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What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The major concern of all company managers is to ensure the safety and health of their employees. Whatever the field of activity and the working environment (construction sites, industries, workshops, warehouses), the priority is to protect employees against the numerous risks to which they are exposed on a daily basis. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a tool designed to limit as much as possible the risks incurred during the execution of a professional activity. These personal protections are adapted to the activity There are several types of work equipment designed to protect the various parts of the body exposed to risk:

• Head and face protection: noise-canceling headphones, welding masks, splash goggles, respiratory masks, visors.
• Hand and forearm protection: work gloves complying with European Regulation 2016/425 (heat resistant, cold resistant, cut resistant gloves...) and protective sleeves.
• Foot protection: safety boots and shoes.
• Protective clothing for the body: high visibility work clothes, protective clothing for welding, or protection against the cold.

Why use PPE?

The Labour Code (Article R233-83-3) defines PPE in the following terms: « Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a device or means designed to be worn or held by an individual to protect them against one or more health and safety hazards.» With these clear terms, backed up by Article L230-2, the Labour Code requires employers to protect their workers against the risks to which their field of activity exposes them. There may be many risks such as:

• Thermal risk
• Mechanical risk
• Electrical risk
• Biological risk
• Chemical risk

Each PPE must comply with European standards adapted to these risks in order to ensure their conformity. The performance and comfort of the chosen PPE ensures optimal working conditions for handlers.

What are the regulations on wearing PPE?

The employer and the employee have mutual obligations regarding the use of PPE. First, the company manager must identify and assess the risks faced by his teams. He then defines preventive measures and collective and individual means of protection to ensure the safety of his employees against these risks. He therefore chooses suitable PPE, with a CE mark, and provides them free of charge. Finally, he provides training for the use of the PPE and ensures that the equipment is maintained. In addition, the employees are obligated to wear the PPE provided by their employer. They must ensure that they are used properly and in good condition, and that they comply with the safety and use instructions. It is important to keep in mind that if these rules are not respected, the employee may be subject to sanctions. Taking care of health and safety at work is therefore a joint commitment of the employer and the employee. Wearing PPE is a major guarantee in the prevention of accidents at work and work-related illnesses. Choosing Lebon products ensures a very high level of protection against the different categories of risks, as well as optimal comfort.