checking and 
certifying the conformity of production PPE with the 
approved model. It shall be conducted by the inspection 
body which drew up the 'EC type-examination certificate 
pursuant to the under-mentioned provisions. 
2. The verification procedure shall be conducted periodi­
cally with reference to PPE batches submitted by the 
manufacturer or his authorized representative established 
in the Community. Batches shall be accompanied by the 
'EC type-examination certificate referred to in Article 10. 
3. In examining a batch, the inspection body shall 
establish that the PPE in question has been manufactured 
and checked in accordance with the manufacturer's file and 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/19 
shall perform the appropriate tests on the batch specimens; 
it shall issue an 'EC verification certificate. 
'EC declaration of conformity 
Article 12 
The 'EC declaration of conformity is the procedure 
whereby the manufacturer who has satisfied the provisions 
of Article 8(4)(b): 
1. draws up a declaration certifying that the PPE model 
specimens placed on the market are in conformity with 
the basic requirements of this Directive with a view, 
where necessary, to its submission to the competent 
authorities; 
2. affixes the 'EC mark of conformity provided for by 
Article 13 to each PPE model specimen. 
CHAPTER III 
'EC mark 
Article 13 
1. The 'EC mark consists of the letters 'EC followed by 
the last two figures of the year in which the mark was 
affixed together, in the event of the involvement of an 
approved inspection body, with the distinguishing number 
referred to in Article 9(1). 
The two models of the 'EC mark to be used respectively in 
the event of the intervention or non-intervention of an 
approved inspection body are shown in Annex IV. 2. The 'EC mark shall be affixed to PPE and its 
packaging so as to be visible, legible and indelible 
throughout the foreseeable 'useful life' of that PPE. 
3. Marks of inscriptions which could be confused with 
the 'EC mark shall not be affixed to PPE. 
CHAPTER IV 
Final provisions 
Article 14 
Any decision taken by a Member State in implementation 
of this Directive shall be accompanied by a detailed 
explanation of the grounds on which it is based. The 
interested party shall be notified of the decision without 
delay and informed of the possibilities for appeal under the 
legislation in force in the Member State concerned and of 
the deadlines for lodging such appeals. 
Article 15 
1. By 31 December 1989 Member States shall adopt and 
publish the laws, regulations and administrative provisions 
necessary to comply with this Directive. 
They shall apply those provisions from 1 July 1990. 
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission 
the texts of the provisions of national law which they adopt 
in the field governed by this Directive. 
Article 16 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
ANNEX I 
EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF PPE CLASSES OR TYPES NOT COVERED BY THIS DIRECTIVE (!) 
1. PPE designed and manufactured for use by the armed forces or in the maintenance of law and order. 
2. PPE for self-private use in bad weather. 
3. PPE for self-defence. 
(!) Independently of the reason for exclusion referred to in Article 1. 
No C 141/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
ANNEX U 
PROPOSAL FOR A DIRECTIVE RELATING TO PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 
BASIC REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF PERSONAL 
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) 
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 
1.1. Design principles 
1.1.1. Ergonomics 
PPE must be so designed that in the conditions of use for which it is intended and for the 
foreseeable period of wear the user can perform the risk-related activity in question efficiently 
and without undue discomfort whilst enjoying the level of protection appropriate to the risks 
concerned. 
1.1.2. Levels of protection 
Whenever appropriate, PPE must be produced in different classes so as to provide several levels 
of protection. 
1.2. Innocuousness of PPE 
1.2.1. Absence of risks and other 'inherent' nuisance factors 
PPE must be so designed and manufactured as to preclude risks and other nuisance factors both 
under normal conditions of use and under the abnormal conditions which can reasonably be 
expected to occur. 
1.2.1.1. Suitable constituent materials 
PPE constituent materials must be so chosen and incorporated that neither they nor any of their 
decomposition products adversely affect user hygiene or health. 
1.2.1.2. Satisfactory surface condition of all PPE parts in contact with the user 
Any PPE part in contact, or in potential contact with the user when such equipment is worn must 
be free of roughness, sharp edges, projections and the like which could cause excessive irritation 
or injuries. 
