PPE is divided into three categories, according to the seriousness of the risks.
Subcategories
Personal protective equipment of simple design for minor risks; the certification system consists of a simple declaration of conformity issued by the manufacturer under his own responsibility (self-certification).
Personal protective equipment for risks that do not fall into the other two categories; the certification system provides for an EC certificate issued by a notified body (only in the PPE design phase).
Personal protective equipment of complex design against risks of death, serious or permanent injuries; the certification system consists of an EC certificate issued by a notified body with annual product control either in the form of "Finished product control" or as "Quality system control" (at the manufacturer's choice).