Personal protective equipment, abbreviated as PPE, are pieces of equipment designed to be worn or held by employees to protect them from specific hazards in the workplace. Whether it's flying splashes, loud noise, falling objects, or toxic substances: PPE forms the last line of defense when risks cannot be completely eliminated at the source. According to the information about what personal protective equipment is on Arboportaal, employers are obligated to provide these resources free of charge if the work requires it.
To guarantee optimal safety, all PPE must comply with strict European directives and legislation. Each piece of protective equipment must bear a CE mark, indicating that the manufacturer demonstrates that the product meets the legal requirements in terms of safety, health, and environmental protection. Additionally, specific product standards are applied per type of protection. The legal requirements for PPE according to Ondernemersplein also emphasize that the product must be accompanied by a clear, Dutch-language manual describing proper application, maintenance, and lifespan.
Choosing the right protection requires knowledge of the specific risks within your work environment. The range varies from simple work gloves to advanced fall protection sets and respiratory equipment. A suitable solution is available for every type of work, significantly increasing working comfort and safety.
At Unishore Workwear, we understand the importance of reliable and certified safety equipment. Do you want to purchase high-quality equipment for yourself or your team? Then you can directly buy your complete personal protective equipment at Unishore Workwear. We offer a wide range of top brands that comply with all applicable standards.
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What are the PPE categories?
Personal protective equipment is divided into three specific categories in Europe, depending on the degree of risk they protect against. Insights into the different types of PPE via Arboportaal show that this classification helps to quickly determine how much testing and control an item requires.
PPE Category I (Low risks):
This category includes PPE of simple design that protects against minimal risks. The user can assess the effectiveness themselves. Examples include simple gardening gloves, sunglasses, or rainwear.
PPE Category II (Medium risks):
Category II includes all PPE not covered by Category I or III. They protect against average risks that can cause serious injury. Examples are safety helmets, safety shoes, hearing protectors, and work gloves with cut protection.
PPE Category III (High risks and deadly danger):
Category III includes complex PPE that protects against deadly dangers or serious, irreversible damage to health. The user often cannot detect the danger in time. Examples include respiratory protection with filters, fall protection, and clothing that protects against electrical arcs or chemicals.
Some documentation informally speaks of Category IV for highly specialized situations, but officially the European PPE Regulation exclusively uses Categories I, II, and III.
Work gloves and hand protection
Our hands are our most important tools, but at the same time very vulnerable during daily work. Good hand protection prevents cuts, abrasions, chemical irritations, and pinch injuries. Depending on the application, gloves fall under PPE Category I (assembly gloves), Category II (cut or heat resistant), or Category III (chemical protection).
When choosing the right pair, it is important to look at the applicable work glove standards. The main standard for this is EN 388 for mechanical risks (abrasion, cutting, tearing, and puncturing). In addition, there are specific standards such as EN 374 for chemical agents, EN 407 for heat, and EN 511 for cold conditions.
Many different variants are available, from flexible PU-coated gloves to robust leather versions and liquid-tight nitrile models. In our extensive collection of work gloves, you will always find the right pair for your job.
Hearing protection
Hearing protection is designed to protect hearing from harmful and prolonged noise levels in the workplace. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases and is unfortunately permanent. Hearing protection equipment generally falls under PPE Category II.
Wearing earmuffs or earplugs is legally mandatory from an average noise exposure of 85 dB(A), but employers must offer it from 80 dB(A). Do you want to know exactly what the rules are? Read our article on when hearing protection is mandatory.
There are various solutions to prevent hearing damage in the workplace. View our complete range of hearing protection, ranging from loose disposable earplugs and earmuffs to advanced electronic earmuffs.
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Face protection and eye protection
Eyes and face are extremely vulnerable to flying particles, chemical liquid splashes, and harmful radiation such as welding light. Face protection covers the entire face, while eye protection specifically shields the eyes. Depending on the risk, these items fall under PPE Category II or Category III (for dangerous chemicals or radiation).
Important standards in this category include EN 166 for general eye protection and EN 170 for UV filters. On our informative page about safety glasses and face protection, we explain in detail what to look for when purchasing.
Are you still unsure which type of mask best suits your work? Then read the guide on face masks and how to choose the right one. For our full range, you can directly look at eye and face protection.
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Safety glasses
Safety glasses are the most commonly used form of eye protection in construction and industry. These glasses feature impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and side shields to catch flying material. Safety glasses fall under PPE Category II.
Whether you are looking for standard glasses with clear lenses, tinted lenses for outdoor work, or glasses that fit over regular glasses: you will find it in our category with safety glasses.
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Head protection, helmets & bump caps
Head protection plays a crucial role in absorbing the impact of falling or striking objects and distributing the force. This significantly reduces the risk of serious injury. Our complete selection of head protection offers protection for various working conditions. Safety helmets fall under PPE Category II.
It is essential to know the difference between a bump cap and a safety helmet:
- Bump caps: Fall under standard EN 812 and category I or II. Our comfortable bump caps only protect against bumping one's own head against fixed objects. They offer no protection against falling objects!
- Safety helmets: Fall under standard EN 397. Our robust safety helmets are specifically designed to absorb the heavy impact of falling items on the construction site.
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Respiratory protection: dust masks, face masks and filters
Respiratory protection prevents harmful substances, vapors, gases, or mists from entering the lungs. This category includes dust masks (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3), half and full-face masks, and powered air-purifying respirators. Because inhaling dangerous substances can lead to permanent or fatal illnesses, respiratory protection falls under PPE Category III.
When choosing the right equipment, a prior Risk Inventory & Evaluation (RI&E) is indispensable. With an RI&E, you accurately determine which substances and concentrations are being worked with, so you can select the correct filter type (such as A-filters for gases or P-filters for dust).
