New EU regulation 2016/425 (EN)
BACKGROUND
The EU directive 89/686/EEC has been in use for over 20 years (first applied 30 June 1995).
It was one of the first ‘New Approach’ Directives which means that businesses can make use of harmonized standards as they benefit from a ‘presumption of conformity’ with the requirements set out in the relevant European legislation. The Directive defines ‘essential requirements’ which PPE must satisfy at the time of manufacture and before it is placed on the market. The aim of the Directive is to ensure the free movement of PPE between the member states. The Directive specifies details of both Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) for PPE and the conformity assessment procedures. PPE protecting against more serious risks require a third part intervention of a so-called ‘Notified Body ’. Notified Bodies are institutes appointed by the member states that perform EC type examination, approval and monitoring of quality assurance systems.
