CELEX: 51988PC0076
Language: en
Date: 1988-03-07
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE CONCERNING THE MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE BY WORKERS OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Official Journal of the European Communities                              N o C 161/1
20. 6. 88
                                                               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,                            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
 Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European
                                                                     future minimum requirements concerning the safety
 Economic Community and in particular Article 118A
                                                                     and health of workers at work;
 thereof,
 Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,                  Whereas the completion of the internal market entails
 drawn up after consultation with the Advisory Commit-               the drawing up of a Directive based on Article 100A,
 tee for Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at                    in accordance with the new approach to harmonization
 Work (2),                                                           and standardization (5), making compliance with essen-
                                                                     tial safety requirements for the design, manufacture or
                                                                     construction of personal protective equipment a con-
 Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and
                                                                     dition for the placing on the market and free movement
 Social Committee,
                                                                     throughout the Community of such equipment;
 In cooperation with the European Parliament,
                                                                     Whereas it is necessary to supplement this Directive,
                                                                     which only refers to the placing of personal protection
 Whereas Article 118A of the EEC Treaty provides that
                                                                     equipment on the Community market, by minimum
 the Council shall issue Directives containing minimum
                                                                     safety and health requirements for the use of personal
 requirements designed to encourage improvements,
                                                                     protective equipment;
 especially in the working environment, to promote the
 health and safety of workers;
                                                                     Whereas this Directive introduces a social element in
                                                                     relation to a technical harmonization Directive aiming
 Whereas Article 118A also recommends that Directives
                                                                     at the completion of the internal market for personal
 shall avoid imposing administrative, financial and legal
                                                                     protective equipment;
 constraints which could hold back the creation and
 development of small and medium-sized undertakings
  (SMU);                                                             Whereas collective means of protection shall be
                                                                     accorded priority over individual protective equipment;
 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;
 (!) COM(88) 73 final (OJ No C 141, 30. 5. 1988).
 (2) Council Decision 74/325/EEC (OJ No L 185, 9. 7. 1974).          (4) OJ No C 28, 3. 2. 1988, p. 1.
 (3) OJ No C 28, 3. 2. 1988, p. 3.                                   (5) White paper, Doc. COM(85) 310 final.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 161/2                           Official Journal of the European Communities                               20. 6. 88
Whereas the use of personal protective equipment pre-          — Worker
supposes that workers are in situations which pose a
risk to their safety and health and that it is important,          Any person who performs work in some form,
in such a situation, to encourage the involvement of the           including students undergoing training and appren-
worker in all aspects of the use of personal protective            tices.
equipment;
                                                               — Undertaking and/or establishment
Whereas this Directive lays down' essential minimum
requirements to protect the safety and health of wor-              A public-sector or private-sector body engaging in
kers, without impeding the retention or institution by             particular in industrial, agricultural, commercial,
each Member State of more stringent measures to pro-               administrative, service, educational or cultural
tect working conditions;                                           activities.
Whereas these requirements should not entail alter-            — Employer
ations to personal protective equipment whose design
and manufacture were covered by Community Direc-                   The body or person in charge of the undertaking
tives relating to safety and health at work;                       and/or enterprise.
Whereas it is important to promote the cooperation of
both sides of industry in decisions and activities relating    — Personal protective equipment
to the protection of safety and health at the workplace,
at all levels;                                                     All equipment designed to be worn or held by the
                                                                   worker to protect him against one or more hazards
Whereas a Committee should be set up within the                    liable to endanger his safety and health at work.
Commission to assist the Commission in the implemen-               Annex III contains a non-exhaustive list, as a guide-
tation of additional measures provided for by the Direc-           line, of personal protective equipment covered by
tive,                                                              this definition.
                                                                   The following are also considered to be personal
                                                                   protective equipment:
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:                                        — an assembly of several integrally-linked devices
                                                                       or means designed to protect the worker against
                                                                       one or more risks liable to be encountered simul-
                           Object                                      taneously,
                                                                   — a device or means of protection attached,
                          Article 1                                    whether permanently or not, to an item of per-
                                                                       sonal non-protective equipment worn or held by
The object of this Directive, which is an individual                   the worker in order to perform an activity,
Directive within the meaning of Article 13 of Directive
        , is the protection of workers against the risks to        — interchangeable components of an item of per-
their safety and health at work where such risks cannot                sonal protective equipment which are essential
be avoided or sufficiently overcome by collective means                for its efficient functioning.
of protection or by organizational measures, methods
or procedures.                                                     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
                         Definitions                               risk or risks.
