ANNEX I
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:
(a) | superficial mechanical injury;
(b) | contact with cleaning materials of weak action or prolonged contact with water;
(c) | contact with hot surfaces not exceeding 50 °C;
(d) | damage to the eyes due to exposure to sunlight (other than during observation of the sun);
(e) | 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:
(a) | substances and mixtures which are hazardous to health;
(b) | atmospheres with oxygen deficiency;
(c) | harmful biological agents;
(d) | ionising radiation;
(e) | high-temperature environments the effects of which are comparable to those of an air temperature of at least 100 °C;
(f) | low-temperature environments the effects of which are comparable to those of an air temperature of – 50 °C or less;
(g) | falling from a height;
(h) | electric shock and live working;
(i) | drowning;
(j) | cuts by hand-held chainsaws;
(k) | high-pressure jets;
(l) | bullet wounds or knife stabs;
(m) | harmful noise.