EUROPE
Standard updates
The below table summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):
(*) Date of withdrawal: the latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.
PRODUCT RECALLS / ALERTS
Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source Safety Gate (RAPEX)).
Europe
Safety Gate (RAPEX) (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities).
The following 7 alerts regarding Personal Protective Equipment were reported between week 12 and week 15 of 2024.
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Type of Risk
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Number of alerts
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Notes
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Chemical
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1
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Corner protection
The plastic material of the cable has excessive concentrations of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).
The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation.
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1
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Hearing protector
The covers on the hearing protector’s ear pads are made of polyvinyl chloride containing a plasticiser (soft PVC).
The covers on the hearing protector’s ear pads have an excessive concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
The product does not comply with the REACH Regulation.
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Health risk / other
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2
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Particle filter mask
The particle/filter retention of the material is insufficient.
The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or EN 149.
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Injuries
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1
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Helmet
Due to its inadequate shape and structure, the helmet may come off the wearer's head, increasing the risk of head injury.
The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or EN 1078.
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2
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Equestrian helmet
The impact absorption capacity of the helmet is insufficient.
The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation or EN 1384.
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UK
OPSS issues Product Safety Alerts to the UK market.
The following 34 alerts regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were issued between week 12 and week 15 of 2024.
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Type of Risk
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Number of alerts
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Notes
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Burns
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1
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Firefighter jacket and firefighter trousers
The seams of the thermal lining break open and potentially expose the wearer to excessive heat.
The firefighting suit met the requirements of EN 469: 2020. However, this standard only requires strength testing of the outermost material. The strength of the thermal lining seams was not tested during the conformity assessment carried out before the product was placed on the market in Great Britain.
The firefighter jacket and trousers within the scope of the corrective action do not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment.
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Damage to sight
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1
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Face shield
The non-compliance relates to the visor not passing the side impact test only.
The product does not meet the requirements of EN 166.
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Drowning
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2
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Life jacket
The product was advertised as a life jacket but is a buoyancy aid (which does not provide the same level of protection).
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that it had been adequately assessed for conformity.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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1
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Swim vest
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that they have been adequately conformity assessed.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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7
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Life jacket/buoyancy aid
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that they have been adequately conformity assessed.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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8
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Life jacket/buoyancy aid
The product was advertised as a life jacket, but once purchased was identified as a buoyancy aid (which does not provide the same level of protection). There was no intended user mass stated and it was identified that the minimum buoyancy for an adult user was not met.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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5
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Life jacket/buoyancy aid
The product was advertised as a life jacket, but once purchased was identified as a buoyancy aid (which does not provide the same level of protection).
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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Injuries
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1
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Helmet mounted full face shield
The corrective action has been identified as presenting a risk of injuries to the eyes/face of the wearer. It does not provide the required level of protection against high-speed particles, in accordance with the requirements of EN 166: 2001 for which the product claims compliance. There have been no reports of injuries, accidents or complaints associated with this defect.
The corrective action does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment.
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8
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Climbing harness
The product was not supplied with the required compliance documentation or markings to demonstrate that it has been adequately assessed for conformity.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment nor the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
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