                                                                   The definition excludes:
                          Article 2
                                                                  — ordinary working clothes and uniforms not
1. This Directive applies to personal protective                       specifically designed to protect the safety and
equipment used at work. It lays down supplementary                     health of the worker,
provisions for this type of equipment to those given in
                                                                   — equipment used by emergency and rescue ser-
Council Directive             concerning the assimilation              vices,
of Member States' legislation on personal protective
equipment.                                                         — personal protective equipment worn or used by
                                                                       the military, the police and other public order
2.     For the purpose of this Directive, the following                agencies,
 terms have the meanings hereby assigned to them:
                                                                   — means of private transport and related equip-
                                                                       ment,
— Workplace
                                                                   — sports equipment,
     Any place to which the worker has access in the
     undertaking and/or establishment.                             — self-defence or deterrent equipment,
 ---pagebreak--- 20. 6. 88                           Official Journal of the European Communities                              No C 161/3
     — portable devices for detecting and signalling          6.     Personal protective equipment shall normally be
         risks and nuisances.                                 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
     Annex II contains a non-exhaustive list, as a guide-     and replacements.
     line, of personal protective equipment covered by
     this definition.
                                                                     Assessment of personal protective equipment
                     General provisions                                                 Article 5
                                                              1. When choosing personal protective equipment,
                                                              the employer is required to assess whether the equip-
                          Article 3                           ment he intends to use satisfies the requirements of
                                                              Article 4(1) and (2).
Personal protective equipment shall be used when the          This assessment shall involve:
risks cannot be avoided, or adequately overcome by the
other means indicated in Article 1.                            (a) analysis of risks which cannot be avoided by other
                                                                   means. Annex I comprises a chart, as a guideline,
                                                                   for this analysis;
                          Article 4                            (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
 1.     Personal protective equipment should:                      into account any risks which this equipment itself
                                                                   may create;
— be appropriate for the risks involved,                       (c) comparison of the characteristics of the personal
                                                                   protective equipment available with the character-
— be adapted or adaptable to the individual worker,                istics referred to in (b). Annex II gives guidelines
— correspond to the conditions at the workplace,                   on the existence of personal protective equipment.
                                                                   Annex III gives non-exhaustive guidelines for an
— take account of ergonomic requirements,                          assessment of certain types of personal protective
                                                                   equipment.
— take account of the worker's state of health,
— if possible, incorporate corrective elements required       2.      The assessment provided for in paragraph 1 shall
     by the user.                                             be repeated if any changes are made to any of its
                                                              elements.
 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                             Regulations for use
 be compatible and continue to be effective against each
 risk.
                                                                                         Article 6
 3.     The conditions of use of personal protective           1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 3, 4
 equipment, in particular the period for which it is worn,    and 5, the Member States shall establish regulations to
 shall be determined on the basis of the seriousness of       constitute a framework for the use of personal protec-
 the risk, the frequency of exposure to the risk and the      tive equipment, taking account of Community legis-
 characteristics of the workstation of each worker.           lation on the free movement of such equipment.
 4.     Personal protective equipment is, in principle,       These regulations shall indicate in particular the cir-
 intended for personal use. If the circumstances permit       cumstances, activities or sectors of activity in which the
 personal protective equipment to be worn by more than        use of personal protective equipment is required.
 one person, appropriate measures shall be taken to           Member States shall take account of Annexes I, II, III
 ensure that this does not create any health or hygiene       and IV when establishing such regulations.
 problem for the different users.