Do you want to delve deeper into the risks to the respiratory tract? Then read our article on why wearing the right respiratory protection is so important. Also directly view the full range of respiratory protection on our site.
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Fall protection: harnesses, lanyards and more
Fall protection is mandatory for work at height where there is a risk of falling (typically from 2 meters height). This includes fall harnesses, lanyards with shock absorbers, fall arrest devices, and anchor points. Because a fall from height is life-threatening, all fall protection equipment falls under PPE Category III.
Also for fall protection, a good Risk Inventory & Evaluation (RI&E) is necessary to determine the fall height and anchor points. Furthermore, these items must be visually inspected by the user before each use, and an annual certified inspection by an authorized inspector is mandatory.
In our webshop, you will find a wide range of approved articles within the fall protection category for safe working at height.
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Foot protection: safety shoes and safety boots
Your feet carry you all day and deserve good protection against falling objects, sharp objects on the ground, and chemicals. This is achieved with safety shoes, work boots, or safety clogs. Safety shoes fall under PPE Category II.
The main standard for foot protection is EN ISO 20345 (such as S1P, S3, and the newer S7 class). Do you want to know more about the different classes and safety toe caps? Then view the information on work shoe standards and technologies.
Are you looking for a comfortable pair for daily use? Discover our extensive collection of work shoes or choose extra protection against moisture and dirt from our range of work boots.
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Protective workwear
Clothing in the workplace is often more than just a representative outfit; it protects the wearer against specific work risks such as heat, flames, chemicals, and static electricity. Depending on the standards, protective clothing falls under PPE Category I, II, or III.
On our special page about workwear standards, you will find an overview of all current European standards that workwear can comply with.
Whether you are looking for light protection or heavy industrial clothing: you can easily assemble your ideal work outfit within our extensive collection of workwear.
High visibility or reflective workwear
High-visibility clothing is essential for anyone working near traffic or moving vehicles, such as in road construction and logistics. This clothing ensures that the wearer is optimally visible both in daylight and in the dark.
The main standard for this is EN ISO 20471 for high visibility clothing. For work along Dutch roads, the specific guideline for RWS workwear also applies, while for the English market, the RIS 3279 TOM standard applies. For situations with a lower risk, the EN 17353 standard also exists.
Do you want to increase your visibility at work? Then check out our range of hi-vis workwear immediately.
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Multinorm workwear
Multinorm workwear is designed for workplaces where multiple risks are present simultaneously, such as in the petrochemical industry and installation technology. This clothing combines various protective properties in one garment.
This clothing complies with several strict standards simultaneously. View our explanations of the standards for EN ISO 11612 protection against heat and flames, EN ISO 14116 limited flame spread and EN 1149 electrostatic properties.
Are you looking for clothing that meets all these stringent requirements? Then discover our complete line of multinorm workwear.
View the complete Multinorm Workwear collection
Where to buy personal protective equipment?
When purchasing certified and reliable equipment, you want to be able to count on craftsmanship and a wide range. At Unishore Workwear, companies and individuals can easily order their complete equipment online.
Whether it's hearing protection, safety shoes, or complete fall protection sets: our expert team is happy to help you. View the full range of personal protective equipment in our webshop and start working safely tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What marking should be on PPE?
PPE must always have a CE mark, which indicates that the product complies with European safety standards. In addition, the PPE must be provided with a pictogram or code indicating the protection category and type of protection. Often, the EN standard number is also mentioned (e.g., EN 166 for eye protection or EN 397 for helmets). Furthermore, it must contain information about the manufacturer, the year of production, and sometimes an expiry date. These markings guarantee that the product has been tested and is suitable for professional use.
What obligation does an employee have when using PPE?
Employees are obliged to use personal protective equipment correctly when prescribed by the employer. They must wear the PPE as intended, maintain it properly, and immediately report any damage or defects. They are also not allowed to modify or remove the protective equipment. In addition, employees are obliged to participate in instructions or training on correct use. These obligations are laid down in the Working Conditions Act and are intended to ensure safety at the workplace.
Is workwear PPE?
Workwear is not automatically personal protective equipment (PPE). Only if the clothing is specifically designed to protect against specific risks – such as flame-retardant clothing, antistatic clothing, or high-visibility clothing – does it fall under PPE legislation.
Ordinary company clothing primarily intended for representativeness or hygiene (e.g., in hospitality) is not considered PPE. PPE must meet specific standards and bear a CE mark. Workwear can therefore be PPE, but this depends on its protective function.
What is the difference between PPE and CPE?
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and is intended to protect individual employees against occupational risks, such as falling hazards, harmful substances, or noise. CPE stands for Collective Protective Equipment and protects multiple people simultaneously, for example, by installing railings, screens, or ventilation systems.
CPEs are usually preferred because they address risks at the source. PPE is only used if collective measures are insufficient or not possible. The main difference is therefore that PPE is personal and CPE provides collective protection.
What are the four general requirements for personal protective equipment?
The four general requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) according to European regulations are as follows:
- Provide adequate protection against risks
PPE must effectively protect against the specific hazards for which it is intended, such as chemical substances, heat, impact, or noise. The level of protection must be tailored to the risk and use. - Be suitable for the user
PPE must fit well and be comfortable for the individual wearer. It should not cause injury or discomfort during normal use, and it must be adaptable to the wearer's body shape. - Be compatible with other PPE
When multiple PPE items are worn simultaneously – for example, a helmet, hearing protection, and safety glasses – they must not obstruct each other, and the protective effect must be maintained. - Be provided with clear instructions for use and markings
PPE must be supplied with instructions for use, including information on correct application, maintenance, storage, and lifespan. It must also bear a CE mark and comply with the relevant EN standards.
These requirements ensure that PPE is reliable, safe, and effective in the workplace.