1.2.1.3. Minimum uses impediment 
Any impediment caused by PPE to movements to be made, postures to be adopted and sensory 
perception must be minimized. Nor must PPE cause the user to perform dangerous movements. 
1.3. Comfort and efficiency 
1.3.1. Adaptation of PPE to user morphology 
PPE must be so designed and manufactured as to facilitate correct positioning on the user and to 
remain in place for the foreseeable period of use, bearing in mind ambient factors, movements to 
be made and postures to be adopted. For this purpose, it must be possible to optimize PPE 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/21 
adaptation to user morphology by all appropriate means, such as adequate adjustment and 
attachment systems or the provision of an adequate size range. 
1.3.2. Lightness and design strength 
c Design strength and efficiency must be appropriate to the levels of risk in question, the conditions 
of use and the foreseeable 'useful life' of the PPE concerned. 
PPE must be as light as possible without unduly prejudicing design strength and efficiency. 
Apart from the specific additional requirements which they must satisfy in order to provide 
adequate protection against the risks in question (see 3), PPE must be capable of withstanding the 
effects of such normal ambient phenomena as the physical stresses (abrasions, impact, 
vibrations, etc.) and chemical attack (from solvents, oil, hydrocarbons, detergents, etc.) to which 
they may be subject during transport or use, and climatic conditions and their seasonal 
variations. 
1.3.3. Compatibility of different classes or types of PPE designed for simultaneous use 
If a manufacturer markets several PPE models of different classes or types in order to ensure the 
simultaneous protection of adjacent parts of the body against combined risks, the composite 
equipment thus constituted must comply with all the basic requirements applicable to each class 
or type. 
1.4. Information supplied by the manufacturer 
In addition to the name and address of the manufacturer or his authorized representative 
established in the Community, the notes drawn up by the former and supplied when PPE is 
marketed must contain all relevant information on: 
1. storage, use, cleaning, maintenance, servicing and disinfection 0); 
2. performance as recorded during laboratory conformity tests designed to establish the level of 
protection (or degree of attenuation) provided by the PPE in question; 
3. suitable PPE accessories and the characteristics of appropriate spare parts; 
4. the limits beyond which the use of PPE is inappropriate; 
5. the obsolescence deadline or period of obsolescence of PPE or certain of its components; 
6. the type of packaging suitable for storage or transport; 
7. the significance of any markings (see 2.12). 
These notes, which must be precise and comprehensible, must be provided at least in the official 
language(s) of the Member State of destination. 
2. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS COMMON TO SEVERAL CLASSES OR TYPES OF PPE 
2.1. PPE incorporating adjustment systems 
If PPE incorporates adjustment systems, the latter must be so designed and manufactured as to 
remain correctly adjusted under the conditions of use for which that PPE is marketed. 
(J) Cleaning, maintenance or disinfectant products recommended by manufacturers must have no adverse 
effect on PPE or users when applied in accordance with the relevant instructions. 
No C 141/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
2.2. PPE 'enclosing' the parts of the body to be protected 
As far as possible, PPE 'enclosing' the parts of the body to be protected must be sufficiently 
ventilated to prevent user perspiration; if this is not possible, it must be equipped with devices 
which absorb perspiration. 
2.3. PPE for the face, eyes and respiratory tracts 
Any restriction of the user's field of vision by PPE for the face, eyes and respiratory tract must be 
minimized. 
The degree of optical neutrality of the vision systems of these PPE classes must be compatible 
with the type of relatively meticulous and/or prolonged activities for which the equipment is 
marketed. 
If necessary, they must be treated or provided with ventilation facilities designed to prevent 
moisture formation or to remove moisture. 
2.4. PPE subject to ageing 
If it is known that the design performances of new PPE may be significantly affected by ageing, 
the date of manufacture or, if possible, the date of obsolescence, must be indelibly inscribed on 
every PPE item or interchangeable component marketed in such a way as to preclude any 
misinterpretation; this information must also be indelibly inscribed on the packaging. 