                                                              2.      The Member States shall adapt the regulations
 5.     Adequate information on each item of personal         referred to in paragraph 1 to take account of any
 protective equipment, required under paragraphs 1 and        significant changes to the risk, collective means of pro-
 2, shall be provided and made available within the           tection and personal protective equipment, brought
 undertaking.                                                 about by technological developments.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 161/4                          Official Journal of the European Communities                              20. 6. 88
3.    The Member States shall consult management and                                   Article 8
workers before establishing the regulations referred to
in paragraphs 1 and 2.                                        1. Annexes I, II, III and IV shall be changed as a
                                                              result of:
        Collaboration between the social partners             — the adoption of technical harmonization and stan-
                                                                  dardization directives relating to the design and
                        Article 7                                 manufacture of personal protective equipment,
                                                              — technical progress and changes in international
 1. The employer is required to involve the workers               regulations and specifications or knowledge in the
and/or their representatives in the undertaking or estab-         field of personal protective equipment.
lishment in the drawing up and/or implementation of:
— the policy for personal protection in the under-            2.     The Commission shall be assisted in making the
    taking,                                                   changes referred to in paragraph 1 by a Committee
                                                              using the procedure set out in Article 14 of Directive ...
— 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,                                     Article 9
— the choice of types of personal protective equip-
    ment,                                                     1. Member States shall bring into force the laws,
                                                              regulations and administrative provisions necessary to
— measures to be taken to reduce the constraints which        comply with this Directive by 1 July 1990 at the latest
    the wearing of certain items of personal protective       and shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.
    equipment can involve for the worker,
— measures to be introduced to ensure that personal           2.     Member States shall communicate to the Com-
    protective equipment is correctly used by workers,        mission the text of the national provisions which they
    in particular the provision of information and, if        adopt in the field covered by this Directive. The Com-
    necessary, adequate training,                             mission shall inform the other Member States thereof.
— measures to be taken to avoid any risks which may           3.     Member States shall report to the Commission
    result from the use of certain items of personal          every two years on the practical implementation of the
    protective equipment.                                     provisions of this Directive in undertakings, indicating
                                                              the points of view of employers and workers.
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                                   Article 10
the implementation and application of paragraph 1 in
the undertaking.                                              This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
 ---pagebreak--- 20. 6. 88                                          Official Journal of the European Communities                              No C 161/5
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 ---pagebreak--- 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.
 ---pagebreak--- 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.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 161/8                             Official J o u r n a l of t h e E u r o p e a n  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
                                                                                             Safety and performance criteria
                        Risk                     Origin and type of risk
                                                                                                for selection of equipment
                                                       RISKS T O BE COVERED
          Mechanical                    — Objects falling, impact                      — Absorption of impact
                                        — Lateral crushing                             — Resistance to puncture
                                        — Stud drivers                                 — Lateral resistance
                                                                                       — Resistance to shots
          Electrical                    — Low-voltage electricity                      — Electrical insulation
          Thermal                       — Cold, heat                                   — Maintenance of characteristics at high and
                                                                                         low temperatures
                                         — Splashes of molten metal                    — Resistance to splashes of molten metal
          Non-visibility                — Not sufficiently noticeable                  — Luminous/reflective colour
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                   — Inadequate comfort                           — Ergonomic design:
          interference with work                                                         — weight
                                                                                         — headroom
                                                                                         — head fit
                                                                                         — ventilation
          Accidents and health hazards  —   Poor compatibility                         — Quality of materials
                                        —   Poor hygiene                               — Ease of maintenance
                                        —   Poor stability, helmet falls off           — Fit
                                        —   Contact with flames                        — Non-flammability and resistance to flame
          Ageing                        — Exposure to weather, ambient con-            — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                            ditions, cleaning, use                     — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                         useful life
 ---pagebreak--- 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                — 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
                                          — Incorrect use of equipment              — Use equipment appropriate and be aware of
                                                                                    — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                          — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-       — Maintain in good condition
                                                                                    — Regular checks
                                                                                    — Replace in good time
                                                                                    — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                                      2. GOGGLES AND VISORS
                                                                                          Safety and performance criteria
                        Risk                      Origin and type of risk
                                                                                             for selection of equipment
                                                        RISKS TO BE COVERED
          Specific                        — Stress arising from use                 — Eyepiece with adequate mechanical resist-
                                                                                      ance and shatter-resistant
                                          — Puncturing by low-power foreign         — Imperviousness and resistance
