Categories of PPE (I, II, and III): Technical Classification Guide according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the mainstay in the field of Occupational Risk Prevention (PRP), so the choice of each piece of equipment must be conditioned by the level of risk to which workers are exposed. This risk is determined by the risk assessment carried out by a prevention technician. Hence, the European safety system has established a hierarchy of protection divided into three categories: I, II, and III.

Understanding this classification is vital for purchasing managers, prevention technicians, and employers, as the category of PPE defines not only the level of physical safety but also the legal certification procedure and subsequent maintenance obligations. An error in identifying the category can lead to the acquisition of equipment unsuitable for life-threatening risks or, conversely, to an additional cost for the company. In this technical guide from Sekureco.eu, we analyze in depth what defines each category and how the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 ensures that each piece of equipment fulfills its promise of protection.

Technical explanation of PPE categories: The three pillars of Annex I

The classification of PPE does not depend on the product itself (for example, a "glove"), but on the specific risk against which it protects. A glove can be Category I if it is for domestic cleaning or Category III if it is for handling highly toxic chemicals.

Category I: Minimal risks (Self-certification)

PPE of Category I is designed to protect against risks whose consequences are mild and reversible. The manufacturer assumes full responsibility for compliance through the Module A (Internal production control).

• Covered risks: superficial mechanical aggression, contact with mildly aggressive cleaning products, contact with hot surfaces not exceeding 50°C, eye injuries from sunlight (not related to direct solar observation), and non-extreme atmospheric conditions.

• Certification: the manufacturer drafts the EU Declaration of Conformity and places the CE marking by themselves. No external laboratory intervention (Notified Body) is required.

Category II: Intermediate risks

This category includes all equipment that does not fit into I or III. Here, the risk is significant but not necessarily immediately or irreversibly fatal.

• Covered risks: most mechanical risks (cuts, abrasion, punctures), impacts, and projections of particles.

• Certification (Module B): it is mandatory to carry out a EU Type Examination. A Notified Body must evaluate the prototype of the PPE and certify that it complies with the corresponding EN Standards before it can be sold with the CE marking.

Category III: Risks with serious or very serious consequences

This is the critical level of protection where equipment must protect against hazards that can cause death or irreversible health damage.

• Covered risks: hazardous chemicals, harmful biological mixtures, ionizing radiation, high-temperature environments (air over 100°C), low-temperature environments (air at -50°C or less), falls from height, electric shocks and live work, and —after the update of the Regulation— harmful noise.

• Certification (double control): In addition to the EU Type Examination (Module B), the manufacturer must undergo one of these two additional controls:

• Module C2: control of products through random tests conducted by the Notified Body.

• Module D: annual audit of the quality assurance system of the production process (similar to a specific ISO 9001 for PPE).

Key identification: The marking of a Category III PPE is always accompanied by a four-digit code (e.g. CE 0123), which identifies the body responsible for quality control.

When to use each category of PPE: industrial scenarios

The choice of category is dictated by the Risk Assessment of the workplace.

• Use of Category I: general cleaning tasks, gardening without powered cutting tools, or outdoor logistics in good weather (professional sunglasses).

• Use of Category II: general construction, mechanical workshops, carpentry, industrial assembly, and any environment where there are risks of impact, crushing, or standard mechanical cuts.

• Use of Category III: is imperative in:

• Working at height: use of harnesses, connectors, and lifelines (EN 361, EN 358). 

• Confined spaces: Self-contained breathing apparatus or masks with specific chemical filters (EN 149, EN 405). 

• Chemical industry: protection suits type 1 to 6 (EN 14605, EN ISO 13982).

• Electrical environments: dielectric gloves for high voltage.

PPE categorization and regulations at Sekureco

To assist professionals in selection, at Sekureco.eu we categorize our products following these standards:

Category I PPE

• Product: Textile gloves TEGERA 104 for light handling.

• Standard: EN ISO 21420. Designed to prevent dirt or minimal abrasions.

• Product: Clear safety glasses 3M.

• Standard: EN 172. Solar filter for industrial use without impact risks.

Category II PPE

• Product: Helmet with MIPS technology OREKA II Irudek.

• Standard: EN 397. Protects against mechanical impacts.

• Product: Safety footwear S3 SRC Jalas.

• Standard: EN ISO 20345. Protective toe and puncture resistance.

Category III PPE

• Product: Fall protection harness with 2 anchor points.

• Standard: EN 361. Critical for survival in height work.

• Product: Electronic hearing protection earmuffs.

• Standard: EN 352. Noise is a risk of irreversible damage (occupational deafness).

• Product: Nitrile chemical protection gloves.

• Standard: EN ISO 374-1. Classified by letters (A, B, C) according to the permeation time of chemicals.

At Sekureco.eu, we understand the responsibility involved in supplying protective equipment in Europe. That is why our catalog is meticulously organized so you can find everything from basic Category I PPE to the most complex Category III systems, all with their corresponding updated certificates of conformity according to the Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Explore our certified products for the work environment here. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Category I, II, and III PPE

Can the same product be Category II and Category III?

No, not simultaneously for the same risk, but a product can evolve in category if additional functions are added. For example, a safety boot is Category II for impact, but if it also has electrical insulation properties against high voltage, the entire set must be certified as Category III.

Why did hearing protection move from Category II to Category III?

With the introduction of Regulation (EU) 2016/425, the EU recognized that hearing loss is an irreversible damage and often undetectable until it is too late. Therefore, the level of demand in the manufacturing and control of earplugs and earmuffs was raised.

How can I verify if a Category III PPE is authentic?

Look for the four-digit number next to the CE marking. You can check in the NANDO database of the European Commission if that number corresponds to a Notified Body authorized to certify that specific type of PPE.

What category does high visibility clothing fall into?

Generally, high visibility clothing (EN ISO 20471) is classified as Category II, as the risk (being run over due to lack of visibility) is considered intermediate, unless it is integrated into a firefighter suit or chemical protection (Category III).

What documentation must accompany a Category III PPE?

It is mandatory to include the manufacturer's information leaflet in the user's language, detailing the levels of protection, expiration, and the method of mandatory annual review.