If a manufacturer is unable to give an undertaking with regard to the 'useful life' of PPE, his notes 
must provide all the information necessary to enable the purchaser or user to establish a 
reasonable obsolescence date, bearing in mind the quality level of the model and the effective 
conditions of storage, use, cleaning, servicing and maintenance. 
Where appreciable and rapid deterioration in PPE performance is likely to be caused by ageing 
resulting from the periodic use of a cleaning process recommended by the manufacturer, the 
latter must if possible, affix a mark to each item of PPE placed on the market indicating the 
maximum number of cleaning operations that may be carried out before the equipment needs to 
be inspected or discarded; failing that, the manufacturer must give this information in his notes. 
2.5. PPE (or PPE components) which may be accidently snagged, jammed or caught up. 
These PPE classes (or components), which may be accidentally snagged, jammed or caught up in 
external objects, such as moving machine parts, or obstacles when the user changes position, 
must possess an appropriate tensile-strength threshold above which a constituent part is 
designed to break so as to protect the user against physical injury. 
2.6. PPE for use in explosive atmospheres 
The constituent materials (and, where relevant, the electric circuits) of such PPE must be so 
chosen or designed and incorporated as to preclude the production, under normal conditions of 
use, of an electric arc or spark capable of attaining the level required to ignite an explosive 
mixture as a result of mechanical impact, friction, (the opening or closing of the electric circuit), 
or accidental contact of the PPE with energized conductors or exposed conductive parts, or the 
generation of electrostatic charges. 
2.7. PPE intended for emergency use or rapid removal 
These PPE classes must be so designed and manufactured as to minimize the time required for 
attachment and (or) removal. 
Any integral systems permitting correct positioning on, or removal from, the user must be 
susceptible of rapid and easy operation. 
2.8. PPE for use in 'critical' situations 
The information notes supplied by the manufacturer together with PPE for use in the 'critical' 
situations referred to in Article 8(4) must include, in particular, data reserved for the exclusive 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/23 
use of competent trained individuals who are qualified to interpret them and ensure their 
application by the user. 
They must also describe the procedure to be adopted in order to verify that PPE is correctly 
adjusted and functional when worn by the user. 
If PPE incorporates an alarm which is activated in the absence of the level of protection normally 
provided, this must be so designed and accommodated as to be perceived by the user in the 
conditions of use for which the PPE is marketed. 
2.9. PPE incorporating components which can be adjusted or removed by the user 
Any PPE components which can be adjusted or removed by the user for the purpose of 
replacement, must be so designed and manufactured as to facilitate manual adjustment, 
attachment and removal. 
2.10. PPE for connection to an external device 
If PPE incorporates a system permitting connection to an external device, the attachment 
mechanism must be so designed and manufactured as to preclude its mounting on inappropriate 
equipment. 
2.11. PPE incorporating a fluid circulation system 
If PPE incorporates a fluid circulation system, the latter must be so chosen, or designed, and 
incorporated as to permit adequate fluid renewal in the vicinity of the entire part of the body to 
be protected, irrespective of user gestures, posture or movement under the conditions of use for 
which the PPE is marketed. 
2.12. PPE bearing one or more identification or recognition marks 
The identification or recognition marks affixed to these types of PPE must remain perfectly 
legible throughout the foreseeable 'useful life' of this PPE. In addition, these marks must be 
complete, precise and comprehensible so as to prevent any misinterpretation; in particular, when 
such marks incorporate words or sentences, the latter must appear in the official language(s) of 
the Member State of destination. 
If PPE (or a PPE component) is too small to allow all or part of the necessary marking to be 
affixed, this fact must be mentioned on the packing and in the manufacturer's notes. 
2.13. PPE in the form of clothing capable of signalling the user's presence 
PPE in the form of clothing intended for foreseeable conditions of use in which the user's 
presence must be visibly and individually signalled must have one (or more) external part(s) that 
are reflective by nature or have a reflective coating. Each reflecting element must be carefully 
positioned on the PPE so as to reflect back any incident radiation in the direction of its emission 
source with a suitable coefficient of luminous intensity and appropriate photometric and 
colorimetric properties. 