                                              bodies
          Mechanical                      — High-speed particles,        splinters, — Mechanical resistance
                                              splashing
                                          — Stud drivers
          Thermal/Mechanical              — Burning particles at high speed         — Resistance to burning or molten materials
           Cold                           — Hypothermia of the eyes                 — Close fit to face
           Chemical                       — Irritation from:                        — Imperviousness (lateral       protection and
                                             — gases                                  chemical resistance)
                                             — aerosols
                                             — fumes
           Radiation                      — Technical sources of infra-red, vis-    — Filtering capacity of eyepiece
                                              ible and ultraviolet radiation, ion-  — Imperviousness to radiation of frame
                                              izing radiation and laser rays        — Frame opaque to radiation
                                          — Natural radiation: daylight
                                             RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
           Discomfort,                    — Inadequate comfort:                     — Ergonomic design:
           interference with work             — too bulky                             — reduced bulk
                                              — increased perspiration                — adequate ventilation, anti-misting eye-
                                              — inadequate grip, contact press-       — individual adaptability to the user
                                                  ure too high
           Accidents and health hazards   — Poor compatibility                      — Quality of materials
                                          — Poor hygiene                            — Ease of maintenance
                                          — Risk of cuts from sharp edges           — Rounded edges and rims
                                                                                    — Use of safety eyepieces
 ---pagebreak--- No C 161/10                            Official Journal of the European Communities                                             20. 6. 88
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Accidents and health hazards   — Impairment of vision caused by       — Check optical quality
                                             poor optical quality, e.g. distor- — Use abrasion-proof eyepieces
                                             tion, modification of colours, in
                                             particular signals, diffusion
                                         — Reduction of field of visibility     — Eyepieces of adequate size
                                         — Reflection                           — Anti-reflective eyepieces and frame
                                         — Sudden severe changes in trans-      — Eyepiece light reaction speed (photochro-
                                             parency (light-dark)                 matic)
                                         — Misty eyepieces                      — Anti-misting facility
          Ageing                         — Exposure to weather, ambient con-    — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                             ditions, cleaning, use             — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                  useful life
                                     RISKS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT
          Inadequate protection          — Wrong choice of equipment            — 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
                                         — Incorrect use of equipment           — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                                  risk
                                                                                — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                         — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-    — Maintain in good condition
                                                                                — Regular checks
                                                                                — Replace in good time
                                                                                — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                                         3. EAR PROTECTORS
                                                                                       Safety and performance criteria
                       Risk                      Origin and type of risk
                                                                                          for selection of equipment
                                                        RISKS TO BE COVERED
          Noise                          — Continuous noise                     — Sufficient noise reduction for all types of
                                         — Impulse noise
          Thermal                        — Metal splashing, for example dur-    — Resistance to molten or burning materials
                                             ing welding
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                    — Inadequate comfort:                  — Ergonomic design:
          interference with work             — too bulky                          — bulk
                                             — too much pressure                  — pressure when worn and effort required
                                                                                       to keep in place
                                             — increased perspiration             — adaptability to individual requirements
                                             — inadequate grip
          Restriction of hearing capa-   — Deterioration of ability to under-   — Variation in noise reduction depending on
                                             stand words, recognize signals and   frequency, reduction in hearing performance
                                             key sounds during work and to      — Possibility of replacing shells with earplugs
                                             locate direction of noise          — Audio tests before selection
                                                                                — Use of appropriate electro-acoustic protec-
 ---pagebreak--- 20. 6. 88                               Official Journal of the European Communities                                               No C 161/11
                                             RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Accidents and health hazards    — Poor compatibility                   — Quality of materials
                                          — Poor hygiene                         — Ease of maintenance
                                          — Unsuitable materials                 — Possibility of replacing muffs with shells, use
                                                                                   of disposable earplugs
                                          —   Sharp edges                        — Rounded edges and corners
                                          —   Pulls hair                         — Eliminate elements which pull hair
                                          —   Contact with burning objects       — Resistance to combustion and melting
                                          —   Contact with flame                 — Non-flammability, resistance to flame
          Ageing                          — Exposure to weather, ambient con-    — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                              ditions, cleaning, use             — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                   useful life
                                      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
                                          — Incorrect use of equipment           — Use equipment appropriate, be aware of risk
                                                                                 — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                          — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-    — Maintain in good condition
                                                                                 — Regular checks
                                                                                 — Replace in good time
