20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/1 
II 
(Preparatory Acts) 
COMMISSION 
Proposal for a Council Directive concerning the minimum health and safety requirements 
for the use by workers of personal protective equipment 
(Third individual Directive within the meaning of Article 13 of Directive ) {l) 
COM(88) 76 final 
(Submitted by the Commission to the Council on 11 March 1988) 
(88/C 161/01) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community and in particular Article 118A 
thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
drawn up after consultation with the Advisory Commit­
tee for Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at 
Work (2), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee, 
In cooperation with the European Parliament, 
Whereas Article 118A of the EEC Treaty provides that 
the Council shall issue Directives containing minimum 
requirements designed to encourage improvements, 
especially in the working environment, to promote the 
health and safety of workers; 
Whereas Article 118A also recommends that Directives 
shall avoid imposing administrative, financial and legal 
constraints which could hold back the creation and 
development of small and medium-sized undertakings 
(SMU); 
Whereas the communication from the Commission on 
its programme concerning safety, hygiene and health at 
work (3) provides for the adoption of Directives design­
ed to guarantee the safety and health of workers; Whereas the Council resolution of 21 December 1987 
concerning safety, hygiene and health at work (4) noted 
the Commission's intention to present to it in the near 
future minimum requirements concerning the safety 
and health of workers at work; 
Whereas the completion of the internal market entails 
the drawing up of a Directive based on Article 100A, 
in accordance with the new approach to harmonization 
and standardization (5), making compliance with essen­
tial safety requirements for the design, manufacture or 
construction of personal protective equipment a con­
dition for the placing on the market and free movement 
throughout the Community of such equipment; 
Whereas it is necessary to supplement this Directive, 
which only refers to the placing of personal protection 
equipment on the Community market, by minimum 
safety and health requirements for the use of personal 
protective equipment; 
Whereas this Directive introduces a social element in 
relation to a technical harmonization Directive aiming 
at the completion of the internal market for personal 
protective equipment; 
Whereas collective means of protection shall be 
accorded priority over individual protective equipment; 
(!) COM(88) 73 final (OJ No C 141, 30. 5. 1988). 
(2) Council Decision 74/325/EEC (OJ No L 185, 9. 7. 1974). 
(3) OJ No C 28, 3. 2. 1988, p. 3. (4) OJ No C 28, 3. 2. 1988, p. 1. 
(5) White paper, Doc. COM(85) 310 final. 
No C 161/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
Whereas the use of personal protective equipment pre­
supposes that workers are in situations which pose a 
risk to their safety and health and that it is important, 
in such a situation, to encourage the involvement of the 
worker in all aspects of the use of personal protective 
equipment; 
Whereas this Directive lays down' essential minimum 
requirements to protect the safety and health of wor­
kers, without impeding the retention or institution by 
each Member State of more stringent measures to pro­
tect working conditions; 
Whereas these requirements should not entail alter­
ations to personal protective equipment whose design 
and manufacture were covered by Community Direc­
tives relating to safety and health at work; 
Whereas it is important to promote the cooperation of 
both sides of industry in decisions and activities relating 
to the protection of safety and health at the workplace, 
at all levels; 
Whereas a Committee should be set up within the 
Commission to assist the Commission in the implemen­
tation of additional measures provided for by the Direc­
tive, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
Object 
Article 1 
The object of this Directive, which is an individual 
Directive within the meaning of Article 13 of Directive 
, is the protection of workers against the risks to 
their safety and health at work where such risks cannot 
be avoided or sufficiently overcome by collective means 
of protection or by organizational measures, methods 
or procedures. 
Definitions 
Article 2 
1. This Directive applies to personal protective 
equipment used at work. It lays down supplementary 
provisions for this type of equipment to those given in 
Council Directive concerning the assimilation 
of Member States' legislation on personal protective 
equipment. 
2. For the purpose of this Directive, the following 
terms have the meanings hereby assigned to them: 
— Workplace 
Any place to which the worker has access in the 
undertaking and/or establishment. — Worker 
Any person who performs work in some form, 
including students undergoing training and appren­
tices. 
— Undertaking and/or establishment 
A public-sector or private-sector body engaging in 
particular in industrial, agricultural, commercial, 
administrative, service, educational or cultural 
activities. 