2.14. 'Multi-risk' PPE 
All PPE designed to protect the user against several potentially simultaneous risks must be so 
designed and manufactured as to satisfy, in particular, the basic requirements specific to each of 
those risks (see 3). 
No C 141/24 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO PARTICULAR RISKS 
3.1. Protection against mechanical impact 
3.1.1. Impact caused by falling or projecting objects and collision of parts of the body with an obstacle 
Suitable PPE for this type of risk must be sufficiently shock-absorbent to prevent injury resulting, 
in particular, from the crushing or penetration of the protected part, at least up to an impact-
energy level above which the excessive dimensions and (or) mass of the absorbing device would 
preclude effective use of the PPE for the foreseeable period of wear. 
3.1.2. Falls 
3.1.2.1. Prevention of falls due to slipping 
The outsoles of footwear designed to prevent slipping on loose, irregular or smooth ground or 
floors made slippery by foreign bodies must be so designed, manufactured or equipped with 
added elements as to possess for example, an adequate 'tread' and (or) at the same time, provide a 
sufficient contact surface ensuring satisfactory adhesion by grip and friction. 
3.1.2.2. Prevention of falls from a height 
PPE designed to prevent falls from a height or their effects must incorporate a body harness and 
an attachment system which can be connected to a reliable anchorage point by means of an 
appropriate device. It must be so designed and manufactured that, even under the most 
unfavourable conditions of use — heavily-built person or person carrying a considerable weight 
situated at the maximum possible height in relation to the PPE anchorage point at the moment of 
losing balance —, the vertical drop is minimized so as to preclude collision with obstacles (*), and 
the braking force nevertheless does not attain the threshold value at which physical injury or the 
tearing or rupture of any PPE component can be expected to occur. 
3.1.2.3. Prevention of drowning 
Under the foreseeable conditions of use for which it is marketed, PPE designed to prevent 
drowning must be capable of returning to the surface as quickly as possible a user who may be 
exhausted or unconscious after accidentally falling into a liquid medium, and of keeping him 
afloat in a waiting position which permits respiration. 
For this purpose, these PPE classes must be capable of withstanding, without prejudice to their 
functional capacity, the energy level resulting from impact with the liquid medium, which 
depends on the height of fall. 
Such PPE must inflate automatically, rapidly and completely on impact. 
PPE constituent materials and other components must be water-tight and incorporated in such a 
way that 'buoyancy' derives, in particular, from a system of upward hydrostatic forces, the 
centres of thrust of which are at the user's thorax and nape of the neck. 
If, after impact with the liquid medium, the user is in the 'face-down, head-immersed' position, 
the system of forces must impart a rotary motion to the body so as to bring it to the 'face-up' 
position. 
The 'buoyancy' provided by PPE must be such that, in the waiting position, the orifices of the 
user's respiratory tracts are sufficiently above the surface of the liquid medium, due account 
being taken, in particular, of foreseeable fluctuations in the latter. 
(!) This vertical drop must always be less than the necessary minimum 'headroom' indicated in the 
manufacturer's notes. 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/25 
In addition, this PPE must be so designed and manufactured that it can, if necessary, be worn by a 
fully-dressed person for as long as the risk of drowning exists. 
3.1.3. Mechanical vibration 
PPE designed to prevent osteoarticular and angioneurotic disorders resulting from mechanical 
vibrations must be capable of ensuring adequate attenuation of the most harmful vibration 
components for the part of the body at risk, without dangerously amplifying the vibration 
components emitted at other frequencies or in other frequency bands. Under no circumstances 
must the effective value of the accelerations transmitted to the user by those vibrations exceed the 
limit values recommended in the light of the maximum foreseeable daily exposure of the part of 
the body at risk. 
3.2. Protection against (static) compression of part of the body 
PPE designed to protect part of the body against (static) compressive stress must be sufficiently 
capable of attenuating its effects to prevent serious injury or chronic complaints up to 
compressive-force level above which the dimensions of the shock-absorbing device would 
preclude effective use during the necessary period of wear. 
