What does the CE mark on work gloves, work shoes, dust masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) actually mean?
It isn’t always easy to figure out all the different pictograms, standards and quality marks. With the right help, you can find the necessary information on every package so you always make the best choice. Always follow the instructions in the manual for correct use.
What is CE marking?
CE is a certification mark within the European Union. Products with a CE mark meet all the requirements regarding health, safety, and the environment. CE stands for Conformité Européenne, which roughly translated means in conformance with European regulations.
Products with CE marking may be sold and used anywhere within the European Economic Area (EEA).
All Busters work gloves, work shoes, dust masks and other personal protective equipment are certified according to the latest CE standards. With this marking, you can be confidence that the product provides good basic protection.
Different categories
A category or number is also often stated next to the CE mark. This extra indication means that the product meets strict requirements and therefore provides better protection against specific risks.
Always choose the right product for a task on the basis of the CE category and any other applicable standards.
CE category I
Personal protective equipment with CE cat I protects you against minimal risks such as discomfort and irritation that are not harmful. These PPE are only suitable for situations in which the risks are minimal.
CE category II
Personal protective equipment with CE cat II protect you against intermediate threats. These are risks that are harmful, but the effects are reversible. These PPE are only suitable for situations in which the risks are limited.
CE category III
Personal protective equipment with CE cat III protect you against potentially fatal risks. These are risks that can cause permanent injury or even death. This PPE protects you against very specific chemical or mechanical hazards. For this reason, look carefully at other standards and choose the right product for a specific task.
CE 0120
Personal protective equipment with CE cat III protect you against potentially fatal risks. These are risks that can cause permanent injury or even death. This PPE protects you against very specific chemical or mechanical hazards. For this reason, look carefully at other standards (#link overzichtpgaina uitleg) and choose the right product for a specific task.
Curious about how well the gloves protect against chemical products? This is indicated next to the Erlenmeyer flask pictogram and the biohazard pictogram.
CE 0321
Personal protective equipment with CE 0321 marking provides you with medium protection against chemical risks. It provides a higher degree of protection than products with a CE 0120 certificate. It is also perfectly liquid-tight. Use PPE with a CE 0321 mark when working with hazardous liquids.
Curious about how well the gloves protect against chemical products? This is indicated next to the Erlenmeyer flask pictogram and the biohazard pictogram.
Summary
Products with a CE mark meet all the requirements for health, safety, and the environment. They may be sold and used anywhere within the European Economic Area (EEA).
There are 3 different categories. The higher the category, the better the protection.
For example:
All-round cotton work gloves: CE cat I
Anti-cut work gloves: CE cat II
PVC hydrochloric acid resistant gloves: CE cat III
Always pay close attention to extra standards that show the specific risks the product protects against. Fireproof work gloves do not necessarily protect against sharp objects, or vice versa.
Always protect yourself as well as possible. Choose the appropriate personal protective equipment for a specific task. This way you will not only work safely, but also better and more comfortably.
- Only choose PPE with CE marking.
- Take the possible risks into account and use maximum protection
- Also look at specific standards
- Always work comfortably and safely
- Tip: Be sure to remember a face mask and safety glasses
- Tip: Find the product you need in your nearest building supply store or garden centre.