— Employer 
The body or person in charge of the undertaking 
and/or enterprise. 
— Personal protective equipment 
All equipment designed to be worn or held by the 
worker to protect him against one or more hazards 
liable to endanger his safety and health at work. 
Annex III contains a non-exhaustive list, as a guide­
line, of personal protective equipment covered by 
this definition. 
The following are also considered to be personal 
protective equipment: 
— an assembly of several integrally-linked devices 
or means designed to protect the worker against 
one or more risks liable to be encountered simul­
taneously, 
— a device or means of protection attached, 
whether permanently or not, to an item of per­
sonal non-protective equipment worn or held by 
the worker in order to perform an activity, 
— interchangeable components of an item of per­
sonal protective equipment which are essential 
for its efficient functioning. 
Any linking system to connect personal protective 
equipment to an outside device, even when this 
linking system is not designed to be worn or held 
permanently by the worker during exposure to the 
risk or risks. 
The definition excludes: 
— ordinary working clothes and uniforms not 
specifically designed to protect the safety and 
health of the worker, 
— equipment used by emergency and rescue ser­
vices, 
— personal protective equipment worn or used by 
the military, the police and other public order 
agencies, 
— means of private transport and related equip­
ment, 
— sports equipment, 
— self-defence or deterrent equipment, 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/3 
— portable devices for detecting and signalling 
risks and nuisances. 
Annex II contains a non-exhaustive list, as a guide­
line, of personal protective equipment covered by 
this definition. 
General provisions 
Article 3 
Personal protective equipment shall be used when the 
risks cannot be avoided, or adequately overcome by the 
other means indicated in Article 1. 
Article 4 
1. Personal protective equipment should: 
— be appropriate for the risks involved, 
— be adapted or adaptable to the individual worker, 
— correspond to the conditions at the workplace, 
— take account of ergonomic requirements, 
— take account of the worker's state of health, 
— if possible, incorporate corrective elements required 
by the user. 
2. Where the presence of more than one risk makes 
it necessary for a worker to wear more than one item 
of personal protective equipment, such equipment must 
be compatible and continue to be effective against each 
risk. 
3. The conditions of use of personal protective 
equipment, in particular the period for which it is worn, 
shall be determined on the basis of the seriousness of 
the risk, the frequency of exposure to the risk and the 
characteristics of the workstation of each worker. 
4. Personal protective equipment is, in principle, 
intended for personal use. If the circumstances permit 
personal protective equipment to be worn by more than 
one person, appropriate measures shall be taken to 
ensure that this does not create any health or hygiene 
problem for the different users. 
5. Adequate information on each item of personal 
protective equipment, required under paragraphs 1 and 
2, shall be provided and made available within the 
undertaking. 6. Personal protective equipment shall normally be 
provided free of charge by the employer, who shall 
ensure that they are kept clean and in good working 
order, by carrying out the necessary maintenance, repair 
and replacements. 
Assessment of personal protective equipment 
Article 5 
1. When choosing personal protective equipment, 
the employer is required to assess whether the equip­
ment he intends to use satisfies the requirements of 
Article 4(1) and (2). 
This assessment shall involve: 
(a) analysis of risks which cannot be avoided by other 
means. Annex I comprises a chart, as a guideline, 
for this analysis; 
(b) the definition of the characteristics which personal 
protective equipment must have in order to be effec­
tive against the risks referred to in (a) above, taking 
into account any risks which this equipment itself 
may create; 
(c) comparison of the characteristics of the personal 
protective equipment available with the character­
istics referred to in (b). Annex II gives guidelines 
on the existence of personal protective equipment. 
Annex III gives non-exhaustive guidelines for an 
assessment of certain types of personal protective 
equipment. 
2. The assessment provided for in paragraph 1 shall 
be repeated if any changes are made to any of its 
elements. 
Regulations for use 
Article 6 
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 3, 4 
and 5, the Member States shall establish regulations to 
constitute a framework for the use of personal protec­
tive equipment, taking account of Community legis­
lation on the free movement of such equipment. 
These regulations shall indicate in particular the cir­
cumstances, activities or sectors of activity in which the 
use of personal protective equipment is required. 
Member States shall take account of Annexes I, II, III 
and IV when establishing such regulations. 
