Safety flash – counterfeit helmets

Posted on Friday 1 January 2010

The BSIF has been made aware that counterfeit and sub-standard safety helmets believed to be of Asian origin and marked under the brand name ‘Burly’ and ‘MkII’ have found their way onto the international market.

These helmets are copies of well-known MkII¨ safety helmet, a product manufactured by JSP in the UK and should not be confused as being one and the same.

The ‘Burly’ helmets do not meet the requirements of the British and European Standard, EN397. They are extremely dangerous; they must not be worn and should be destroyed immediately.

Counterfeit Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is on the increase, with well established products, brands and designs being targeted. The consequences of using counterfeit and illegal products could be fatal. Often these products donÕt perform as they should, endangering lives and exposing businesses to the risk of prosecution.

To help combat the arrival of counterfeit and illegal PPE, the BSIF has introduced the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS). The scheme ensures that all PPE is tested to the known performance requirement stipulated by CE standards and that you are buying from a recognised and reputable source.