Guides & Standards
Safety labels are full of codes. We turn them into plain English.
- Great Britain
- Northern Ireland
- Republic of Ireland
Start here
- 1
New to PPE?
Read The marks and the law first.
- 2
Know what you need?
Jump to a category below.
- 3
Got a label in your hand?
Every page has a "decode the label" picture.
Safety standards guides
The marks and the law
You want to know what CE / UKCA / UKNI mean and what employers must do
Read the guide →
Safety footwear explained
You need S1P, S3, S3S SR, wellies or ESD
Read the guide →
Protective gloves explained
You see 4X43D, Type A, or EN 407 on a glove
Read the guide →
High visibility explained
You need Class 1, 2 or 3, or rail orange
Read the guide →
Eye and face protection explained
You see 1 F K N or 2C-1.2 on glasses
Read the guide →
Head protection explained
You need a helmet, bump cap or electrical helmet
Read the guide →
Hearing protection explained
You see SNR 30 or H M L
Read the guide →
Respiratory protection explained
You need FFP2, FFP3 or a filter like A2P3
Read the guide →
Protective clothing explained
You need rain, cold, FR, arc, welding, chemical or anti-static wear
Read the guide →
Fall protection explained
You need a harness, lanyard or anchor
Read the guide →
Safety signs, first aid and spill kits
You need safety signs, a first-aid kit or a spill kit
Read the guide →
Materials guides
Three things to remember
- 1
PPE is the last line.
Remove or reduce the hazard first.
- 2
The employer pays.
PPE needed for work must be free to the worker.
- 3
Fit matters.
The best rating fails if it does not fit.
Where this applies
Each page shows the law for all three.
GBGreat Britain
England, Scotland, Wales
CE or UKCA accepted for PPE.
HSE enforces workplace rules.
NINorthern Ireland
Workplace rules are UK law (HSENI). PPE sold here must carry CE, or CE + UKNI. UKCA on its own isn't valid in NI.
ROIRepublic of Ireland
CE only.
The HSA enforces workplace rules.
More guides coming soon: sizing, garment care, printing and embroidery.