Buyer beware

Checklist illustration_CREDIT_shutterstock_2468518567

BSIF CEO Alan Murray discusses how the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme can help those responsible for buying PPE and safety equipment.

British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) statistics show the availability of non-compliant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety equipment shows no signs of abating. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF examined 123 non-member products, assessing advertised performance, marking adequacy and compliance with standards. Shockingly, only 21% (26 products) proved fully compliant, leaving a staggering 79% (97 products) falling short of testing criteria. Worryingly, many of these substandard products are still available and in use, posing serious risks to unsuspecting users.

The non-member test result findings sharply contrast the results of tests conducted on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, which are committed to only selling certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically. Of the 348 tests completed on products from Registered Safety Suppliers between December 2022 and December 2023, 91% (315 products) passed immediately. Even for the 9% (33 products) initially falling short, all issues were promptly addressed and rectified.

Anyone in charge of buying PPE and safety equipment has a responsibility to select appropriate, certified and compliant products that meet workers’ specific requirements.

Due diligence is vital. Buyers must assess the extent to which a product is fit for purpose. You should also look for wearer benefits above and beyond basic protection and make sure it fits comfortably so that it performs correctly. You must also determine whether it is compatible with other PPE that may be required.

The BSIF has created a checklist to help specifiers and users check whether PPE is fit for purpose in line with regulatory requirements. It includes questions such as whether the PPE has a UKCA, UKNI or CE mark; if it was issued with user instructions; and if there is a Declaration of Conformity.

If any questions present cause for concern, users should seek support and guidance from their company’s health and safety advisor and the manufacturer of the PPE. BSIF also offers an additional checklist featuring advice on how to check if the supporting documentation for PPE is in fact genuine.

Check, select, protect

Sourcing products from companies signed up to the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme is a simple way to fulfil your responsibilities as a buyer and cut the risk of inappropriate PPE selection and the serious consequences that can occur.

The BSIF recommends that buyers and end users follow a simple three-step process to ensure their PPE and safety equipment is fit for purpose:

  • CHECK your supplier is BSIF Registered. BSIF-audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy

  • SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge; and

  • PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.

A growing number of public and private sector organisations have pledged their support for the scheme, with many insisting on only using Registered Safety Suppliers when procuring PPE and safety products. One such supporter is Kevin Smith, Procurement Lead at Skanska. He says: “I have seen various examples of uncertified PPE and many are visibly inferior to certified products. Part of the challenge is that many people will take a CE mark at face value and therefore won’t realise that these marks may be fake and not fit for purpose.

“The Registered Safety Supplier Scheme ensures that PPE purchased is to the required standard and that we avoid inferior products that would put our workforce at risk.” 

For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit b.link/BSIF_RSSS

Image credit | Shutterstock

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