Use your head when buying hard hats
The BSIF is reminding people about the importance of being vigilant when buying PPE, and in particular head protection, after Builders Merchant Jewson was fined £14,000 for supplying sub-standard safety helmets.
Jewson Ltd received a fine of £14,000 from Northampton Magistrates Court for supplying hard hats that did not meet shock absorption test EN 397.
Earlier this year sub-standard safety helmets believed to be of Asian origin and marked under the brand name “Burly” and “MkII” also found their way onto the international market. These helmets are copies of the 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 PPE is on the increase, with well established product brands and designs being targeted. The consequences of using counterfeit and illegal products could be fatal. Often these products don’t perform as they should, endangering lives and exposing businesses to the risk of prosecution.
Thankfully the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) can help. The scheme ensures that all registered members PPE is tested to the known performance requirement as stipulated by CE standards so that you can be sure that you are buying from a recognised and reputable source.
To see all the suppliers on the list please go to: www.bsif.co.uk/registered-
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