2. The Member States shall adapt the regulations 
referred to in paragraph 1 to take account of any 
significant changes to the risk, collective means of pro­
tection and personal protective equipment, brought 
about by technological developments. 
No C 161/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
3. The Member States shall consult management and 
workers before establishing the regulations referred to 
in paragraphs 1 and 2. 
Collaboration between the social partners 
Article 7 
1. The employer is required to involve the workers 
and/or their representatives in the undertaking or estab­
lishment in the drawing up and/or implementation of: 
— the policy for personal protection in the under­
taking, 
— the principle for use established in Article 3, 
— the conditions for use described in Article 4(3), (4), 
(5) and (6), 
— the assessment procedure described in Article 5, 
— the choice of types of personal protective equip­
ment, 
— measures to be taken to reduce the constraints which 
the wearing of certain items of personal protective 
equipment can involve for the worker, 
— measures to be introduced to ensure that personal 
protective equipment is correctly used by workers, 
in particular the provision of information and, if 
necessary, adequate training, 
— measures to be taken to avoid any risks which may 
result from the use of certain items of personal 
protective equipment. 
2. The provisions set out in paragraph 1 do not 
affect the employer's responsibility. 
3. The authority responsible for safety and health at 
work shall take the necessary measures to encourage 
the implementation and application of paragraph 1 in 
the undertaking. Article 8 
1. Annexes I, II, III and IV shall be changed as a 
result of: 
— the adoption of technical harmonization and stan­
dardization directives relating to the design and 
manufacture of personal protective equipment, 
— technical progress and changes in international 
regulations and specifications or knowledge in the 
field of personal protective equipment. 
2. The Commission shall be assisted in making the 
changes referred to in paragraph 1 by a Committee 
using the procedure set out in Article 14 of Directive ... 
Article 9 
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, 
regulations and administrative provisions necessary to 
comply with this Directive by 1 July 1990 at the latest 
and shall immediately inform the Commission thereof. 
2. Member States shall communicate to the Com­
mission the text of the national provisions which they 
adopt in the field covered by this Directive. The Com­
mission shall inform the other Member States thereof. 
3. Member States shall report to the Commission 
every two years on the practical implementation of the 
provisions of this Directive in undertakings, indicating 
the points of view of employers and workers. 
Article 10 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/5 
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No C 161/6 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
ANNEX II 
Non-exhaustive list of items of personal protective equipment covered by the definition in Article 2 
HEAD PROTECTION 
— Protective helmets for use in industry (mines, building sites, other industrial uses). 
— Protective headgear (bonnets, caps, souwesters, etc. in fabric, fabric with proofing, etc.). 
— Scalp protection (caps, bonnets, hairnets —with or without eye shade). 
HEARING PROTECTION 
— Earplugs and other ear plugging devices. 
— Full helmets. 
— Earmuffs which can be fitted to industrial protective helmets. 
— Ear defenders with receiver for LF induction loop. 
— Ear protection with intercom equipment. 
EYE AND FACE PROTECTION 
— Spectacles. 
— Goggles. 
— X-ray goggles, laser-beam goggles, ultra-violet, infra-red, visible radiation goggles. 
— Face shields. 
— Arc-welding masks and helmets (hand masks, headband masks or masks which can be fitted to protective 
helmets). 
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 
— Dust filters. 
— Gas filters. 
— Radioactive dust filters. 
— Insulating appliances (free air, compressed air, open circuit (air) or closed circuit (oxygen)). 
— Respiratory devices including a removable welding mask. 
— Diving equipment. 
— Diving suits. 
HAND AND ARM PROTECTION 
— Gloves to provide protection from physical injury (piercing, cuts, vibrations, etc.). 
— Gloves to provide protection from chemicals. 
— Electricians' gloves. 
— Mittens. 
— Finger stalls. 
— Oversleeves. 
— Wrist protection for heavy work. 
— Fingerless gloves. 
— Protective gloves. 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/7 
FOOT AND LEG PROTECTION 
— Low shoes, ankle boots, calf-length boots, safety boots. 
— Shoes which can be unlaced or unhooked rapidly. 
— Shoes with additional protective toe-cap. 
— Shoes and overshoes with heat-resistant soles. 
— Heat-resistant shoes, boots and overboots. 
— Themal shoes, boots and overboots. 
— Vibration-resistant shoes, boots and overboots. 
