Safety of electronic circuits integrated into personal protective equipment (PPE)

Integrated electronics are being introduced into various type of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure information and alarm functions. This is the case for hearing protection devices and electro-optical filters for arc welding (protection) as well as for respiratory protective equipment (information and alarm). The use of electronics raises questions concerning the level of protection afforded by these types of PPE and their conformity to the essential requirements laid down in concerned European directive. The level of protection of PPE including electronics shall be at least equivalent to that of standard PPE. In order to provide an answer to those concerned, this article proposes a method used in the machinery domain, which is based on one index of risk determination and the approach from the angle of safety. It leads to the determination of the category of EN 954-1 standard, also used in the safety of machinery domain, to which the PPE belongs. According to that category, technical measures are to be considered at the design stage of PPE including electronics in order to reach the required level of protection. These additional requirements are to be proposed for their insertion in national, European and international standards.