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WORKPLACE SAFETY
tHe HiDDen tHreat of counterfeit parts
jeopardising not only the reliability of machinery but also the health and safety of workers. So how have they found their way into the
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global market? It is no secret that the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic kickstarted manufacturing and supply chain issues back in 2020, causing a huge impact across the electronics and automation supply chain in particular. A problem which was escalated for UK manufacturers by the impact of Brexit and then the current logistical and economic difficulties caused by the war in Ukraine. Long lead times have proved to be a huge
challenge for businesses attempting to source genuine parts for equipment and machinery, which has led many buyers to look for faster or cheaper alternatives. The risk of procuring counterfeit
components always increases when supply chains are stretched. From 2021 to 2022, reports of suspect or nonconforming parts increased by 35 per cent, according to the Electronic Resellers Association International (ERAI), which collects data on counterfeits. Counterfeit parts are cleverly disguised as
authentic, high-quality components from unethical manufacturers or disingenuous refurbishers and are sold as quality, genuine
ounterfeit components have infiltrated the industry’s critical industrial machinery, control systems and automation equipment, disguised as genuine products and silently
Manufacturers are constantly striving to optimise efficiency and productivity. However, an alarming and often overlooked element threatens this: counterfeit parts. Here, andrea Ducker, global sales and operations director at obso Global delves into the implications of using counterfeit parts in industrial operations and explores the legal liabilities that manufacturers may encounter as a consequence.
parts. Or in some cases, buyers are tempted with the allure of a cheaper alternative without knowing the implications that come with counterfeit items. These fake components may appear
identical to their genuine counterparts on the surface, but beneath the surface lies a world of uncertainty and risk. As a result, many unsuspecting companies have had to discover the consequences that follow. One of the most concerning aspects of
counterfeit parts is their unpredictable reliability and performance. Unlike genuine components, which undergo rigorous quality control tests, counterfeit parts are often manufactured with subpar materials and little to no quality assurance. As a result, these fake components are prone to malfunction, breakdowns and unexpected
22 Winter 2023 | inDustrial coMpliance
failures. When incorporated into critical industrial systems, such as manufacturing equipment or automation control panels, the risks are twofold. Firstly, counterfeit parts can expose workers to
potential accidents and injuries. When machinery suddenly malfunctions due to counterfeit components, it can lead to unexpected shutdowns or erratic behaviour, putting employees at risk. These disruptions not only compromise the safety of the workforce but can also result in physical harm, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening incidents. Secondly, the reliance on counterfeit parts
can lead to significant machine and personnel downtime. Unexpected breakdowns due to counterfeit components can disrupt production schedules, causing delays, missed deadlines and financial losses. Businesses
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