The new European PPE Regulation 2016/425 was listed in the Official Journal on 21st April 2016, starting its two-year transition period to replace the current Directive 89/686/EEC. This new regulation now mentions that PPE designed to protect the skin against non-ionising radiation must be capable of absorbing or reflecting the majority of the energy radiated in the harmful wavelengths. Products placed on the market after 21st April 2019 must meet the essential health and safety requirements laid down in the regulation.

Categorisation guide point 16.6, “Skin protection against natural UV radiation - All garments, including partial or whole body clothing, caps and helmets, gloves, and shoes, designed and manufactured to have specific UV-protective properties against natural UV radiation” are considered PPE Category I.

It is recommended that the testing of garments that claim to offer solar UV protection should be carried out according to BS EN 13758-2 and hats should be tested according to BS 8466. Product labelling will also need to be revised to reflect the new requirements as they will require the CE mark.

The manufacturer shall affix the CE Mark to each item of PPE and draw up a written EU Declaration of Conformity. This, along with the technical file shall be kept for 10 years after the PPE was placed on the market

Harmonised standards have not been applied – but it is recommended to apply recognized standards BS EN 13758-2 for apparel and BS 8466 for hats. Other suitable international standards may be used to monitor conformance, e.g., AS/NZS 4399, AATCC 183.

The Technical File should contain the relevant reports on the tests carried out to verify the conformity of the PPE with the applicable requirements.

The fabric or garment should have a minimum requirement of at least UPF 40.

To learn more about PPE Regulation 2016-425 Guidance, please click

EU – PPE Regulation 2016-425 Guidance

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