— Anti-static shoes, boots and overboots. 
— Insulating shoes, boots and overboots. 
— Protective boots for chain saw operators. 
— Clogs. 
— Kneepads. 
— Removable instep protectors. 
— Removable soles (heat-proof, pierce-proof or sweat-proof). 
— Removable spikes for ice, snow or slippery flooring. 
SKIN PROTECTION 
— Barrier creams/ointments. 
TRUNK AND ABDOMEN PROTECTION 
— Protective waistcoats, jackets and aprons to provide protection from machinery (piercing, cutting, molten 
metal splasher, etc.). 
— Protective waistcoats, jackets and aprons to provide protection from chemicals. 
— Heated waistcoats. 
— Protective X-ray aprons. 
— Safety belts for lorry drivers. 
WHOLE BODY PROTECTION 
— Equipment designed to prevent falls 
— Fall-prevention equipment (full equipment with all necessary accessories). 
— Braking equipment to absorb kinetic energy (full equipment with all necessary accessories). 
— Body-holding devices (safety harness). 
— Protective clothing 
— 'Safety' working clothing (two-piece and overalls). 
— Clothing to provide protection from machinery (piercing, cutting, etc.). 
— Clothing to provide protection from chemicals. 
— Clothing to provide protection from molten metal splasher and infra-red radiation. 
— Heat-resistant clothing. 
— Thermal clothing. 
— Clothing to provide protection from radioactive contamination. 
— Dust-proof clothing. 
— Gas-proof clothing. 
— Fluorescent signalling, retro-reflecting clothing and accessories (armsbands, gloves, etc.). 
— Protective coverings. 
No C 161/8 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
ANNEX 111 
Non-exhaustive information for evaluating personal protective equipment 
1. Industrial helmets. 
2. Goggles and visors. 
3. Ear protectors. 
4. Respirators. 
5. Gloves. 
6. Boots and shoes. 
7. Protective clothing. 
8. Life jackets for industrial use. 
9. Protection against falls. 
1. INDUSTRIAL HELMETS 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Mechanical 
Electrical 
Thermal 
Non-visibility — Objects falling, impact 
— Lateral crushing 
— Stud drivers 
— Low-voltage electricity 
— Cold, heat 
— Splashes of molten metal 
— Not sufficiently noticeable — Absorption of impact 
— Resistance to puncture 
— Lateral resistance 
— Resistance to shots 
— Electrical insulation 
— Maintenance of characteristics at high and 
low temperatures 
— Resistance to splashes of molten metal 
— Luminous/reflective colour 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Inadequate comfort 
— Poor compatibility 
— Poor hygiene 
— Poor stability, helmet falls off 
— Contact with flames 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Ergonomic design: 
— weight 
— headroom 
— head fit 
— ventilation 
— Quality of materials 
— Ease of maintenance 
— Fit 
— Non-flammability and resistance to flame 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/9 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-— Select equipment in line with the nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriate and be aware of 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
2. GOGGLES AND VISORS 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Specific 
Mechanical 
Thermal/Mechanical 
Cold 
Chemical 
Radiation — Stress arising from use 
— Puncturing by low-power foreign 
bodies 
— High-speed particles, splinters, 
splashing 
— Stud drivers 
— Burning particles at high speed 
— Hypothermia of the eyes 
— Irritation from: 
— gases 
— aerosols 
— fumes 
— Technical sources of infra-red, vis­
ible and ultraviolet radiation, ion­
izing radiation and laser rays 
— Natural radiation: daylight — Eyepiece with adequate mechanical resist­
ance and shatter-resistant 
— Imperviousness and resistance 
— Mechanical resistance 
— Resistance to burning or molten materials 
— Close fit to face 
— Imperviousness (lateral protection and 
chemical resistance) 
— Filtering capacity of eyepiece 
— Imperviousness to radiation of frame 
— Frame opaque to radiation 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards — Inadequate comfort: 
— too bulky 
— increased perspiration 
— inadequate grip, contact press­
ure too high 
— Poor compatibility 
— Poor hygiene 
— Risk of cuts from sharp edges — Ergonomic design: 
— reduced bulk 
— adequate ventilation, anti-misting eye-
— individual adaptability to the user 
— Quality of materials 
— Ease of maintenance 
— Rounded edges and rims 
— Use of safety eyepieces 
No C 161/10 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Impairment of vision caused by 
poor optical quality, e.g. distor­
tion, modification of colours, in 
particular signals, diffusion 
— Reduction of field of visibility 
— Reflection 
— Sudden severe changes in trans­
parency (light-dark) 
— Misty eyepieces 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Check optical quality 
— Use abrasion-proof eyepieces 
— Eyepieces of adequate size 
— Anti-reflective eyepieces and frame 
