Under the directive 89/686/EEC defining the rules for personal protection equipment flow within the European Union and general safety requirements, personal protection equipment was classified in three categories (with regard to applicable hazards):

Category III

PPE protecting against serious hazards causing death or irreversible damage to heath, i.e.

• substances and mixtures detrimental to health,
• biological factors,
• ionising radiation,
• hot environment (+100°C),
• cold environment (-50°C),
• falls from height,
• electric shock,
• works under voltage,
• drowning,
• injuries caused by portable saw chain,
• high pressure jets,
• gun shots or stabbing wounds,
• detrimental noise.

Category I

Personal protection equipment protecting against minimal threats only:

• superficial mechanical wounds,
• contact with weak cleaning agents or prolonged contact with water
• contact with hot surfaces of temperature below 50°C
• eyesight damage as a result of exposure to sunlight (other than during sun observation)
• weather conditions which are not of extreme nature

Category II

PPE protecting against hazards other than listed in category I and III.