                                                                                 — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                                              4. RESPIRATORS
                                                                                       Safety and performance criteria
                        Risk                       Origin and type of risk
                                                                                          for selection of equipment
                                                        RISKS TO BE COVERED
          Effect of dangerous      sub-   — Particulate pollutants (dust, fumes, — Particle filter of the required efficiency (filter
          stances in inhaled air              aerosols)                            grade),     depending      on     concentration,
                                                                                   toxicity/health hazard and size range of par-
                                                                                 — Particular attention should be given to liquid
                                                                                   particles (droplets)
                                          — Gaseous       and   evaporative pol- — Selection of suitable gas filter type and
                                              lutants                              appropriate filter grade, depending on con-
                                                                                   centration, toxicity/health hazard, length of
                                                                                   time to be worn and nature of work
                                          — Particulate and gaseous aerosol      — Selection of suitable combined filter type
                                              pollutants                           according to same criteria as for particle and
                                                                                   gas filters
          Lack of oxygen in inhaled air   — Oxygen retention                     — Guaranteed oxygen supply through equip-
                                          — Oxygen pressure                      — Respect oxygen capacity of equipment in
                                                                                   relation to duration of use
 ---pagebreak--- No C 161/12                            Official Journal of the European Communities                                          20. 6. 88
                                           RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                    — Inadequate comfort:                — Ergonomic design:
          interference with work                                                — adaptability
                                             — bulk                             — small bulk, good weight distribution
                                             — supply                           — no interference with head movements
                                             — respiratory resistance           — respiratory resistance and high pressure
                                                                                    in respiratory zone
                                             — microclimate in respirator       — respirators with breathing valve, blower
                                                                                — easy to handle/use
          Accidents and health hazards   — Poor compatibility                 — Quality of materials
                                         — Poor hygiene                       — Ease of maintenance and disinfection
                                         — Not airtight (leaks)               — Airtight fit to the face; imperviousness of
                                                                                equipment
                                         — Accumulation of C 0 2 in inhaled   — Respirators with breathing valves, blower or
                                             air                                C 0 2 absorbers
                                         — Contact with naked flames, sparks, — Use of non-flammable materials
                                             spatters of molten metal
                                         — Reduction of field of vision       — Adequate range of field of vision
                                         — Contamination                      — Resistance, ease of decontamination
          Ageing                         — Exposure to weather, ambient con-  — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                             ditions, cleaning, use           — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                useful life
                                  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)
                                                                                — 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)
                                         — Incorrect use of equipment         — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                                — Follow information and instructions for
                                                                                    use provided by manufacturer, safety
                                                                                    organizations and test laboratories
                                         — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-  — Maintain in good condition
                                                                                — Regular checks
                                                                                — Respect maximum periods of use
                                                                                — Replace in good time
                                                                                — Follow manufacturer's instructions as
                                                                                    safety rules
 ---pagebreak--- 20. 6. 88                             Official Journal of the European Communities                                            No C 161/13
                                                     5. PROTECTIVE GLOVES
                                                                                      Safety and performance criteria
                       Risk                     Origin and type of risk
                                                                                          for selection of equipment
                                                       RISKS TO BE COVERED
          General                       — Contact                               — Area of hand covered
                                        — Use-related stress                    — Resistance to tearing, stretching, abrasion
          Mechanical                    — By abrasive, sharp or pointed         — Resistance to penetration, puncture and cut-
                                            objects                               ting
                                        — Impact                                — Padding
          Thermal                       — Burning or cold materials, ambient    — Insulation against cold and heat
                                            temperature
                                        — Contact with naked flame              — Non-flammability, resistance to flame
                                        — Effects of welding work               — Protection from and resistance to radiation
                                                                                  and splashes of molten metal
          Electrical                    — Electricity                           — Electrical insulation
          Chemical                      — Action of chemicals                   — Imperviousness, resistance
          Vibration                     — Mechanical vibration                  — Vibration reduction
          Contamination                 — Contacts         with     radioactive — Imperviousness, ease of decontamination,
                                            materials                             resistance
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                   — Inadequate comfort                    — Ergonomic design:
          interference with work                                                  — bulk, grading of sizes, surface area, com-
                                                                                       fort, permeability to water vapour
          Accidents and health hazards   — Poor compatibility                   — Quality of materials
