PSA Cat I
PPE Category I is the lowest risk category under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. It covers equipment protecting users against minimal risks they can recognise and assess themselves.
Typical Category I products:
- Gardening gloves against dirt and light abrasion
- Gloves for handling mildly aggressive cleaning agents
- Simple sun protection products
- Protective clothing for household activities with no significant hazard
Conformity assessment: the manufacturer may carry out the entire procedure independently and issue the EU Declaration of Conformity themselves. No Notified Body is required.
The category is determined by the risk potential of the application area - not by the material or construction of the product. A glove made of identical material may be Category I, II, or III depending on the risk it is used against.
Category I is clearly bounded: where a product protects against multiple risks from different categories, the highest category applies to the overall product.
Frequently asked questions
What risks fall under PPE Category I?
Category I covers minimal risks: superficial mechanical effects (light abrasion), contact with mildly aggressive cleaning agents or water, simple heat exposure (≤50 °C). The user can perceive and assess these risks independently.
Does PPE Category I need CE marking?
Yes. Category I PPE still requires CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity. The difference from Categories II and III is that no Notified Body needs to be involved.
What is the difference between PPE Category I and II?
Category I: minimal risks, manufacturer self-conformity assessment. Category II: intermediate risks, EU type-examination by Notified Body required, but no ongoing production surveillance. Category III: serious/irreversible risks, Notified Body + ongoing surveillance.