2019 PPE Regulations
David Whiting
![David Whiting]()
David Whiting
HSE Culture Specialist: Helping Businesses Identify, Connect & Engage with Safety Leadership and Culture
In the past PPE was governed by a directive – it is now being implemented as a legally binding regulation, with some amendments
- For example – hearing protection has been moved from category 2 to Category 3 – essentially it is now classified as more important to protect your teams hearing
- Certificates are now only valid for 5 years
- Distributors, importers are responsible for standards, as well as manufacturer
- Declarations of conformity
- Al PPE must be issued with this by the manufacturer, and distributors/importers now need to have a copy of this on file
- This should be kept for 10 years after the PPE has been placed on the market
The most significant change is making the entire supply chain responsible; it is no longer acceptable to leave it to the manufacturer.
- A distributor of an item of PPE must be able to provide a regulatory body with proof that the product does what it says it does.
- This proof extends to the compatibility of different types of PPE that fit together; helmet mounted ear defenders for instance.
- Although it is easy to see that a pair of ear defenders will fit a helmet, do they still provide hearing protection?
Your preparation is KEY
- Good Manufacturers of PPE are aware of what existing certifications they currently hold and when they will expire now the Regulation transition period has started.
- But are You: So it is therefore important to keep up to date with these changes and prepare for the impact on your business. By starting to prepare for these changes now, you will be better equipped to handle the major impact of the new Regulation on the PPE industry.
- Start your preparation by:
- looking at your existing product ranges and identifying those that are tested to withdrawn standards. Start to prepare to get them tested to the latest specifications
- Thinking about how you will meet the change in classification if you place hearing protection or life jackets onto the market.
- The BSI Kitemark would ensure that you meet all your on-going surveillance requirements, both to the current PPE Directive and the new Regulation