                                         — Poor hygiene                         — Ease of maintenance
                                         — Gloves stick to the skin             — Good shaping design
          Ageing                         — Exposure to weather, ambient con-    — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                            ditions, cleaning, use              — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                   useful life
                                                                                — Maintenance of size
                                     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
                                         — Incorrect use of equipment           — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                                — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                         — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-    —  Maintain in good condition
                                             rated                              —  Regular checks
                                                                                —  Replace in good time
                                                                                —  Follow manufacturer's instructions
 ---pagebreak--- No C 161/14                            Official Journal of the European Communities                                           20. 6. 88
                                                  6. SAFETY BOOTS AND SHOES
                                                                                    Safety and performance criteria
                         Risk                    Origin and type of risk
                                                                                        for selection of equipment
                                                        RISKS TO BE COVERED
          Mechanical                     — Objects falling on or crushing the — Resistance of the front of the boot or shoe
                                             front of the foot
                                         — Falls and impact on heel           — Energy-absorbing capacity of the heel
                                                                              — Reinforcement of instep
                                         — Falls as a result of slipping      — Resistance to slipping of sole
                                         — Treading on pointed or sharp       — Puncture-proof sole
                                             objects
                                         — Damage to:                         — Protection for:
                                            — the malleoli                      — the malleoli
                                            — the metatarsus                    — the metatarsus
                                            — the leg
          Electrical                     — Low and medium voltage             — Electrical insulation
                                         — High voltage                       — Electrical conductibility
          Thermal                        — Cold, heat                         — Thermal insulation
                                         — Molten metal spatter               — Resistance, imperviousness
          Chemical                       — Harmful dusts or liquids           — Resistance and impermeability
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                    — Inadequate comfort:                — Ergonomic design:
          interference with work             — the shoe does not fit            — shape, padding, size
                                             — poor absorption of perspir-      — vapour permeability and water absorp-
                                                                                     tion capacity
                                             — fatigue from using the equip-    — flexibility, bulk
                                             — the shoe leaks                   — waterproofing
          Accidents and health hazards   — Poor compatibility                 — Quality of materials
                                         -— Poor hygiene                      — Ease of maintenance
                                         — Risk of dislocation and sprains    — Stiffness across width of the shoe and arch
                                             because of poor foot holding       support, fit
          Ageing                         — Exposure to weather, ambient con-  — Resistance to corrosion, abrasion and fatigue
                                             ditions, cleaning, use             of the sole
                                                                              — Resistance to industrial Wear and tear
                                                                              — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                useful life
          Static electricity             — Discharge of static electricity    — 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
 ---pagebreak--- 20. 6. 88                             Official Journal of the European Communities                                           No C 161/15
                                           RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Inadequate protection         — Incorrect use of equipment           — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                               — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                        — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-    —  Maintain in good condition
                                            rated                              —  Regular checks
                                                                               —  Replace in good time
                                                                               —  Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                                    7. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
                                                                                       Safety and performance criteria
                        Risk                     Origin and type of risk
                                                                                          for selection of equipment
                                                        RISKS TO BE COVERED
           General                       — Contact                             — Coverage of torso
                                         — Stress arising from use             — Resistance to tearing, stretching, prevention
                                                                                   of spreading of tears
           Mechanical                    — Abrasive,      pointed   and  sharp — Resistance to penetration
                                             objects
           Thermal                       — Burning or cold materials, ambient  — Insulation against cold and heat, mainten-
                                             temperature                           ance of protective qualities
                                         — Contact with naked flames           — Non-flammability, resistance to flame
                                         — Welding work                        — Protection from and resistance to radiation
                                                                                   and splashes of molten metal
           Electrical                    — Electricity                         — Electrical insulation
           Chemical                      — Chemical damage                     — Impermeability and resistance to chemical
                                                                                   damage
           Humidity                      — Clothing leaks                      — Waterproofing
           Non-visibility                — Clothing difficult to see           — Bright or reflective colour
           Contamination                 — Contact with radioactive materials  — Impermeability, ease of decontamination,
                                                                                   resistance
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
           Discomfort,                   — Inadequate comfort                   — Ergonomic design:
           interference with work                                                  — size, grading of sizes, surface area, com-
                                                                                        fort, permeability to water vapour
           Accidents and health hazards  — Poor compatibility                   — Quality of materials