— Eyepiece light reaction speed (photochro-
matic) 
— Anti-misting facility 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-— Select equipment in line with the type and 
scale of the risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
risk 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
3. EAR PROTECTORS 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Noise 
Thermal — Continuous noise 
— Impulse noise 
— Metal splashing, for example dur­
ing welding — Sufficient noise reduction for all types of 
— Resistance to molten or burning materials 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Restriction of hearing capa-— Inadequate comfort: 
— too bulky 
— too much pressure 
— increased perspiration 
— inadequate grip 
— Deterioration of ability to under­
stand words, recognize signals and 
key sounds during work and to 
locate direction of noise — Ergonomic design: 
— bulk 
— pressure when worn and effort required 
to keep in place 
— adaptability to individual requirements 
— Variation in noise reduction depending on 
frequency, reduction in hearing performance 
— Possibility of replacing shells with earplugs 
— Audio tests before selection 
— Use of appropriate electro-acoustic protec-
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/11 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Poor compatibility 
— Poor hygiene 
— Unsuitable materials 
— Sharp edges 
— Pulls hair 
— Contact with burning objects 
— Contact with flame 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Quality of materials 
— Ease of maintenance 
— Possibility of replacing muffs with shells, use 
of disposable earplugs 
— Rounded edges and corners 
— Eliminate elements which pull hair 
— Resistance to combustion and melting 
— Non-flammability, resistance to flame 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-— Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriate, be aware of risk 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
4. RESPIRATORS 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Effect of dangerous sub­
stances in inhaled air 
Lack of oxygen in inhaled air — Particulate pollutants (dust, fumes, 
aerosols) 
— Gaseous and evaporative pol­
lutants 
— Particulate and gaseous aerosol 
pollutants 
— Oxygen retention 
— Oxygen pressure — Particle filter of the required efficiency (filter 
grade), depending on concentration, 
toxicity/health hazard and size range of par-
— Particular attention should be given to liquid 
particles (droplets) 
— Selection of suitable gas filter type and 
appropriate filter grade, depending on con­
centration, toxicity/health hazard, length of 
time to be worn and nature of work 
— Selection of suitable combined filter type 
according to same criteria as for particle and 
gas filters 
— Guaranteed oxygen supply through equip-
— Respect oxygen capacity of equipment in 
relation to duration of use 
No C 161/12 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Inadequate comfort: 
— bulk 
— supply 
— respiratory resistance 
— microclimate in respirator 
— Poor compatibility 
— Poor hygiene 
— Not airtight (leaks) 
— Accumulation of C02 in inhaled 
air 
— Contact with naked flames, sparks, 
spatters of molten metal 
— Reduction of field of vision 
— Contamination 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Ergonomic design: 
— adaptability 
— small bulk, good weight distribution 
— no interference with head movements 
— respiratory resistance and high pressure 
in respiratory zone 
— respirators with breathing valve, blower 
— easy to handle/use 
— Quality of materials 
— Ease of maintenance and disinfection 
— Airtight fit to the face; imperviousness of 
equipment 
— Respirators with breathing valves, blower or 
C02 absorbers 
— Use of non-flammable materials 
— Adequate range of field of vision 
— Resistance, ease of decontamination 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection —' Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-— Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— observe restrictions on use and duration 
of use; where oxygen concentration is 
too high or too low clean-air equipment 
should be used instead of filtered-air 
equipment 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements (possibility of change) 
— Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
— Follow information and instructions for 
use provided by manufacturer, safety 
organizations and test laboratories 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Respect maximum periods of use 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions as 
safety rules 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/13 
5. PROTECTIVE GLOVES 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
General 
Mechanical 
Thermal 
Electrical 
Chemical 
Vibration 
Contamination — Contact 
— Use-related stress 
— By abrasive, sharp or pointed 
objects 
— Impact 
— Burning or cold materials, ambient 
