IC-AUGSEP23-PG24+25_Layout 1 01/09/2023 10:00 Page 24
WORKPLACE SAFETY
HOW tO AnSWEr tHE PPE SAFEty quEStIOn
P
With high volumes of substandard PPE and safety equipment on the market, British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) CEO Alan Murray explains how specifiers and users can ensure their products are fit for purpose
ersonal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to guard against hazards in the workplace. However, it will only do so if it is adequate for the hazard, suitable for the wearer, used correctly, and stored and
maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Failing to check your PPE is fit for purpose could
leave you or your employees, for whom you have a duty of care, vulnerable and unprotected, and exposes your organisation to the risk of prosecution.
A widespreAd problem The BSIF’s latest non-member product tests show non-compliance is worryingly high, putting users and wearers at risk. Between December 2021 and December 2022, we
completed tests on 127 non-member products, which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 (15 per cent) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85 per cent) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still available and being sold to unsuspecting users and putting them at risk.
Ask the right questions Knowing what questions you should be asking when buying PPE and safety equipment will go some way towards helping you and your business ensure that your PPE complies with the law and conforms to the PPE Regulation 2016/425. This is why the BSIF has launched a handy checklist
to help specifiers and users check that their PPE is fit for purpose. The checklist highlights the responsibilities of buyers and distributors, and covers questions related to product markings, required documentation, product condition, and storage.
24 AuguSt/SEPtEMBEr 2023 | InduStrIAl COMPlIAnCE
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