3.3. Protection against superficial injury caused by machinery (abrasion, perforation, cuts, bites) 
PPE constituent materials and other components designed to protect all or part of the body 
against superficial injury caused by machinery, such as abrasion, perforation cuts, or bites must 
be so chosen or designed and incorporated as to ensure that these PPE classes provide sufficient 
resistance to abrasion, perforation and gashing (see also 3.1) under the conditions of use for 
which they are marketed. 
3.4. Protection against the harmful effects of noise 
PPE designed to prevent the harmful effects of noise must be capable of attenuating the latter to 
such an extent that the equivalent sound levels perceived by the user do not under any 
circumstances exceed the daily limit values laid down for the protection of workers by the 
Council Directive of 12 May 1986. 
The noise attenuation class of the PPE must be appropriate to the 'typical' noise for which it is 
marketed. 
All PPE and (or, failing this) its packaging must bear labelling indicating the A-weighted overall 
attenuation level of the 'typical' noise and the value of the comfort index provided by the PPE. 
The package-insert notes must contain, in particular, the graph of noise attenuation in relation to 
octave bands. 
3.5. Protection against heat and (or) fire 
PPE designed to protect all or part of the body against the effects of heat and (or) fire must possess 
thermal insulation capacity and mechanical strength appropriate to the conditions of use for 
which it is marketed. 
In designing these PPE classes, the manufacturer must take account of all parameters of relevance 
to the evaluation of the heat flow transmitted through PPE by atmospheric radiation and 
convection or by conduction resulting from contact with elements at high temperature such as 
the ground, partitions or hot objects and the projection of hot products — incandescent particles, 
molten materials, etc. — or transmitted by direct contact with flame. 
3.5.1. PPE consituent materials and other components 
Constituent materials and other components suitable for protection against radiant and 
convective heat must possess the lowest possible coefficient of transmission of incident heat flux 
No C 141/26 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
and be sufficiently incombustible (x) to preclude any risk of spontaneous ignition under the 
foreseeable conditions of use. The reflective power of the outside of these materials and 
components in the infrared range must increase in line with the intensity of the heat flux due to 
radiation. 
Materials and other components of equipment intended for brief use in high-temperature 
environments and of PPE which may be splashed by hot products such as large quantities of 
molten material, must also possess sufficient thermal capacity to retain most of the stored heat 
until after the user has left the danger area and removed his PPE. 
PPE materials and other components which may be splashed by large amounts of hot products 
must also possess sufficient mechanical-impact absorbency (see 3.1). 
PPE materials and other components which may accidentally come into contact with flame and 
those used in the manufacture of fire-fighting equipment must also possess a degree of non-
flammability (J) corresponding to the risk class associated with the foreseeable conditions of use. 
They must not melt when exposed to flames nor contribute to flame propagation. 
3.5.2. Complete PPE ready for use 
Under the foreseeable conditions of use: 
1. the quantity of heat transmitted by PPE to the user must be sufficiently low to prevent the 
heat accumulated during wear in the part of the body at risk from attaining, under any 
circumstances, the pain or health impairment threshold; 
2. PPE must prevent liquid or steam penetration and must not cause burns resulting from 
pinpoint contact between its protective integument and the user. 
If PPE incorporates refrigeration devices for the absorption of incident heat by means of liquid 
evaporation or solid sublimation, their design must be such that any volatile substances released 
are discharged beyond the outer protective integument and not towards the user. 
If PPE incorporates a breathing device, the latter must adequately fulfil the protective function 
assigned to it under the foreseeable conditions of use. 
The manufacturer's notes accompanying each PPE model intended for brief use in high-
temperature environments must provide all relevant data for the determination of the maximum 
permissible user exposure to the heat transmitted by the equipment when used in accordance 
with its intended purpose. 
3.6. Protection against cold 
PPE designed to protect all or part of the body against the effects of cold must possess thermal 
insulating capacity and mechanical strength appropriate to the foreseeable conditions of use for 
which it is marketed. 