temperature 
— Contact with naked flame 
— Effects of welding work 
— Electricity 
— Action of chemicals 
— Mechanical vibration 
— Contacts with radioactive 
materials — Area of hand covered 
— Resistance to tearing, stretching, abrasion 
— Resistance to penetration, puncture and cut­
ting 
— Padding 
— Insulation against cold and heat 
— Non-flammability, resistance to flame 
— Protection from and resistance to radiation 
and splashes of molten metal 
— Electrical insulation 
— Imperviousness, resistance 
— Vibration reduction 
— Imperviousness, ease of decontamination, 
resistance 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Inadequate comfort 
— Poor compatibility 
— Poor hygiene 
— Gloves stick to the skin 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Ergonomic design: 
— bulk, grading of sizes, surface area, com­
fort, permeability to water vapour 
— Quality of materials 
— Ease of maintenance 
— Good shaping design 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
— Maintenance of size 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio­
rated — Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
No C 161/14 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
6. SAFETY BOOTS AND SHOES 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Mechanical 
Electrical 
Thermal 
Chemical — Objects falling on or crushing the 
front of the foot 
— Falls and impact on heel 
— Falls as a result of slipping 
— Treading on pointed or sharp 
objects 
— Damage to: 
— the malleoli 
— the metatarsus 
— the leg 
— Low and medium voltage 
— High voltage 
— Cold, heat 
— Molten metal spatter 
— Harmful dusts or liquids — Resistance of the front of the boot or shoe 
— Energy-absorbing capacity of the heel 
— Reinforcement of instep 
— Resistance to slipping of sole 
— Puncture-proof sole 
— Protection for: 
— the malleoli 
— the metatarsus 
— Electrical insulation 
— Electrical conductibility 
— Thermal insulation 
— Resistance, imperviousness 
— Resistance and impermeability 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing 
Static electricity — Inadequate comfort: 
— the shoe does not fit 
— poor absorption of perspir-
— fatigue from using the equip-
— the shoe leaks 
— Poor compatibility 
-— Poor hygiene 
— Risk of dislocation and sprains 
because of poor foot holding 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use 
— Discharge of static electricity — Ergonomic design: 
— shape, padding, size 
— vapour permeability and water absorp­
tion capacity 
— flexibility, bulk 
— waterproofing 
— Quality of materials 
— Ease of maintenance 
— Stiffness across width of the shoe and arch 
support, fit 
— Resistance to corrosion, abrasion and fatigue 
of the sole 
— Resistance to industrial Wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
— Electrical conductibility 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment — Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/15 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio­
rated — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
7. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
General 
Mechanical 
Thermal 
Electrical 
Chemical 
Humidity 
Non-visibility 
Contamination — Contact 
— Stress arising from use 
— Abrasive, pointed and sharp 
objects 
— Burning or cold materials, ambient 
temperature 
— Contact with naked flames 
— Welding work 
— Electricity 
— Chemical damage 
— Clothing leaks 
— Clothing difficult to see 
— Contact with radioactive materials — Coverage of torso 
— Resistance to tearing, stretching, prevention 
of spreading of tears 
— Resistance to penetration 
— Insulation against cold and heat, mainten­
ance of protective qualities 
— Non-flammability, resistance to flame 
— Protection from and resistance to radiation 
and splashes of molten metal 
— Electrical insulation 
— Impermeability and resistance to chemical 
damage 
— Waterproofing 
— Bright or reflective colour 
— Impermeability, ease of decontamination, 
resistance 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Inadequate comfort 
— Poor compatibility 
— Poor hygiene 
— Clothing sticks to the skin 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Ergonomic design: 
— size, grading of sizes, surface area, com­
fort, permeability to water vapour 
— Quality of materials 
-— Ease of maintenance 
— Good shaping design 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
— Maintenance of size 
No C 161/16 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio­
rated — Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
risk 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instrucitons 
8. LIFE JACKETS FOR INDUSTRIAL USE 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Drowning — Fall into water of a person in work 
clothing, unconscious or deprived 
of physical faculties — Buoyancy 
— Righting ability even if wearer is unconscious 
— Inflation time 
— Triggering of automatic inflation 
