Personal protective equipment
Working Safely with PPE on the Yard, in the Workshop, and on the Construction Site
Personal protective equipment (PPE) provides reliable protection against health risks when working in agriculture, the trades, workshops, the garden and on building sites. But which type of protection is right for which situation, and what should you bear in mind when choosing and using it?
Further down this page, you will find five guides on the topic of personal protective equipment:
- What you need to know about hearing protection
- What you need to know about respiratory protection
- What you need to know about eye protection
- What you need to know about protective coveralls
- What you need to know about personal protective equipment (PPE) in pesticides
These guides provide practical advice on selection, use and protective effectiveness, and help you find suitable protective equipment for different areas of use.
Important information about hearing protection
Our hearing is a valuable, sensitive organ. Hearing is a matter of course for most people. But noise-induced hearing loss rarely happens overnight. It builds up over time by any unprotected exposure to dangerous noise levels. This is why appropriate hearing protection must be made available from 80 dB(A = at workplace), as irreversible damage to the sensitive auditory cells is possible from this point.
Wearing hearing protection is mandatory in the workplace from 85 dB(A).
Protect your hearing at work:
| 120 - 130 dB(A) | jet engine, pain threshold |
| 110 - 120 dB(A) | thunder storm, pneumatic hammer |
| 95 - 110 dB(A) | disco music, chainsaw, express train |
| 85 - 95 dB(A) | telephone rings, lorries |
| 85 dB(A) | from here, ear protection is prescribed in the workplace (85 dB) |
| 70 - 85 dB(A) | bike bell, TV, lawnmower |
| 50 - 70 dB(A) | sewing machine, group conversation, office noise |
| 30 - 50 dB(A) | quiet music, normal conversation, rain |
| 0 - 30 dB(A) | leaves rustling, whispering, fridge humming |
An increase of 10 dB is perceived as a doubling of volume.
SNR value (simple insulation value) – the value indicates how many decibels the hearing protection reduces the noise by (example: eat muffs with 25 dB SNR reduce the volume from 100 dB to 75 dB).
Important information about respiratory protection
Kerbl respirators help to respond optimally to threats by pollutants and to protect yourself from them safely. All respirators are Category 3 Personal Protective Equipment (irreversible health damage) in accordance with EU Directive 2016/425. Breathing valves make them more comfortable.
The filter classes provide information on the maximum concentration of harmful gas in the air:
| Filter class | Maximum protection |
|---|---|
| 1 | < 1000 ppm (0.1 vol %) |
| 2 | < 5000 ppm (0.5 vol %) |
| 3 | < 10000 ppm (1.0 vol %) |
The lifetime of filters depends on the humidity and temperature of the inhaled air, the chemical composition of the gases or the storage conditions. This means a general lifetime cannot be specified. Change the filter as soon as you notice the first unpleasant odours or inhaling becomes difficult as the filter has bonded together.
P: filtering of noxious dusts, smoke, aerosols
| Typ | Model | Protection zones | Application examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFP2 | 34695/3 34695/10 | 10-fold MAK value* | quartz, cement, flour and wood dust, metal smoke, fungal spores, aerosols, viruses, aqueous solutions of herbicides |
| FFP3 | 34694/3 34694/10 | 30-fold MAK value* | Stainless steel dust, asbestos, diesel soot, glass wool, viruses / bacteria |
*MAK value = maximum workplace concentration. It indicates the maximum, permitted concentration of a material in the air for which no health damage can be expected, even when one is exposed to it for 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week.
Activated carbon filter in half-masks for protection against gases and vapours
| Code | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A = red | organic gases and vapours | Painting, tarring, herbicides |
| B = grey | Inorganic gases and vapours, hydrogen sulphide, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide | Detergents and disinfection agents |
| E = yellow | Sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride | Exhaust gases |
| K = green | Ammonia | Manure, stables |
| P = white | Dust | Dust |
| Filter class | protection against | max. concentration of harmful substances | Examples of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 = red | organic gases and vapours | < 1000 ppm (0.1 vol %) | Paint, tar, petrol, adhesives, pesticides/herbicides (partial) |
| A2 = red | organic gases and vapours | < 5000 ppm (0.5 vol %) | Paint, tar, petrol, adhesives, pesticides/herbicides (partial) |
| A3 = red | organic gases and vapours | < 10000 ppm (1.0 vol %) | Paint, tar, petrol, adhesives, pesticides/herbicides (partial) |
| BEK = grey, yellow, green | organic gases and vapours, inorganic gases and vapours, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, ammonia | < 1000 ppm (0.1 vol %) | Wide band: Pesticides, manure, ammonia, acidic gases, stripping solutions |
| P1 = white | Particulates | 4-fold MAK value* | Dust (e.g. sweeping), pollen, rust, tile dust |
| P2 = white | Particulates | 10-fold MAK value* | quartz, cement, viruses, fungal spores, aqueous pesticide/herbicide solutions |
| P3 = white | Particulates | 30-fold MAK value* | asbestos, stainless steel dust, diesel soot, glass wool, viruses/bacteria |
Important information about eye protection
The eye is a sensitive sensory organ and must be reliably protected against harmful external influences in everyday working environments. The most important aspects of choosing safety goggles are their safety, fit and wearing comfort.
Normative principles
EN 166 - Personal eye protection
For over two decades, EN 166 was the central European standard for safety goggles. It defines requirements for:
- Mechanical strength and impact protection
- Optical properties (clear view, distortion-free)
- Basic protective functions against particles, chemicals or splashes
Note: Filter values (UV, IR, welding) are regulated in supplementary standards (e.g. EN 169, EN 170)
EN ISO 16321:2022 - The new international standard
Since May 2023, the EN ISO 16321 series of standards (legally binding from November 2024) has replaced EN 166. It harmonises requirements worldwide and introduces extended test procedures and labelling.
