When selecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for hazardous environments, particularly those involving chemical and particulate risks, understanding the certification process is essential. One area that often causes confusion is the approval process for powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) suits designed to safeguard against both chemical splashes and airborne particulates. This guide outlines what safety managers, procurement specialists, and users need to know to ensure full compliance with European regulations.
In the European Union, CE marking is a legal requirement for all types of PPE. It indicates that a product conforms to the applicable EU legislation. Specifically, the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425. For PAPR suits that provide both respiratory and chemical protection, the approval process is more comprehensive. The suit is considered a complex PPE ensemble rather than a standalone item.
A key point to understand is that the entire ensemble, including the powered respirator, hose, headtop and suit must be tested and certified together. Simply combining separately certified components does not guarantee compliance.
This standard covers powered filtering devices incorporating a helmet or hood intended to protect against particles, gases or vapours. EN 12941 classifies systems by protection level and filter efficiency. For example, TH1, TH2 or TH3, with TH3 offering the highest protection.
To meet EN 12941 certification, the complete PAPR ensemble is tested for:
If any element is changed, such as the hood or suit, the system must be re-tested.
To ensure chemical splash protection, the ensemble must also comply with EN 14605. It is typically certified as Type 3 (liquid-tight) or Type 4 (spray-tight). This standard assesses:
Again, testing must be conducted with the respirator in place. The connection between respirator and suit, such as an integrated hood or sealed neck ring, is a critical point of potential failure.
The Declaration of Conformity is a legal document issued by the manufacturer confirming that the product meets all relevant EU regulations and standards. This is a vital piece of documentation, not just a formality, and should be carefully reviewed when assessing compliance.
Key elements to look for:
Before specifying or purchasing a powered respirator suit offering chemical and particulate protection, ask the manufacturer:
CE certification for PAPR suits designed for chemical and particulate protection is complex but essential. Individual component compliance is not sufficient. The full ensemble must be tested and approved as a system. By understanding the relevant standards and carefully reviewing the Declaration of Conformity, you can make informed decisions that ensure regulatory compliance and, most importantly, the safety of your workforce.
When in doubt, consult with a reputable PPE manufacturer who can explain their certification process and demonstrate full compliance with all applicable EU requirements.