This paper describes the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Directive. The PPE Directive was adopted by the European Council on 21 December 1989. This new safety approach came into force on 1 July 1992. The sector covered by the Directive comprises protective equipment for both professional and private use including all helmet types. The primary objective of the Directive is the harmonisation of national provisions relating to both the design and to the manufacture of PPE. The aim is to ensure its free movement within the European Community. This objective is associated with a second one. The second objective of the Directive is to attain the maximum possible degree of protection. Further information on the PPE Directive is presented under the following headings: (1) scope; (2) essential safety requirements; (3) the standardisation role; (4) certification procedures; (5) economic and social impact; and (6) the state of implementation of the Directive.
Samenvatting