BSIF in action: BSIF Respiratory Protection Product Group

Posted on Friday 1 January 2010

With the BSIF organising and co-ordinating a wide-range of groups, there are several updates to be shared with HSM readers. One of the first groups we take a look at is the Respiratory Protection Product Group, which was born out of the original Personal Safety Manufacturers Association (PSMA) for manufacturers of specific types of PPE.

The BSIF nominates members of this group to sit on the UK’s national standards committee at the British Standards Institution (BSI) and represent the UK at CEN committees (European Committee for Standardisation) in Europe and at ISO Standards meetings. The group benefits from inputting to and being kept up-to-date on the latest developments in regulation relating to their businesses.

The Respiratory Protection Product Group meets three to four times a year. In the most recent meeting members discussed the potential conflicts of requirements between the PPE Directive and the Marine Equipment Directive, as each have differing specifications for respiratory protection. The group’s consultation with the HSE has resulted in plans being made to review the guidance provided for fit testing of respirators.

Members of BSIF who have a particular interest in RPE and specialise in industry distribution or provide a fit testing facility are welcome to join the Respiratory Protection Product Group and benefit from the group’s combined expertise on respiratory protection.