Key new features of EN ISO 16321
- Better fit
Six probe sizes instead of two for more realistic coverage testing. - Revised impact tests
Larger, heavier test projectiles; new protection levels C, D, E for higher energies and new protection zones. - New filter labelling
UV protection now as U-values (U1.2-U5); IR and welding filters more clearly structured. - Optional protective features unchanged
K (scratch-resistant), N (anti-fog), CH (chemical resistance), HM (heat protection).
Transition phase
EN 166 products may still be used and sold until their certificates expire, which is why EN 166 and EN ISO 16321 are currently being used in parallel.
Summary
EN ISO 16321 offers higher testing standards, clearer labelling and better fit assessment - a plus for safety, comfort and international comparability.
Labelling of safety goggles:
Markings on the lens and frame show the manufacturer, optical class (1-3), impact resistance (C, D, E), filter markings (UV, IR, welding) and optional features (K, N, CH, HM).
Important information about protective overalls
General information
Wearing protective clothing safeguards your own safety and health. When choosing the right coveralls, there are various criteria to bear in mind, which vary depending on the intended use and working environment.
Protective clothing is an essential companion in everyday work situations for your health and safety. When choosing the right over
all, it is important to consider certain criteria that vary depending on the intended use and working environment.
Protective overalls create a protective barrier between their wearer and the working environment. They do more than offer protection against external influences such as plant protection products or chemicals. They also protect critical areas of work, e.g. in the food industry, in laboratories or medical facilities against contamination from hair and bacteria, for example. Protective overalls should fit snugly on the body, be tearproof, lightweight and breathable. Generally speaking, protective suits have a skin-friendly plastic fleece on the inside and often have a hood to comply with the strictest hygiene standards.
The protection classes (types) for various areas of application
- Type 1 (high protection level): Gas-tight full-protection suit for emergency services or chemical workers, used with a respirator, e.g. hazardous and toxic chemicals in a liquid or gaseous state
- Type 2 (high protection level): Protection against liquids, sprays and dust, used with a respirator
- Type 3 (medium protection level): Protection against liquid chemicals
- Type 4 (medium protection level): Spray-proof overalls, examples of use: plant protection products, pest control, agricultural chemicals, food industry, infection control against blood and viruses, disease control, clean room applications
- Type 5 (low protection level): Protection against dust, e.g. floating particles of solid chemicals
- Type 6 (low protection level): Protection against liquid chemicals, limited spray protection
Key standards and guidelines for overalls (types 3 to 6)
EN 14605 (Type 3)
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals (liquid-tight)
EN 14605 (Type 4)
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals (spray-tight)
EN ISO 13982-1 (Type 5)
Protective clothing against solid particles (particle-tight)
EN 13034 (Type 6)
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals - limited splash resistance
EN 1073-2
Protective clothing against radioactive contamination (particles)
EN 14126
Protective clothing against infectious agents
EN 1149-5
Protective clothing - Electrostatic properties
EN 13034
Protective clothing against liquid chemicals
EN ISO 27065
Protective clothing for users of plant protection products
Body measurements in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13688
| Size | A (chest circumference) in cm | B (height) in cm |
|---|---|---|
| S | 84 – 92 cm | 156 – 164 cm |
| M | 92 – 100 cm | 164 – 172 cm |
| L | 100 – 108 cm | 172 – 180 cm |
| XL | 108 – 116 cm | 180 – 188 cm |
| XXL | 116 – 124 cm | 188 – 196 cm |
| XXXL | 124 – 132 cm | 196 – 204 cm |
Useful accessories
To complement the protection provided by coveralls, the use of shoe covers, disposable gloves, safety goggles, respirators and, where appropriate, aprons, protective sleeves and safety boots is advisable.
Important information about personal protective equipment (PPE) in plant protection
Safety is paramount when using plant protection products. The choice of personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in ensuring your own safety. The PPE required is defined in the approval of a plant protection product, is mandatory and is listed on the product‘s packaging. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to a fine. In November 2020, the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) published an updated draft of the directive on „Personal protective equipment in plant protection“.
Below is a simplified version of the protective equipment required and how it is used, along with suitable products from the Kerbl range. Other information that must be taken into account can be found in the packaging leaflet accompanying each product and the BLV directives that are updated on an ongoing basis. Your safety is our primary concern - protect yourself and others by using personal protective equipment correctly.
Treated surfaces and/or crops may only be re-entered after the plant protection covering has dried. Rules and regulations for follow-up activities (which concern the wearing of work clothing, possibly combined with protective gloves) must be followed for the protection of users.
Basic rules for your protection and for the correct use of PPPs
- Strict separation of social areas and operating premises: Never store plant protection products or possibly contaminated equipment in recreation rooms!
- Hygiene: Wash hands frequently; wash clothes and shower after finishing work. Do not smoke, drink, eat or use the telephone during application.
- The crop protection product with the highest requirements determines the basic equipment of the farm.
- To avoid contamination, change protective clothing before entering the tractor cab or, if using a sleeve apron, remove it after mixing/filling.
- Store contaminated equipment outside the cabin!
- In suitable tractor cabins (at least category 2* according to the technical notification of the BVL of 8 January 2020), the wearing of protective equipment can be partially omitted.
- Treated areas or crops may only be re-entered after the plant protection product coating has dried. Conditions and application regulations for subsequent activities (concerning regulations for wearing work clothing, if necessary combined with protective gloves) must be followed for the protection of users.
Minimum requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the various treatment phases