SECTION IGENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1Subject
1.
This Directive, which is the third individual directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC, lays down minimum requirements for personal protective equipment used by workers at work.
2.
The provisions of Directive 89/391/EEC are fully applicable to the whole scope referred to in paragraph 1, without prejudice to more X1stringent and/or specific provisions contained in this Directive.
Article 2Definition
1.
For the purposes of this Directive, personal protective equipment shall mean all equipment designed to be worn or held by the worker to protect him against one or more hazards likely to endanger his safety and health at work, and any addition or accessory designed to meet this objective.
2.
The definition in paragraph 1 excludes:
(a)
ordinary working clothes and uniforms not specifically designed to protect the safety and health of the worker;
(b)
equipment used by emergency and rescue services;
(c)
personal protective equipment worn or used by the military, the police and other public order agencies;
(d)
personal protective equipment for means of road transport;
(e)
sports equipment;
(f)
self-defence or deterrent equipment;
(g)
portable devices for detecting and signalling risks and nuisances.
Article 3General rule
Personal protective equipment shall be used when the risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently limited by technical means of collective protection or by measures, methods or procedures of work organization.