Every employer in Cyprus is legally required to provide workers with the personal protective equipment their job demands. Whether you run a construction site in Nicosia, a manufacturing facility in Limassol, or a healthcare unit in Larnaca, the right PPE keeps workers safe and keeps your business compliant with EU law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PPE in Cyprus covers a broad range of products: safety footwear, protective gloves, hard hats, high visibility clothing, respiratory masks, eye protection, hearing protection, and fall arrest systems. Each category carries its own EN standards, and each workplace presents its own set of hazards. Selecting the correct equipment requires understanding both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PNG Safety Ltd has been sourcing and distributing certified PPE across Cyprus since 1994. With over 30 years of experience serving construction companies, industrial businesses, healthcare providers, and B2B wholesale buyers, PNG Safety is one of the most established PPE suppliers on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is PPE and Why Does It Matter?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Personal protective equipment is any device or clothing worn by a worker to minimise exposure to physical, chemical, or biological hazards. PPE is the last line of defence in a workplace safety hierarchy \u2014 used when engineering controls and procedural measures cannot fully eliminate a risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under EU Regulation (EU) 2016\/425, all PPE sold in the European Union must carry a CE marking, indicating it has been independently assessed and meets the applicable harmonised European standards. Cyprus, as an EU member state, fully applies this regulation. Employers who provide non-certified equipment are in breach of their legal obligations and expose their workers to uncontrolled risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cyprus Department of Labour Inspection<\/a> enforces workplace safety legislation and can audit businesses for PPE compliance. Fines and work stoppages are possible outcomes of non-compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Types of PPE Available in Cyprus<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n PPE covers every part of the body that faces occupational hazard. Here are the main categories and their applications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Head Protection<\/strong> Hard hats and safety helmets protect against falling objects, impact, and in some cases electrical hazards. Certified to EN 397, helmets are mandatory on all construction sites and in most industrial environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safety Footwear<\/strong> Safety boots and shoes with steel or composite toe caps protect against crush injuries, punctures, and slips. EN ISO 20345 defines the standard for safety footwear. Ankle-high boots are common on construction sites; low-cut safety shoes suit warehouse and light industrial use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protective Gloves<\/strong> Work gloves are selected based on the specific hazard: cut resistance (EN 388), chemical protection (EN 374), heat resistance (EN 407), or cold weather use (EN 511). A general-purpose glove is rarely the right choice \u2014 matching the glove to the hazard is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eye Protection<\/strong> Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields protect against flying particles, chemical splashes, and UV radiation. EN 166 is the standard governing occupational eye protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hearing Protection<\/strong> Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB causes permanent hearing damage. Earplugs and ear defenders reduce noise exposure and are certified to EN 352.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respiratory Protection<\/strong> Dust masks (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3), half-face respirators, and powered air-purifying units are used depending on the nature and concentration of airborne contaminants. Standards include EN 149 for filtering facepieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High Visibility Clothing<\/strong> Hi-vis vests, jackets, and trousers make workers visible to vehicle operators on roads, construction sites, and warehouses. EN ISO 20471 defines three classes based on the required coverage area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fall Protection Equipment<\/strong> At heights above two metres, fall arrest systems are mandatory. This category includes full-body harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, and anchor points, all governed by EN 361 and related standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Browse the full range at the PNG Safety online shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Legal Requirements and EN Standards in Cyprus<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cyprus applies the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016\/425, which replaced the previous Directive 89\/686\/EEC in April 2018. Under this regulation, PPE is classified into three categories based on risk level:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Category III PPE requires third-party certification by a notified body and is subject to ongoing quality assurance. Employers must ensure that any Category III equipment supplied to workers carries valid CE certification and is accompanied by a Declaration of Conformity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work<\/a> provides guidance on employer obligations under EU legislation. Full compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016\/425<\/a> is the legal baseline for every business operating in Cyprus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Choose the Right PPE for Your Industry<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The starting point for any PPE selection is a risk assessment. Identify the hazards present in your workplace, assess the likelihood and severity of exposure, and match the appropriate PPE to each risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Construction sites<\/strong> require the widest range of PPE: hard hats, safety boots, hi-vis clothing, work gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection are standard. Sites working at height also require fall protection systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Industrial and manufacturing facilities<\/strong> typically prioritise hand protection, foot protection, and respiratory equipment, depending on the materials and processes involved. Chemical handling requires gloves and eye protection rated for the specific substances in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthcare workers<\/strong> need disposable gloves, respiratory protection (often FFP2 or FFP3), and protective clothing. The pandemic period reinforced how critical correct respiratory PPE selection is for infection control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electricians and engineers<\/strong> require anti-static footwear, insulated gloves rated for the working voltage, and face protection where arc flash risk exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n