— Ability to keep mouth and nose out of the 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Constraint caused by size or poor 
design 
— Jacket falls off if wearer falls into 
— Damage to jacket during use 
— Function of inflation system 
affected 
— Inappropriate use 
— Exposure to weather, ambient con­
ditions, cleaning, use — Ergonomic design which does not restrict 
vision, respiration or movement 
— Design (stays in position) 
— Resistance to mechanical damage (impact, 
crushing, perforation) 
— Maintenance of safety qualities under all 
conditions 
— Type of gas used for inflation (size of con­
tainer, whether or not gas is harmful) 
— Efficiency of automatic inflation device (also 
after long storage) 
— Possibility of triggering inflation manually 
— Provision of a device for oral inflation even 
while jacket is worn 
— Outline instructions for use marked on 
jacket indelibly 
— Resistance to chemical, biological and physi­
cal attack: seawater, detergents, hydro­
carbons, micro-organisms (bacteria, mould) 
— Resistance to climatic factors: thermal stress, 
humidity, rain, splashing, solar radiation 
— Resistance of materials and protective 
covers: tearing, abrasion, non-flammability, 
spattering of molten metal (welding) 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/17 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio­
rated — Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
risk 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
9. EQUIPMENT FOR PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS 
Risk Origin and type of risk Safety and performance criteria 
for selection of equipment 
RISKS TO BE COVERED 
Impact — Falls from a height 
— Loss of balance — Resistance and suitability of equipment and 
anchorage point 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT 
Discomfort, 
interference with work 
Accidents and health hazards 
Ageing — Inadequate ergonomic design 
— Restriction of freedom of move-
— Dynamic stress exerted on the user 
and equipment during braking 
— Oscillation and lateral impact 
— Static stress exerted on suspended 
body by straps 
— Slipping of link device 
— Change in mechanical resistance 
resulting from exposure to 
weather, ambient conditions, 
cleaning and use — Ergonomic design: 
— method of construction 
— bulk 
— flexibility 
— ease of putting on 
— gripping device with automatic length 
adjustment 
— Suitability of equipment: 
— distribution of braking stress to parts of 
the body with absorption capacity 
— reduction of braking force 
— braking distance 
— position of attaching device 
— Anchorage point above the head, anchorage 
at other points 
— Design of equipment (distribution of stress) 
— Short link device (e.g. safety harness, espace 
— Resistance to corrosion 
— Resistance to industrial wear and tear 
-— Maintenance of characteristics throughout 
useful life 
No C 161/18 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT 
Inadequate protection — Wrong choice of equipment 
— Incorrect use of equipment 
— Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-— Select equipment in line with nature and 
scale of risks and stress: 
— follow manufacturer's instructions 
— follow markings on equipment (e.g. level 
of protection, special uses) 
— Select equipment to suit user's individual 
requirements 
— Use equipment appropriately, be aware of 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
— Maintain in good condition 
— Regular checks 
— Replace in good time 
— Follow manufacturer's instructions 
ANNEX IV 
Non-exhaustive guide list of activities and sectors of activity referred to in Article 6 (1) 
1. HEAD PROTECTION (SKULL PROTECTION) 
Protective helmets 
— Building work, particularly work on, underneath or in the vicinity of scaffolding and elevated work 
places, erection and stripping of formwork, assembly and installation work, work on scaffolding and 
demolition work. 
— Work on steel bridges, steel building construction, masts, towers, steel hydraulic structures, blast furnaces, 
steel works and rolling mills, large containers, large pipelines, boiler plants and power stations. 
— Work in pits, trenches, shafts and tunnels. 
— Earth and rock works. 
— Work in underground workings, quarries, open diggings, coal stock removal. 
— Work with bolt-driving tools. 
— Blasting work. 
— Work in the vicinity of lifts, lifting gear, cranes and conveyors. 
— Work with blast furnaces, direct reduction plants, steelworks, rolling mills, ironworks, forging, drop 
forging and casting. 
— Work with industrial furnaces, containers, machinery, silos, bunkers and pipelines. 
— Shipbuildings. 
— Railway shunting work. 
— Slaughterhouses. 
2. FOOT PROTECTION 
Safety shoes with pierce-proof soles 
— Carcass work, foundation work and roadworks. 
— Scaffolding work. 
— The demolition of carcass work. 
— Work with concrete and prefabricated parts involving formwork erection and stripping. 
