Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Also: PPE, PSA, persönliche Schutzausrüstung
Definition
Personal protective equipment is any equipment employees wear or hold to protect themselves against hazards – helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, respiratory protection, gloves, safety shoes, protective clothing or fall protection. The employer provides it free of charge, and employees must use it.
Under the STOP principle, PPE is the last resort when technical and organisational measures are not sufficient. The risk assessment determines which PPE is needed. Employer duties under the German PPE Use Ordinance and DGUV Regulation 1: select suitable, CE-marked PPE, provide it free of charge, maintain it, instruct employees before first use and carry out practical exercises for PPE against fatal hazards.
The PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 divides PPE into three categories; category III (such as respiratory protection and fall protection) is subject to the strictest requirements for manufacturers and instruction.
Legal basis
- Section 3 (3) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- PPE Use Ordinance (PSA-BV)
- Sections 29–31 DGUV Regulation 1
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
