This Annex lays down the categories of risk against which PPE is intended to protect users.
Category I
Category I includes exclusively the following minimal risks:
(a) superficial mechanical injury;
(b) contact with cleaning materials of weak action or prolonged contact with water;
(c) contact with hot surfaces not exceeding 50 °C;
(d) damage to the eyes due to exposure to sunlight (other than during observation of the sun);
(e) atmospheric conditions that are not of an extreme nature.
Category II
Category II includes risks other than those listed in Categories I and III;
Category III
Category III includes exclusively the risks that may cause very serious consequences such as death or irreversible damage to health relating to the following:
(a) substances and mixtures which are hazardous to health;
(b) atmospheres with oxygen deficiency;
(c) harmful biological agents;
(d) ionising radiation;
(e) high-temperature environments the effects of which are comparable to those of an air temperature of at least 100 °C;
(f) low-temperature environments the effects of which are comparable to those of an air temperature of – 50 °C or less;
(g) falling from a height;
(h) electric shock and live working;
(i) drowning;
(j) cuts by hand-held chainsaws;
(k) high-pressure jets;
(l) bullet wounds or knife stabs;
(m) harmful noise.