                                         — Poor hygiene                         -— Ease of maintenance
                                         — Clothing sticks to the skin          — Good shaping design
           Ageing                        — Exposure to weather, ambient con-    — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                             ditions, cleaning, use             — Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                                                                   useful life
                                                                                — Maintenance of size
 ---pagebreak--- 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             — 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
                                         — Incorrect use of equipment            — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                                   risk
                                                                                 — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                         — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-     — Maintain in good condition
                                             rated                               — Regular checks
                                                                                 — Replace in good time
                                                                                 — Follow manufacturer's instrucitons
                                             8. LIFE JACKETS FOR INDUSTRIAL USE
                                                                                        Safety and performance criteria
                       Risk                       Origin and type of risk
                                                                                           for selection of equipment
                                                        RISKS TO BE COVERED
          Drowning                       — Fall into water of a person in work   — Buoyancy
                                             clothing, unconscious or deprived   — Righting ability even if wearer is unconscious
                                             of physical faculties               — Inflation time
                                                                                 — Triggering of automatic inflation
                                                                                 — Ability to keep mouth and nose out of the
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                    — Constraint caused by size or poor     — Ergonomic design which does not restrict
          interference with work             design                                vision, respiration or movement
          Accidents and health hazards   — Jacket falls off if wearer falls into — Design (stays in position)
                                         — Damage to jacket during use           — Resistance to mechanical damage (impact,
                                                                                   crushing, perforation)
                                         — Function      of   inflation   system — Maintenance of safety qualities under all
                                             affected                              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
                                         — Inappropriate use                     — Outline instructions for use marked on
                                                                                   jacket indelibly
          Ageing                         — Exposure to weather, ambient con-     — Resistance to chemical, biological and physi-
                                            ditions, cleaning, use                 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)
 ---pagebreak--- 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             — 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
                                         — Incorrect use of equipment            — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                                    risk
                                                                                 — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                         — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-     —  Maintain in good condition
                                             rated                               —  Regular checks
                                                                                 —  Replace in good time
                                                                                 —  Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                      9. EQUIPMENT FOR PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS
                                                                                         Safety and performance criteria
                       Risk                      Origin and type of risk
                                                                                            for selection of equipment
                                                       RISKS TO BE COVERED
          Impact                          — Falls from a height                  — Resistance and suitability of equipment and
                                          — Loss of balance                         anchorage point
                                            RISKS ARISING FROM THE EQUIPMENT
          Discomfort,                     — Inadequate ergonomic design          — Ergonomic design:
          interference with work                                                    — method of construction
                                                                                    — bulk
                                                                                    — flexibility
                                                                                    — ease of putting on
                                          — Restriction of freedom of move-         — gripping device with automatic length
                                                                                         adjustment
          Accidents and health hazards    — Dynamic stress exerted on the user   — Suitability of equipment:
                                             and equipment during braking           — distribution of braking stress to parts of
                                                                                         the body with absorption capacity
                                                                                    — reduction of braking force
                                                                                    — braking distance
                                                                                    — position of attaching device
                                          — Oscillation and lateral impact       — Anchorage point above the head, anchorage
                                                                                    at other points
                                          — Static stress exerted on suspended   — Design of equipment (distribution of stress)
                                             body by straps
                                          — Slipping of link device              — Short link device (e.g. safety harness, espace
          Ageing                         — Change in mechanical resistance       — Resistance to corrosion
                                             resulting   from    exposure     to — Resistance to industrial wear and tear
                                             weather,    ambient     conditions, -— Maintenance of characteristics throughout
                                             cleaning and use                       useful life
 ---pagebreak--- 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             — 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
                                        — Incorrect use of equipment            — Use equipment appropriately, be aware of
                                                                                — Follow manufacturer's instructions
                                        — Equipment dirty, worn or deterio-     —  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.
 ---pagebreak--- 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.
 ---pagebreak--- 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.
 ---pagebreak--- 20. 6. 88                         Official Journal of the European Communities                          N o 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.