In designing these PPE classes, the manufacturer must take account of all parameters of relevance 
to the evaluation of the cold transmitted through PPE, in particular by atmospheric convection or 
by conduction resulting from contact with elements at an unsuitably low temperature such as the 
ground, partitions or cold objects or the splashing of cold products. 
3.6.1. PPE constituent materials and other components 
Constituent materials and other components suitable for protection against cold must possess 
the lowest possible coefficient of transmission of incident cold flux. Flexible materials (and other 
components) of PPE intended for use in low-temperature environment, must, under the 
(!) Measured on an inflammability test bench with reference to the Oxygen Index Limit (ILO) or the minimum 
oxygen concentration of an oxygen-nitrogen mixture required to maintain flame combustion of a material. 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/27 
foreseeable conditions of use, retain the degree of flexibility required for the necessary gestures 
and postures. 
PPE materials and other components which may be splashed by large amounts of cold products 
must also possess sufficient mechanical-impact absorbency (see 3.1). 
3.6.2. Complete PPE ready for use 
Under the foreseeable conditions of use: 
1. the flux transmitted by PPE to the user must be sufficiently low to prevent the cold 
accumulated during wear at any point on the part of the body being protected (including the 
tips of fingers and toes in the case of hands or feet) from attaining, under any circumstances, 
the pain or health-impairment threshold; 
2. PPE must prevent the penetration of such liquids as rain water and must not cause injuries 
resulting from pinpoint contact between its cold protective integument and the user. 
If PPE incorporates a breathing device, this must adequately fulfil the protective function 
assigned to it under the foreseeable conditions of use. 
The manufacturer's notes accompanying each PPE model intended for brief use in low-
temperature environments must provide all relevant data concerning the maximum permissible 
user exposure to the cold transmitted by the equipment. 
3.7. Protection against electric shock 
PPE designed to protect all or part of the body against the effects of electric current must be 
sufficiently insulated against the voltages to which the user is likely to be exposed under the most 
unfavourable foreseeable conditions. 
To this end, the constituent materials and other components of these PPE classes must be so 
chosen or designed and incorporated as to ensure that the leakage current measured through the 
protective integument under test conditions at voltages correlated with those likely to be 
encountered in situ is minimized and, at all events, below a maximum conventional permissible 
value which correlates with the tolerance threshold. 
Together with their packaging, PPE types intended exclusively for use during work or activities 
in electrical installations which are or may be under tension must bear markings indicating, in 
particular, their protection class and (or) corresponding operating voltage, their serial number 
and their date of manufacture; a space must also be provided outside the protective integument 
of such PPE for the subsequent inscription of the date of entry into service and those of the 
periodic tests or inspections to be conducted. The manufacturer's notes must indicate, in 
particular, the exclusive use for which these PPE types are intended and the nature and frequency 
of the dielectric tests to which they are to be subjected during their 'useful life'. 
3.8. Radiation protection 
3.8.1. Non-ionizing radiation 
PPE designed to prevent acute or chronic eye-damage from sources of non-ionizing radiation 
must be capable of absorbing or reflecting the majority of the energy radiated in the harmful 
wavelengths without unduly affecting the transmission of the innocuous part of the visible 
spectrum, the perception of contrasts and the ability to distinguish colours where required by the 
foreseeable conditions of use. 
To this end, protective glasses must be so designed and manufactured as to possess, for each 
harmful wave, a spectral transmission factor such that the radiant-energy illumination density 
capable of reaching the user's eye through the filter is minimized and, under no circumstances, 
exceeds the maximum permissible exposure value. 
No C 141/28 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
Furthermore, the glasses must not deteriorate or lose their properties as a result of the effects of 
radiation emitted under the foreseeable conditions of use and all marketed specimens must bear 
the protection-factor number corresponding to the spectral distribution curve of their 
transmission factor. 
Glasses suitable for radiation sources of the same type must be classified in the ascending order of 
their protection factors and the manufacturer's notes must indicate, in particular, the 
transmission curves which make it possible to select the most appropriate PPE bearing in mind 
such inherent factors of the effective conditions of use as distance to source and the spectral 
distribution of the energy radiated at that distance. 
