By Samuel Rapley 11/04/2017

Under: Health and Safety News

PPE Regulations are Changing: Here's What You Need to Know

While the original 2002 regulations made progress in PPE regulation, the new legislation is designed to boost standards, improve consistency and compliance and bring requirements in line with recent technology.

Key Changes to PPE Regulations

Expansion of Category 3 (high risk)

The update uses the same three-part system of classification as the 2002 directive. However, several risks have been reclassified into the highest level (category 3) including harmful noise, high-pressure jets, bullet wounds and knife stabs. The update also places greater emphasis on health, reflecting an industry-wide shift to tackle long-term health risks and hidden hazards which have been overlooked in the past.

Five-year limit to certificates

Under the new rules, examination certificates will need to be renewed at least once in five years. The change will ensure that PPE standards stay up-to-date with technological advances in the industry. The stricter rules also bring PPE regulation in line with similar European requirements such as the Medical Devices Directive.

Wider industry responsibility

The new regulations give a higher level of responsibility to importers, distributors and suppliers in addition to the obligations placed on the manufacturer. The updates spread accountability for standards throughout the whole PPE supply chain, a welcome change which should help to ensure greater levels of compliance.

Timescales

The new directive comes into force on 21^st April 2018, followed by a one-year transition period. After the transition, any new products placed on the EU market must be recertified to retain the correct CE classification.

Anyone concerned that Brexit may impede the introduction of the new regulations need not worry. The earliest anticipated date for Brexit is not until March 2019 following the two-year negotiation period after Article 50 is triggered. The Great Repeal Bill will then transpose all current EU standards in UK law.

Following our departure from the EU, it’s unlikely we’ll see any move away from EU legislation. Politicians will be keen to continue to meet the standards required to trade within the EU as well as maintain the UK’s impressive safety record.

What next?

If you are responsible for sourcing PPE at your organisation, you need to ensure you work with a trusted PPE provider who can meet the criteria of the new regulations. You can rest assured that at Enfield Safety we will continue to meet and exceed the high standards required by legislation and expected by our customers.

“At Enfield Safety we are constantly monitoring the marketplace for changes and developments to legislation and relevant regulations to ensure we have the right products in place for our customers ahead of time to ensure seamless compliance” –  Roger Munn, Safety Champion.

PPE saves lives: whether it’s the harness that arrests a deadly fall, the mask protecting against lung disease or the hearing protection that prevents lifelong tinnitus. Talk to one of our Safety Champions about your PPE requirements today on: 0333 003 5710

Enfield Safety – no one works harder to bring you health, safety and welfare products at the right price, on time, every time.