PSA Cat III
PPE Category III designates the highest risk category under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, Article 3(1)(c).
Criteria for Category III: PPE protecting against risks that may have very serious consequences such as death or irreversible health damage, where the user cannot recognise the imminent danger sufficiently in advance.
- Chemical protective gloves (EN ISO 374-1, Type A/B/C)
- Respiratory protection against harmful substances (FFP3, EN 149)
- Fall arrest equipment
- High-voltage protection gloves
- Chainsaw cut protective clothing
Conformity assessment requirements:
1. EU type-examination by Notified Body (mandatory)
2. Ongoing quality assurance: either production surveillance by Notified Body or quality assurance of final products
The key distinction from Category II: ongoing surveillance is mandatory, not optional.
The CE mark on Category III products always shows the identification number of the Notified Body that conducted the type-examination.
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes PPE Category III from Category II?
Category II: EU type-examination by Notified Body, no ongoing production surveillance. Category III: EU type-examination PLUS ongoing quality control by the Notified Body (production surveillance or final product testing).
Which gloves are PPE Category III?
All chemical protective gloves per EN ISO 374-1 (Types A, B, and C), gloves with virus protection per EN ISO 374-5, and high-voltage protection gloves. The category follows from the risk potential of the application area.
Must the Notified Body number be visible on every Category III product?
Yes. The four-digit identification number of the Notified Body that conducted the EU type-examination must appear directly after the CE mark on the product or its packaging.