What is an EPI? Definition, regulations, and mandatory requirements in the workplace 2026.

In today's industrial environment, safety is non-negotiable. A Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the primary line of defense for workers against risks that may threaten their safety or health within the workplace and that cannot be eliminated through collective or organizational protections. In this article, we break down the legal definition under the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and the exact scenarios where its use is mandatory by law in the European Union.

Regulation (EU) 2016/425: design of Personal Protective Equipment

According to Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2016/425, a PPE is defined as any device or means that is intended to be worn or held by a person to protect against one or more risks that may threaten their health or safety.

It is crucial to distinguish between a PPE and common work clothing, as while a corporate uniform seeks aesthetics or hygiene, a PPE must be certified to mitigate specific risks such as:

• Mechanical impacts: falling objects and cuts.
• Chemical risks: splashes of acids and toxic vapors.
• Thermal risks: radiant heat or projections of molten metal.
• Biological risks: exposure to viruses or bacteria.

Why the use of PPE is mandatory in the industry

The obligation to use PPE does not depend on the worker's desire but on the Risk Assessment carried out by the prevention technician (PRL). Use is mandatory when:

1. The risk persists: After exhausting collective protection measures (such as guardrails or ventilation systems), PPE will provide final protection to the user.
2. The specific regulation dictates it: For example, the use of helmets on construction sites according to the EN 397 standard.
3. Safety signage: In areas marked with blue pictograms indicating the mandatory use of certain safety equipment.

Risk assessment and legal responsibilities

The obligation of PPE arises from the Risk Assessment of the workplace, the document of which is drafted by the specialized technician in Occupational Risk Prevention (PRL), who detects and identifies remaining hazards. If the assessment indicates that there is a risk of falling objects, the use of a helmet (EN 397) becomes legally mandatory. The legal responsibilities for using such equipment lie with both the employer and the worker:

• The employer: must provide PPE free of charge, ensure its perfect working condition, and provide training on its use.
• The worker: is legally obliged to use the provided equipment correctly and to report any defects. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.

Technical classification by category, according to the type of risk

PPE is classified according to the severity of the risk it mitigates. This classification is vital for understanding certification:

• Category I: Minimal risks (e.g., household cleaning gloves).
• Category II: Intermediate risks (e.g., construction helmets, safety footwear).
• Category III: Risks that can have very serious consequences such as death or irreversible health damage (e.g., fall arrest harnesses, respiratory protection against toxic gases). All Category III PPE must include, along with the CE marking, the four-digit code of the Notified Body that conducts the product quality control.

How to choose PPE: assessing risk and product

For a correct selection at Sekureco.eu, it is essential to consider the type of risk to which one will be exposed and cross-reference it with the certified product.

In heavy industries such as construction or mining, the use of helmets certified under the EN 397 standard is mandatory, such as the Ventilated Safety Helmet X5001VE-CE 3M that protects against impacts from falling objects.

Regarding respiratory protection, the use of masks in environments with crystalline silica, asbestos, or chemical vapors above the Environmental Limit Values (ELVs) is crucial. The EN 149 standards for self-filtering masks or EN 140/136 for half masks or full masks regulate the use of this PPE within industries such as food, medical/surgical, and industrial environments at risk of exposure to hazardous dust.

For professionals performing tasks with fall risks from heights greater than 2 meters (or according to specific assessment), the use of equipment such as fall arrest harnesses regulated under the EN 361 standards is crucial.

In cutting, grinding, welding, or handling corrosive liquids tasks, the use of welding screens or polycarbonate glasses according to the EN 166 standard, which establishes the minimum safety standards for personal eye protection, is mandatory.

Depending on the industrial activity and the persistent risks, the appropriate selection of PPE will depend. If you need to equip your team with certified material, explore our catalog of high-end Personal Protective Equipment and ensure your company's regulatory compliance today.

Frequently asked questions about the use of PPE

Can a company charge the worker for the PPE?

No. Article 9 of Directive 89/391/EEC and Regulation 2016/425 explicitly prohibit the cost of safety and health measures at work from falling on workers. PPE must be free and replaced when necessary.

How do I know if my PPE is still mandatory or should be discarded?

The obligation to use remains as long as the risk persists. However, the equipment ceases to be effective (and therefore its use no longer guarantees protection) if it has exceeded its expiration date (common in helmets and harnesses) or if it has suffered a strong impact.

What happens if a PPE does not have a CE marking?

If a piece of equipment does not have the CE marking, it is not legally a PPE in the European Union. Its use does not comply with legal obligations, and in the event of an accident, the responsibility will fall on the employer for providing certified material.

Is it mandatory to use PPE while teleworking?

Generally not for industrial risks, but the company must assess ergonomic risks. However, if the worker handles chemical products or power tools at home on behalf of the company, the corresponding PPE remains mandatory.

Is high-visibility clothing considered PPE?

Yes, as long as it complies with the EN ISO 20471 standard. It is mandatory in environments where the visibility of the worker is critical for their safety, such as roads, airports, or loading areas in warehouses.