The information contained in ESF communication (letter, e-mail, on the ESF website or in documents available for download on the ESF website or as attachment to letter or e-mail, …) is intended for guidance only and whilst the information is provided in utmost good faith and has been based on the best information currently available, is to be relied upon at the user’s own risk.
ESF will not accept any direct or indirect liability deriving from it. No representations or warranties are made with regards to its completeness or accuracy and no liability will be accepted for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information. The guidance is based on available legislation and information and the interpretation of that legislation/information by ESF.
Each company based on its own decision-making process may decide to use the guidance in full, partially or not, as it suits its needs but no liability shall be attributable to ESF.

The European Safety Federation is a non-profit and a non subsidised organisation which groups (the national associations of) manufacturers, importers and distributors of Personal Protective Equipment in Europe. As such, ESF is recognised by the European authorities and stakeholders.

As each of the 511 million EU citizens (be it as employee, as self-employed or in his/her free time) uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect him/her against risks for his/her health or safety, the ESF members have an essential role in the protection of the population.

A very fast transforming society demands all our vigilance and effort to remain competitive and abreast of:

• Rapid evolution toward a science - knowledge - and information structured society.
• Internationalizing and world wide equalizing of economics and legislation
• Tough competition and growing unemployment in Europe as a whole
• Over-acceleration of technological and economical innovations

In today's world, we must use our wits to develop new strategies and visions to intelligently create a management style that master all said changes and moreover support the leaning organisation with innovative technology, production systems, processes, marking and subsequently adapted organisational concepts.

Undoubtedly, all our vigilance, enthusiasm and effort will only pay off its dividend if also the other field players on the European PPE market, i.e. the EU Commission, the legislative authorities, the Notified Bodies, PPE distributors, suppliers and last but not least, the purchasers and the end-user will face the impact of this transforming society and world.

Accepting the challenge by promptly changing attitudes and adopting responsive flexibility and adaptability will warrant the continuous creation of ergonomics and up-to-date PPE's an thus our safety and health in the workplace.

By then technology will be vaster than ever and there will be a even greater need for expertise and input from the manufacturers

Representing the interest, concerns and demands of the manufacturers of PPE versus the institutions of the EU: e.g. the EU Commission, the CEN organisations, the Notified Bodies, the Labour inspectorates and all parties concerned with Safety and Health at the workplace.

Protecting the legal liability of the manufacturers of PPE by continuous briefing and recommendations to follow and abide by E.U. directives and regulations

Assisting and supporting the EU Commission and CEN in composing and establishing directives/regulations/norms which reckon with the practical application by involved manufacturers and end-users

E.S.F. a positive leadership in its operation:

• Building-up trust and credibility by being accessible to its effective, cooperative and admitted members, institutions and people in need for help, advice, information or direction.
• Open communication as objective and integer service rendering to organisations and making sincere attempts to meet commitments.
• Empowerment and persuasion are standard E.S.F. codes to encourage our customers in following advice, and provide them with the informative resources needed for positive results.
• Taking into account the impacts and evolution of worldwide business developments which might affect E.S.F. members and associate members.
• Taking initiatives and responsibilities in short notice decision-taking to defend the interest of our E.S.F. members
• Dealing constructively with problems and issues and discuss confrontation in an open honest manner.
• Leading in a way that exemplifies the practices of trust, empowerment, competitiveness and personal responsibility