— Work in contractors' yards and warehouses. 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/19 
Safety shoes without pierce-proof soles 
— Work on steel bridges, steel building construction, masts, towers, lifts, steel hydraulic structures, blast 
furnaces, steelworks and rolling mills, large containers, large pipelines, cranes, boiler plants and power 
stations. 
— Furnace construction, heating and ventilation installation and metal assembly work. 
— Conversion and maintenance work. 
— Work with blast furnaces, direct reduction plants, steelworks, rolling mills, ironworks, forging, drop 
forging, hot pressing and drawing plants. 
— Work in quarries and open diggings, coal stock removal. 
— Working and processing of rock. 
— Flat glass products and container glassware manufacture, working and processing. 
— Work with moulds in the ceramics industry. 
— Lining of kilns in the ceramics industry. 
— Moulding work in the ceramic ware and building materials industry. 
— Transport and storage. 
— Work with frozen meat blocks and preserved foods packaging. 
— Shipbuilding. 
— Railway shunting work. 
— Skilled work of all kinds. 
Safety shoes with heels or wedges and pierce-proof soles 
— Roof work. 
Protective shoes with insulated sole 
— Work with and on very hot or very cold materials. 
Safety shoes which can easily be removed 
— Where there is a risk of penetration by molten substances. 
3. EYE OR FACE PROTECTION 
Protective goggles, face shields or screens 
— Welding, grinding and separating work. 
— Caulking and chiselling. 
— Rock working and processing. 
— Work with bolt-driving tools. 
— Work on stock removing machines for small chippings. 
— Drop forging. 
— The removal and breaking up of fragments. 
— Spraying of abrasive substances. 
— Work with acids and caustic solutions, disinfectants and corrosive cleaning products. 
— Work with liquid sprays. 
— Work with and in the vicinity of molten substances. 
— Work with radiant heat. 
— Work with lasers. 
No C 161/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 6. 88 
4. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 
Respirators 
— Work in containers, restricted areas and gas-fired industrial furnaces where there may be gas or insufficient 
oxygen. 
— Work in the vicinity of the blast furnace charge. 
— Work in the vicinity of gas converters and blast furnace gas pipes. 
— Work in the vicinity of blast furnace taps where there may be heavy metal fumes. 
— Work on the lining of furnaces and ladles where there is dust. 
— Spray painting where dedusting is inadequate. 
— Work in shafts, sewers and other underground areas connected with sewage. 
— Work in refrigeration plants where there is a danger that the refrigerant may escape. 
5. HEARING PROTECTION 
Ear protectors 
— Work with metal presses. 
— Work with pneumatic drills. 
— The work of ground staff at airports. 
— Pile-driving work. 
6. BODY, ARM AND HAND PROTECTION 
Protective clothing 
— Work with acids and caustic solutions, disinfectants and corrosive cleaning substances. 
— Work with or in the vicinity of hot materials and where the effects of heat are felt. 
— Work on flat glass products. 
— Sand spraying. 
— Work in deep-freeze rooms. 
Fire-resistant protective clothing 
— Welding in restricted areas. 
Pierce-proof aprons 
— Boning and cutting work. 
— Work with hand knives involving drawing the knife towards the body. 
Leather aprons 
— Welding. 
— Forging. 
— Casting. 
Forearm protection 
— Boning and cutting. 
20. 6. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 161/21 
Gloves 
— Welding. 
— Handling of sharp-edged objects, other than machines, where there is a danger of being cut. 
— Unprotected work with acids and caustic solutions. 
Metal mesh gloves 
— Boning and cutting. 
— Regular cutting using a hand knife for production and slaughtering. 
— Changing the knives of cutting machines. 
7. WEATHERPROOF CLOTHING 
— Building work in the open air in rain and cold weather. 
8. REFLECTIVE CLOTHING 
— Work where the workers must be clearly visible. 
9. SAFETY HARNESSES 
— Work on scaffolding. 
— Assembly of prefabricated parts. 
— Work on masts. 
10. SAFETY ROPES 
— Work in high crane cabs. 
— Work in high cabs of warehouse stacking and retrieval equipment. 
— Work in high sections of drilling towers. 
— Work in shafts and sewers. 
11. SKIN PROTECTION 
— Processing of coating materials. 
— Tanning.