PPE
The BSIF’s latest investigation, spanning from December 2022 to December 2023, paints a concerning picture. Out of the 123 items spot-sourced from non-member companies, a mere 21% passed, leaving a staggering 79% failing to meet even the most basic regulatory and safety criteria. These aren’t just statistics; in some cases, lives are at risk.
During flame spread testing of a Flame Retardant Parka, for example, which was bought from an online retailer, the outer layer burnt through, exposing the inner layer, which then caught fire, resulting in the entire coat being consumed by flames. The garment also lacked mandatory documentation and markings in line with PPE Regulation requirements.
“OUT OF THE 123 ITEMS SPOT-SOURCED FROM NON- MEMBER COMPANIES, A MERE 21% PASSED.”
Elsewhere, a pair of safety glasses which were bought from a high street retailer, failed impact resistance testing. No CE markings or equivalent were found to be displayed and the product was missing essential documentation. What’s more, the product was still available to buy over two months later, despite assurances that the glasses would be removed from sale.
The consequences of such negligence extend far beyond financial losses. They manifest in the form of devastating injuries, irreparable harm and broken trust.
The BSIF runs the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme which provides buyers with assurance that the products they are buying are coming from a compliant,
competent and trustworthy supplier. With a remarkable 91% compliance rate during BSIF testing and swift rectification of any shortcomings, these suppliers exemplify high standards in safety and reliability that those specifying and purchasing PPE should demand.
DRIVING OUT SUBSTANDARD PPE AND
SAFETY EQUIPMENT To help drive substandard PPE and safety equipment, sourcing from Registered Safety Suppliers needs to become standard practice. While this is not yet mandatory, the more that people insist on only using these suppliers, the easier it will become to eradicate the issue, helping to prevent a recurrence in the future of what we have seen and experienced in recent times.
The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Shield can only be displayed by companies whose products and services are subject to tests to ensure they are fit for purpose. This makes procurement far simpler since these audited suppliers are committed to only providing genuine, good quality, products, promising a commitment to authenticity and dedication safety and wellbeing.
In addition to testing products and services the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme verification process audits that all of the suppliers regulatory obligations and responsibilities have been carried out.
To further support safety and health in the UK market and help specifiers and purchasers of PPE the BSIF are launching ‘Sourcing Safety’ a course and qualification to help educate duty-holders on personal protective equipment (PPE) and assist them in coming to informed decisions when specifying and buying these safety critical items.
To register interest and get more information on Sourcing Safety please e-mail
enquiries@bsif.co.uk.
www.bsif.co.uk
x.com/TomorrowsHS
Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Yearbook 2024/25 |33
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