RISK CATEGORIES OF PPE
This Annex lays down the categories of risk against which PPE is intended to protect users.
Category I
Category I includes exclusively the following minimal risks:
superficial mechanical injury;
contact with cleaning materials of weak action or prolonged contact with water;
contact with hot surfaces not exceeding 50 °C;
damage to the eyes due to exposure to sunlight (other than during observation of the sun);
atmospheric conditions that are not of an extreme nature.
Category II
Category II includes risks other than those listed in Categories I and III;
Category III
Category III includes exclusively the risks that may cause very serious consequences such as death or irreversible damage to health relating to the following:
substances and mixtures which are hazardous to health;
atmospheres with oxygen deficiency;
harmful biological agents;
ionising radiation;
high-temperature environments the effects of which are comparable to those of an air temperature of at least 100 °C;
low-temperature environments the effects of which are comparable to those of an air temperature of – 50 °C or less;
falling from a height;
electric shock and live working;
drowning;
cuts by hand-held chainsaws;
high-pressure jets;
bullet wounds or knife stabs;
harmful noise.