PPE and PPEgA: Everything you need to know about personal protective equipment (against falls from height)

Zusammenfassung

PPE protects against general workplace hazards. For work involving a fall risk, additional PPE is required by law.

Employers are obliged to provide suitable equipment, have it checked regularly and instruct their employees in its safe use.

The use of PPE is only permitted by trained personnel.

Incorrect use or failure to check can lead to serious accidents and legal consequences.

Safe work at height requires responsibility, expertise and tested equipment.

When it comes to occupational safety, there are no compromises. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPEgA) are required by law – and are often vital in everyday workplace life. They reliably protect employees from accidents, minimize risks, and are indispensable in many industries.

In this article you will learn what the difference is between PPE and PPEgA , what legal requirements apply, how to use them correctly and what responsibility you have as an employer .

PPE vs. PPEgA: What’s the difference?

While PPE generally protects against hazards such as noise, mechanical impacts, or chemical substances, PPEgA is specifically used where there is a risk of falling —for example, when working at height. Both types of equipment meet clear legal requirements and play a crucial role in preventing accidents and effectively protecting employees.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes helmets, safety goggles, hearing protection, gloves, safety shoes , and high-visibility clothing. It protects workers from mechanical, chemical, thermal, or acoustic hazards —depending on the workplace and activity.

PPE is mandatory in many industries and a key component of occupational safety. It helps prevent injuries and ensures that employees can perform their tasks safely and reliably.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment against Falls from a Height)

Personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPE) is specifically designed for use in areas where there is a risk of falls . It protects people working on roofs, scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms, or at height – wherever a fall could have fatal consequences.

PSAgA includes, among others:

• Safety harnesses
• guided fall arresters
• Band energy absorber
• Lanyards, ropes, webbing
• Carabiners and anchor devices

The goal of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to prevent a fall or minimize its consequences. It is mandatory in many areas of operation and can save lives in an emergency.

The main difference: scope and purpose

The key difference between PPE and PPEgA lies in their scope of application and protective objective :

• PPE protects against general hazards such as noise, dust, chemicals or mechanical influences.
• PPE is used exclusively to protect against falls from heights.

Employers are legally obligated to provide both types of equipment, depending on the specific hazards. Furthermore, employees must be trained and regularly instructed in the safe use of PPE and PPEgA . This is the only way to ensure safe and legally compliant use.

PPE against falls from a height: Complete system with harness and lanyard for safe working at height

Why is PPE and PPE against falls from a height essential?

PPE and personal protective equipment (PPEaA) save lives and prevent serious accidents. They protect employees from typical workplace hazards and are required by law in many areas. Employers are obligated to provide suitable protective equipment and ensure its use.

In addition to the protective factor, PPE and PPEgA also contribute to employees' productivity and sense of safety . People who feel safe work with greater concentration and efficiency.

Conclusion: Investing in high-quality protective equipment is not only a legal obligation, but also an active contribution to accident prevention, employee safety and business continuity.

The legal requirements and standards

Clear legal requirements apply to personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPEgA). The goal is to ensure employee safety and effectively prevent workplace accidents.

The most important requirements at a glance:

1. Obligation to provide : Employers are legally obliged to provide suitable PPE and PPEgA – tailored to the risk assessment and the respective workplace.
2. Duty of Use : Employees must use the provided equipment as intended. The employer must regularly monitor this.
3. Compliance with standards : In Europe, PPE and PPEgA must comply with applicable EN standards. Only products bearing the CE mark may be used.
4. Regular inspection : PPE and in particular PPEgA must be checked regularly and inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months.
5. Training obligation : Employees must be trained in the correct use at least once a year – even if the device is used infrequently.

IMPORTANT: Compliance with these regulations is not optional – it is mandatory. Ignoring them risks fines, liability, and preventable accidents. Employers are well advised to rely on tested equipment, trained employees, and comprehensive documentation.

Your responsibility as an employer: PPE and PPEgA training in the work environment

As an employer, you bear a significant responsibility for the safety of your employees in the workplace. This includes the provision and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal protective equipment against falls from a height (PPEgA). Here are some key aspects of your responsibility:

• Providing the right equipment
  Your first task is to ensure your employees have the appropriate PPE and fall protection equipment for their specific tasks. This requires a careful risk assessment of the work environment and an accurate evaluation of the associated risks.
• Quality and maintenance
  The equipment provided must comply with applicable safety standards and norms. This includes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure proper functioning of the equipment. Damaged or worn equipment should be replaced promptly.
• Training and instruction
  It is your responsibility to train your employees in the correct use of PPE and PPEaa. You must not only teach them how to put on the equipment correctly, but also how to inspect and maintain it. Furthermore, it is important to inform them about workplace risks and the importance of the equipment.
• Correct wearing of PPE
  Correctly wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for safety when working at height. According to DGUV Principle 312-906, harnesses and fall arrest systems should be worn in such a way that they safely arrest the human body in the event of a fall. Important factors include the correct positioning of the fall arrest rings in the chest area and the correct adjustment of the harnesses to effectively distribute the impact force. Expert handling of rope lifelines, such as the use of movable anchor points and temporary rope lifelines, is equally important. Regular refresher courses in theory and practice, including first aid training and training in the competent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), contribute to a safe working environment.
• Promote safety culture
  A safe work environment requires a positive safety culture. As an employer, you should actively promote this culture by rewarding safe behavior and raising awareness of risks. Your employees should feel encouraged to raise safety concerns and make suggestions for improvement.
• Regular inspection of PPE
  Your responsibility doesn't end with the one-time provision of PPE and PPEgA. You must regularly review whether your safety measures are still appropriate and make adjustments as needed.

Fulfilling these obligations is not only required by law, but also crucial for the safety and well-being of your employees. A safe workplace not only helps prevent accidents but also promotes the productivity and well-being of your employees. Therefore, workplace safety should always be a top priority.

Conclusion: PPE and PPEgA in the workplace

PPE and personal protective equipment (PPEaa) are essential components for safe working. They reliably protect against injuries, minimize the risk of falls, and play a key role in preventing workplace accidents – especially in high-risk areas such as scaffolding , working at heights , or the use of mobile elevating work platforms .

According to the PPE Use Ordinance , DIN EN standards and DGUV principle 312-906 , the following applies:

1. All PPE components must be checked by qualified persons and professionally inspected at least every 12 months.
2. Employers are obliged to provide suitable equipment and to regularly instruct on its safe use.

But the benefits go beyond simply fulfilling the obligation:

A safe workplace strengthens trust, increases productivity, and demonstrates a company's sense of responsibility. Investing in tested PPE and PPE for personal protective equipment (PPEaA) is therefore not only a legal requirement—it is an expression of a lived safety culture.

In short: Those who rely on the right protective equipment protect lives – and create the basis for a sustainable, healthy and efficient operation.

About the author

Benjamin Biberger

Managing Director

Benjamin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thecommercial and administrative areasof the company and, together with his team, ensures theOptimization of operational processesand theoptimal customer supportin their projects.

Through his many years of experience in the areas of organization andProject managementIt provides a stable foundation – in its own daily business, in sustainableFurther development of processesas well as in theCollaboration with partners and customers.