Leading the fight against non-compliant PPE

Despite increasing awareness of the importance of quality PPE, non-compliant and substandard products continue to endanger workers across the UK. From December 2022 to December 2023, the BSIF assessed 123 products from non-member suppliers. Startlingly, only 21% met compliance standards, leaving 79% falling short—a grim reminder of the risks posed by unscrupulous suppliers.

Real-world failures

Examples of products that failed BSIF tests that illustrate the danger posed by substandard products include:

Flame Retardant Parka: Purchased online, this coat failed flame-spread testing catastrophically. Its outer layer burned through, igniting the inner layer and consuming the entire garment. It also lacked proper documentation and markings, violating PPE regulations.

Safety Boots: Also bought online, these boots failed toe-cap compression tests, were over a decade old, and came with outdated certifications. Critical documentation and markings were missing.

Safety Spectacles: Acquired from a high-street retailer, these spectacles cracked during impact testing and lacked the required markings and documentation. Despite promises to remove the product, it remained available for over two months.

Protective Gloves: Testing revealed these gloves performed at just half their claimed abrasion resistance. Incorrect markings and missing documentation compounded the issue. Again, the product stayed on shelves months after concerns were raised.

Respiratory Protective Mask (FFP3): Sold by a PPE distributor, this mask performed at only half the required standard during filter penetration tests. The supplier failed to act when informed.

Trust the RSS Shield 

In stark contrast to the alarming failings of non-member suppliers, BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers who can be recognised by the BSIF Shield demonstrate a consistent commitment to compliance and ethical trading. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF conducted 348 tests on products from Registered Safety Suppliers, with 91% passing on the first attempt. For the 9% that initially fell short, all issues were swiftly resolved to ensure full compliance.

The BSIF Shield is a recognised and trusted mark of compliance, assuring buyers that products meet regulatory requirements and adhere to high standards of quality and reliability. By choosing suppliers displaying the Shield, procurement professionals can have confidence in their purchasing decisions.

The BSIF therefore advocates for a simple three-step approach to PPE and safety product procurement:

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.

This Check-Select-Protect framework simplifies procurement processes while safeguarding workers and enhancing workplace safety.

Spotlight on online retailers

The rise of online retail has introduced additional challenges in controlling the sale of substandard PPE. As illustrated by the examples above, the BSIF frequently encounters unsafe products from online retailers, often struggling to get these issues addressed and we are not alone. 

A 2024 Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, The Truth About Temu, revealed widespread falsification of safety certifications on the popular Temu app. One particularly alarming case involved pliers falsely advertised as electrically insulated and certified by VDE. In reality, the tools were uncertified and posed a severe risk of electric shock.

Such incidents emphasise the critical need for vigilance when sourcing safety products, particularly from online platforms. Unsafe items jeopardise lives and erode trust in safety standards, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the RSS Scheme.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead to 2025, the BSIF is dedicated to further raising the profile of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. A key focus will be the launch of our “PPE Saves Lives” campaign, designed to emphasise the critical importance of high-quality, certified PPE in safeguarding workers and enhancing workplace safety.

PPE Saves Lives will underscore the importance of quality PPE as part of a holistic safety strategy. While elimination, substitution, engineering, and administrative controls remain critical, PPE provides essential protection when other measures fall short and this will be a key message of the campaign. 

We will also use the campaign to emphasise that PPE does more than protect—it empowers. High-quality, well-fitting PPE enhances worker confidence, morale, and productivity. By choosing reputable suppliers, organisations can create safer, more effective workplaces.

Focus areas

The campaign will spotlight key categories of PPE, including:

• Head, Eye, and Face Protection
• Hearing Protection
• Hand Protection
• Protective Clothing
• Footwear
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
• Fall Protection

The BSIF aims to demonstrate that PPE isn’t just a last line of defense—it’s an enabler of health, safety, and wellbeing.

Support the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme in 2025

The Registered Safety Supplier scheme continues to gain traction, with growing support from public and private sector organisations. Many now mandate RSS membership for PPE suppliers, recognising its role in mitigating risk and ensuring quality.

By supporting the BSIF’s Registered Safety Supplier scheme and adopting the Check-Select-Protect approach, buyers can ensure they are making informed choices that safeguard lives. Supporting the scheme not only enhances workplace safety but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical procurement practices.

Alan Murray is CEO of the BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk/contact/ or visit the RSS scheme website: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk