DPI 3 categories to: how and which ones to choose?

The PPE of 3rd category, for those who have just crossed the threshold of the world of safety, are personal protective equipment used, precisely, to protect the worker from any accidents. Of course, the conditions and cases state that it is not enough to have PPE in order to have permanent immunity, but at least they allow you to protect yourself from those injuries that,  if they occurred, could otherwise cause greater damage or even lead to fatal accidents.

What does the standard provide?

With Legislative Decree no. 17/2019 the legislation is adapted to the provisions of European Regulation 2016/425 which establishes the requirements for the  design and manufacture of PPE, also amending Legislative  Decree 81/2008, which remains a reference both for the choice of the device related to the work that will be carried out and is a regulatory reference for the training of personnel in the use of the same (Legislative Decree 81/08 chapter II).

Pending the new Decree that will update the references to the technical regulations contained in the Ministerial Decree of 2 May 2001, the  latter updated with the technical standards in force (UNI) applies.

The norms andtechniques are reported in the Ministerial Decree of 2 May 2001 and are defined as good practice standards.

Table Main technical standards currently in force referring to PPE as described in the table (updated to 5 April 2022).

Which PPE to choose?

It should be clarified that PPE is designed using materials with technical characteristics according to work use. The standard provides that once the risks have been assessed, the appropriate systems are then identified in order toreduce those risks In fact, in order to indicate the work area to users, PPE is divided into categories, namely:

• PPE category I: personal protective equipment that protects against minimal risks (risk sheet I category)
• Category II PPE: Category II includes risks other than those listed in categories I and III.
• PPE category III: personal protective equipment which protects against very serious risks and causes irreversible damage (scheda risks III category)

To verify the belonging and compliance with the regulations connected to the PPE identified, it is possible to consult the mandatory marking in the manual and on any labels of the individual device.

PPE of anycategory is covered by the EU declaration of conformity referred to in Article 15 of the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425

The main data for identification are as follows:

1. CE marking
2. EU declaration of conformity (The CE marking is subject tothe general principles laid down in Article 30 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008. )
3. For PPE category III, the CE marking shall be followed by the identification number of the notified body
   involved in the procedure laid down in Annex VII or VIII
4. The identification number of the notified body shall be affixed by the body itself or, in accordance with its instructions, by the
   manufacturer or his authorised representative.
5. Technical documentation
6. Obligations describedin the PPE Regulation with reference to Article 8(6) and Article 10

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PPE 3 category and falls from height

Article 115 of Legislative Decree 81/08 contains the standardization of protection systems relatedto work at height that can cause falls from height. In the case of PPE related to the regulated subject, we find Annex VIII interesting, which gives general  and non-exhaustive indications of the activities and sectors of activity for which it may be necessary to make personal protective equipment available.

On the basis of the risk assessment, it shall be determined whether the use of personal protective equipment is necessary and, if so, what characteristics suchequipment should have in accordance with the
provisions of this Directive.  

Source: Legislative Decree 81/08 – ANNEX VIII – GENERAL INDICATIONS RELATING TO SPECIAL PROTECTIONS

How long do PPE last?

Many PPE may be ageing and therefore deteriorate, so that the Regulation requires the manufacturer toaffix to the PPE, where possible, the month and year of manufacture and  /or, where appropriate, the year and month of expiry of the  PPE.

If it is not possible to indicate the abovementioned information on the life of the individual protective device, themanufacturer, as described in Annex II in section 2.4, must indicate in the manual all relevant information for determining the month and year and any indication of the maximum number of cleaning operations beyond which it is appropriateto revise or replace the PPE.

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What are the penalties for violating IPR rules?

The sanctions are established, for most cases, in Legislative Decree 81/08 art 14 co. 1 and co. 9 and  in Annex I with description by case and amount related to the violation.

Table ANNEX I