Check, select and protect

It is easy to assume that if products look like PPE and safety equipment and are marketed as such, they will provide the protection that's needed. However, mounting evidence shows that this is not always the case, and the use of ineffective products that put people at risk of injury, or worse, is on the rise. 

The simple solution is to ensure that your supplier is a member of the BSIF's Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS).

Last year, the BSIF tested over 160 products from non-RSSS member suppliers, assessing their advertised performance, labelling accuracy, and compliance with relevant standards. Alarmingly, only 10% (16 products) met full compliance requirements, while an overwhelming 90% (138 products) failed to meet the necessary criteria.

The PPE Regulations stipulates that all economic Operators involved in the supply of PPE have clear legal responsibilities and obligations. All BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers are independently audited to confirm compliance with the regulation and scheme’s requirements. Remember, by using a Registered Safety Supplier you can be sure you will only be supplied with genuine, appropriately approved product and you will receive sound advice without any attempt to mislead you. 

The Registered Safety Supplier Scheme is key to preventing non-compliant, fake and/or illegal product from being sold within the UK. There is little market surveillance conducted by government authorities and consequently the risk of non-compliant product being sold has increased. The BSIF through the RSSS have taken the lead in combatting the issues and the RSSS is the quality assurance initiative needed within the PPE supply sector.

Therefore, if you are a business or organisation in the UK that is buying PPE and safety equipment, the BSIF urges you to: 

1. CHECK your supplier is BSIF Registered. BSIF audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.
2. SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.
3. PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.

A Registered Safety Supplier Scheme member…

• Formally declares and commits to selling only Certified PPE and safety products that perform to claims made
• Submits their products to random independent scheme testing
• Commits to having their customer facing staff educated and accredited in the Safe Supply Course
• Maintains a company Quality Policy
• As a Federation member trades honestly and ethically

So whilst you’re looking at your PPE and safety product procurement options include the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme shield in your requirements, if a company displays this it means they take safety seriously, the products they sell meet with the PPE Regulations and they have knowledgeable staff who can advise you credibly on the products you require.

"Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you wouldn't buy safety from just anyone. Always specify the shield.”

For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

For more information, stop by the BSIF stand at HSM Live Scotland, or visit www.bsif.co.uk