Understanding PPE protection and standards
Identify protection families, the information in the markings and the documents to examine before choosing.
Choose a protection family
The eight guides explain equipment differences, documents to read and information needed for a proposal. Start with the identified workplace hazard, then explore the relevant references. PPE belongs within the employer's prevention approach and does not replace collective safeguards.
A documented reference index
The index lists codes, identified editions and public sources consulted. Documented edition means the reference was located in a source; it does not guarantee the latest edition or current harmonisation status. Superseded references remain identifiable when reading existing equipment documents.
Standards, products and Tunisia
A European or international standard is not a Vetiwork certification or an automatic Tunisian obligation. Applicability depends on the product, contract and relevant framework. Examine the exact model, instructions, performance and conformity documents. For the EU, check the current harmonised list separately.
By type of protection
- Hand protection Identify the risk before choosing a glove.
- Foot protection Start from the work situation to specify footwear.
- Head protection Distinguish protection families and their uses.
- Eye and face protection Spectacles, goggles and face shields meet different needs.
- Hearing protection Prepare the selection from exposure and actual use.
- Respiratory protection Define the need before choosing a mask and its components.
- Body protection Telling ordinary workwear from PPE clothing.
- Fall protection Understand the components of a system before selecting anything.
Standard references
| Reference | Protection guide |
|---|---|
| EN 136:1998 Full face masks Documented edition View source | Respiratory protection |
| EN 140:1998 Reusable half masks Documented edition View source | Respiratory protection |
| EN 143:2021 Particle filters Documented edition View source | Respiratory protection |
| EN 149:2001+A1:2009 Filtering particle half masks Documented edition View source | Respiratory protection |
| EN 166:2001
Eye protection: earlier reference Superseded reference
Replaced in the AFNOR catalogue by EN ISO 16321-1 and EN ISO 16321-3. View source |
Eye and face protection |
| EN 343:2019
Rain: earlier reference Superseded reference
Replaced in the catalogue by EN ISO 24232:2025. View source |
Body protection |
| EN 352-1:2020 Earmuffs Documented edition View source | Hearing protection |
| EN 352-2:2020 Earplugs Documented edition View source | Hearing protection |
| EN 352-3:2020 Mounted earmuffs Documented edition View source | Hearing protection |
| EN 355:2002 Energy absorbers Documented edition View source | Fall protection |
| EN 360:2023 Retractable fall arresters Documented edition View source | Fall protection |
| EN 361:2002 Full body harnesses Documented edition View source | Fall protection |
| EN 362:2004 Connectors Documented edition View source | Fall protection |
| EN 388:2016+A1:2018 Gloves: mechanical hazards Documented edition View source | Hand protection |
| EN 397:2012+A1:2012
Helmets: earlier edition Superseded reference
Replaced in the catalogue by EN 397:2025; inspect existing equipment documentation. View source |
Head protection |
| EN 397:2025 Industrial helmets Documented edition View source | Head protection |
| EN 407:2020 Gloves: heat and flame Documented edition View source | Hand protection |
| EN 511:2006 Gloves: cold Documented edition View source | Hand protection |
| EN 795:2012
Anchor devices Documented edition
Scope and restrictions depend on anchor type; the reference does not validate an installation. View source |
Fall protection |
| EN 812:2012 Industrial bump caps Documented edition View source | Head protection |
| EN 14387:2021 Gas and combined filters Documented edition View source | Respiratory protection |
| EN ISO 374-1:2016 Gloves: chemical hazards Documented edition View source | Hand protection |
| EN ISO 374-5:2016 Gloves: micro-organisms Documented edition View source | Hand protection |
| EN ISO 13688:2013+A1:2021 Clothing: general requirements Documented edition View source | Body protection |
| EN ISO 16321-1:2022
Eye and face: general requirements Documented edition
Base edition; European amendment A1:2025 documented by NEN. View source |
Eye and face protection |
| EN ISO 16321-2:2021 Welding protectors Documented edition View source | Eye and face protection |
| EN ISO 16321-3:2022 Mesh protectors Documented edition View source | Eye and face protection |
| EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 Safety footwear Documented edition View source | Foot protection |
| EN ISO 20347:2022+A1:2024 Occupational footwear Documented edition View source | Foot protection |
| EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 High-visibility clothing Documented edition View source | Body protection |
| EN ISO 21420:2020+A1:2024 Gloves: general requirements Documented edition View source | Hand protection |
| EN ISO 24232:2025 Rain protective clothing Documented edition View source | Body protection |
Sources
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