Category III Personal Protective Equipment, defined as complexly designed PPE and intended to protect against risks that may cause death or serious and irreversible harm, primarily serves to:
Article 78 of Legislative Decree 81/2008 establishes that workers must ensure the proper care of the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to them, must not make any unauthorized modifications, and must immediately report any defect or malfunction detected to the employer, manager or supervisor.
For example, writing one’s name with a marker on Category III PPE (such as harnesses or safety helmets) renders the equipment non-compliant for use, as the chemical agents contained in the ink may compromise the integrity of the materials, reducing their mechanical resistance.
In addition, remember to have your PPE inspected regularly.
From the date of first use, Category III PPE must be inspected at least annually by specialized companies or qualified personnel, who will verify its suitability for continued use.
Standard UNI EN 365 requires that all fall protection PPE be subject to regular maintenance and periodic inspection, defining the following requirements:
Maintenance: to be carried out whenever the PPE is used, in order to maintain it in safe operating condition;
Periodic inspection: to be carried out every 12 months, involving a thorough examination to detect any malfunction; this activity must be performed by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures.