All protective glasses must bear the relevant protection-factor number. 
3.8.2. Ionizing radiation 
1. Protection against external radioactive contamination (*) 
PPE constituent materials and other components designed to protect all or part of the body 
against radioactive dust, gases, liquids or mixtures thereof must be so chosen or designed and 
incorporated as to ensure that this equipment effectively prevents the penetration of the 
contaminants which it is designed to exclude. 
Depending on the nature or condition of these contaminants, the necessary leak-tightness can 
be provided by the impermeability of the protective 'integument' and (or) by any other 
appropriate means, such as ventilation and pressurization systems designed to prevent the 
back-scattering of these contaminants. 
Any decontamination measures to which PPE is subject must not prejudice its re-use during 
the foreseeable 'useful life' of these classes of equipment. 
2. Limited protection against external irradiation 
PPE intended to provide complete user protection against external irradiation or, failing this, 
adequate attenuation thereof, must be designed to counter only weak electron (e. g. beta) or 
weak photon (e. g. X, gamma) radiation. 
The constituent materials and other components of these PPE classes must be so chosen or 
designed and incorporated as to provide the maximum possible degree of user protection 
without leading to an increase in exposure time as a result of the impedance of user gestures, 
posture or movement (see 1.3.2). 
PPE must bear a mark indicating the type and thickness of the constituent material(s) suitable for 
the conditions of use for which it is marketed. 
3.9. Protection against dangerous substances and infective agents 
3.9.1. Protection against inhalation (respiratory protection) 
PPE intended for the protection of the respiratory tract must make it possible to supply the user 
with breathable air when the latter is exposed to a polluted atmosphere and (or) an atmosphere 
having inadequate oxygen concentration. 
The breathable air supplied to the user by the PPE is obtained after filtration of the polluted air 
through the protective device or appliance or by a piped supply from an unpolluted source. 
The constituent materials and other components of these PPE classes must be so chosen or 
designed and incorporated as to ensure appropriate user respiration and respiratory hygiene for 
(*) See 3.9.1 for protection against contamination of the respiratory tracts. 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/29 
the period of wear concerned under the foreseeable conditions of use for which the PPE is 
marketed. 
The leak-tightness of the facepiece and the pressure drop on inspiration and, in the case of the 
filtering devices, purification capacity must be such as to minimize contaminant penetration 
from a polluted atmosphere, without resulting under the least favourable conditions in an 
overshooting of the maximum permissible concentration values or an oxygen concentration of 
i less than the minimum required by the user. 
The PPE must bear the manufacturer's identification mark and details of the specific 
characteristics of that type of equipment which, in conjunction with the instructions for use, will 
enable a trained and qualified user to employ the PPE correctly. 
The manufacturer's notes must also indicate the deadline for filter storage. 
3.9.2. Protection against epidermal or ocular contact 
PPE intended to prevent the surface contact of all or part of the body with dangerous substances 
and infective agents must be capable of preventing the penetration or diffusion of such 
substances through the protective envelope under the conditions of use for which the PPE is 
marketed. 
To this end, the constituent materials and other components of these PPE classes must be so 
chosen, or designed, and incorporated as to ensure, as far as possible, complete leak-tightness, 
which will allow where necessary prolonged daily use or, failing this, limited leak-tightness 
necessitating a restriction of the period of wear. 
Where, by virtue of their nature and the foreseeable conditions of their use, certain dangerous 
substances or infective agents possess high penetrative power which limits the duration of the 
protection provided by the PPE in question, the latter must be subjected to standard tests with a 
view to their classification on the basis of efficiency. PPE which is considered to be in conformity 
with the test specifications must bear a mark indicating, in particular, the names or, failing this, 
the codes of the substances used in the tests and the corresponding standard period of protection. 
The manufacturer's notes must also contain, in particular, an explanation of the codes (if 
necessary), a detailed description of the standard tests and all appropriate information for the 
determination of the maximum permissible period of wear under the different foreseeable 
conditions of use. 
