Personal protective equipment testing

A personal protective equipment test (PPE test) from TÜV SÜD ensures that different types of PPE equipment are safe and secure and can protect the wearer as intended. PPE includes clothing and other articles intended to protect the wearer from injury or other health-related risks. This applies to most safety products designed for leisure and sports activities, as well as for professional use. Conducting a PPE test is a legal obligation in many jurisdictions, and it also helps R&D teams discover faults early. 

In potentially dangerous workplaces, workers rely on PPE to protect against health and safety risks. They depend on the assurances of PPE manufacturers that their equipment will perform as promised. 

The EU’s PPE Directive and the EU’s forthcoming PPE Regulation require that PPE sold or used in the EU be tested. To market your PPE products in the European Union, your products must comply with the EU Personal Protective Equipment Regulation 2016/425 and obtain assessment by a Notified Body, such as TÜV SÜD. 

PPE used in the US in federally regulated workplaces must meet the requirements of PPE testing standards. These include product-specific American National Standards and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

As a global leader in testing and certification, TÜV SÜD has a team of experts experienced with most types of PPE and PPE testing standards. 

Our standing as an independent third-party assessor instils confidence in the quality and safety of your products. 

Through our global network of testing laboratories, we offer testing support regardless of where your PPE is manufactured or distributed. 

PPE testing 

Our testing laboratories provide comprehensive PPE testing services that include, but not limited to: 

 

Equipment and accessories 

• Head protection: Sports helmets and industrial safety helmets 
• Eye and face protection: Sunglasses, swimming googles, diving masks  
• Arm/leg protection: Knee and elbow protectors, sports protective gears 
• Shoe spikes: Chains, crampons 
• Avalanche airbag systems 
• Harnesses 
• Pulleys 

 

Clothing and footwear 

• Protective clothing: motorcyclists’ suit, high visibility clothing, protective clothing, firefighting suits, flame resistant clothing 
• Protective footwear: safety, protective, occupational, motorcyclist shoes 
• Protective gloves: protection against mechanical risk, welding, thermal risks 

 

Respiratory protective equipment 

• Face masks