In the EU 2 legal acts are published on PPE.
The first one is the Directive 89/686 (Product Directive) this legislation lays down requirements for the design and manufacture of (PPE) in order to ensure the health and safety protection of users and rules on its free movement in the Union. PPE shall fulfil the applicable essential health and safety requirements. The CE marking of PPE is based on this Directive.
Remark that on the 31st of March 2016 the new PPE Regulation 2016/425 was published. This regulation becomes applicable on the 21st of April 2018.
The second one is the Directive 89/656 (Use Directive), this legislation lays down the minimum requirements concerning the use of PPE. The responsabilities of employers and employees concerning PPE for occupational use are covered by this Directive.
The Blue Guide on the implementation of EU product rules 2016 was adopted on the 5th of April 2016 and is published in English (other languages will follow) .