No C 141/30 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
ANNEX III 
CERTIFICATION OF PPE CONFORMITY WITH THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF THIS 
DIRECTIVE 
I. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER 
The documentation referred to in Article 8(1) must comprise: 
1. the manufacturer's technical file consisting of: 
(a) overall and detailed plans accompanied, where necessary, by calculation notes and the results of 
prototype tests conducted prior to manufacture; 
(b) an exhaustive list indicating the basic requirements of this Directive, and harmonized standards or other 
technical specifications referred to in Article 5, taken into account in the design and manufacture of the 
PPE; in the case of technical specifications, other than those of the harmonized standards, the 
manufacturer's technical file must include in particular all the data required to enable the approved 
inspection body referred to in Article 9(1) to establish the conformity of the PPE to the basic safety 
requirements referred to in Article 3 of this Directive; 
(c) a list of all the test facilities used to verify maintenance of the minimum permissible quality level of the 
starting materials, semi-finished products and finished products used in the production of the PPE in 
question; 
2. a detailed description of the control and test facilities used in the manufacturer's plant, for the periodic batch 
checking or systematic specimen checking of complete PPE ready for use with regard to: 
(a) its conformity to the harmonized or other technical specifications standards referred to in Article 5; 
(b) maintenance of the minimum permissible quality level of series-production PPE. 
3. any reports drawn up by a competent body establishing the conformity of the prototype with the 
harmonized standards or other technical specifications referred to in Article 5; 
4. a copy of the information notes referred to in Annex II, 1.4. 
II. MINIMUM CRITERIA TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE MEMBER STATES IN 
APPOINTING INSPECTION BODIES 
1. The inspection body, its director and the staff responsible for the execution of the verification procedures 
must be neither the designer, manufacturer or suppliers of the PPE tested nor the authorized representative 
of one of those individuals..They must not be involved, either directly or as representatives, in the design, 
manufacture, marketing or maintenance of this PPE. This provision does not preclude the possibility of an 
exchange of technical information between the manufacturer and the inspection body concerned. 
2. The inspection body and the staff responsible for examinations must carry out the verification procedures 
with the greatest professional integrity and maximum technical competence; they must be free from all 
pressures and incentives, particularly financial, which could influence their judgment or the results of their 
examinations, especially where these emanate from individuals or groups of individuals with an interest in 
the test results. 
3. The inspection body must employ the necessary staff and possess the necessary resources for the satisfactory 
accomplishment of the technical and administrative tasks which form part of the verification procedures; it 
must also have access to any equipment required for exceptional examinations. 
4. The staff responsible for inspection must be: 
— technically and professionally well-qualified, 
— sufficiently familiar with the requirements relating to the tests they carry out and sufficiently 
experienced in the execution of those tests, 
— capable of completing the certificates, records and reports which constitute the material evidence of the 
test conducted. 
30. 5. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 141/31 
5. The independence of the inspection staff must be guaranteed. The remuneration of each official must be 
determined neither by the number of tests conducted nor by the results obtained. 
6. The inspection body must take out third-party insurance unless its liability is covered by the State under 
national law or the tests are not directly conducted by the Member State concerned. 
7. The staff of the inspection body must observe professional secrecy as regards everything learned in the 
t performance of their duties (except in relation to the competent authorities of the State in which those duties 
are performed) in the context of the application of this Directive or of any provisions of national law 
implementing this Directive. 
No C 141/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 30. 5. 88 
ANNEX IV 
MODEL 'EC MARKS 
A. MODEL FOR USE IN 'EC TYPE-EXAMINATION OR 'EC VERIFICATION PROCEDURES 
(see Articles 10 and 11) 
for example (2) 
B. MODEL FOR USE IN THE 'EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY PROCEDURE NOT INVOLVING 
'EC TYPE-EXAMINATION (see Article 12) 
for example(2) 
The vertical dimension of the different components of the 'EC mark must be perceptibly the same, namely not less than 2 mm on the PPE and 
not less than 5 mm on its packaging. 
(') Distinguishing number of approved inspection body (see Article 13). 
(2) Last two figures of the year in which the mark was affixed (see Article 13).