Silicosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, COPD and occupational asthma are diseases typically caused by inhalation of dust over a long period of time. Ideally control measures should include elimination, substitution and/or engineering controls, however respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is also often part of the control strategy. When RPE is used, every breath taken needs to be free of the inhalation hazard and that requires that the RPE is working right, fitting right and not being compromised by other head worn personal protective equipment (PPE)…. and of course, being worn in the first place!

Setting out to purchase and implement RPE can be a challenge and many questions come to mind… what types of RPE are available, what type do I need, does it need fit testing, how should it be used and maintained and what training do I need to provide.. are typical examples. This article highlights a few points around selection and use of RPE.

Things can (only) get better

Occupational lung diseases typically have a long latency meaning the underlying cause is from exposure over many years and therefore the current deaths are a result of past working conditions. While some progress has been made on reducing exposure to asbestos, for which the death rate is assumed to fall over the next decade, the latest figure for breathing problems caused or made worse by work remains sadly stubborn at around 17,000 new cases per year. Of the various inhalation hazards to which workers are exposed, dust from stone, cement, brick, and concrete, i.e., construction dust, accounts for a large proportion. Over the last two years we have also had a stark reminder that infectious diseases are also inhalation hazards that require effective RPE deployment.

Get ready – selecting RPE

At the start of the selection process, it is vital that a thorough risk assessment is undertaken. The risk assessment should consider the hazard, its nature, the sources contributing to the exposure, the degree of exposure, the working environment, the tasks, and importantly, the workers carrying out the tasks. Having a detailed risk assessment will assist to select RPE that is adequate and suitable.

Adequate RPE is right for the hazard and reduces exposure to the level required to protect the wearer’s health.

To select adequate RPE, the hazard substance, its nature, form and concentration need to be identified. This will help to select both the right type of RPE and right filter type and class. Knowing the concentration of the hazard will help to determine the level of protection required by comparing the RPE’s Assigned Protection Factor (APF) (see Table 1) with the Workplace Exposure Level (WEL) which can be found for most hazardous substances in HSE EH40. Where the exposure concentration is not known the RPE Selector tool is a very useful resource.

Suitable RPE is right for the wearer, task and environment, such that the wearer can work freely and without additional risks due to the RPE.

Selecting suitable RPE for the wearer should consider several factors including wear time, work rate, comfort, pre-existing medical conditions - and for where tight-fitting RPE is selected – the fit of the facepiece on the wearer not forgetting facial hair that may prevent a good seal between the wearer’s face and the RPE. Addressing suitability for the task and environment should consider such factors as mobility, vision and communication needs and local environmental requirements. 

HSE research into the factors influencing the implementation RPE programmes found that selecting suitable RPE and implementing and managing correct use of RPE were amongst the most difficult areas of implementing RPE in the workplace.

Use and misuse – we’re only human after all

Behavioural factors play a very important part in how RPE is used at work. Perception to risk varies between individuals and can be greatly influenced by group social norms. Workers may genuinely think that the risk they are taking is legitimate and best for the business. When asked, these are examples of responses given for the reasons why people do not use their RPE correctly: “I’m only exposed for a short time”, “It’s easier and quicker this way”, “I couldn’t find the RPE”, “It can’t see the hazard”, “We’ve done it this way for years”, “My colleagues don’t wear their RPE”, “My manager doesn’t wear their RPE”. The last statement is a real telling statement – if managers and supervisors fail in their H&S leadership by not setting a good example, it will send out the message that H&S violations are acceptable. Managers and supervisors need to set a good example to positively influence standards of behaviour; the benefits of positive peer-pressure should not be underestimated.

Feeling protected for ‘most of the time’ can lead those needing to wear RPE to complete quick tasks without RPE. As shown in Figure 2, not wearing RPE for only a short period of time when exposed to a respiratory hazard has a dramatic effect on the overall protection provided. In this example for an item of RPE with an APF of 40, it only takes a few minutes of non-wear to reduce the protection afforded to the wearer by half.

Put on a happy face

To ensure that the selected RPE has the potential to provide adequate protection for individual wearers, tight fitting RPE, i.e., disposable filtering facepieces, half masks and full facepiece - should be fit tested as part of the selection process. Face fit testing is a process that assesses the ability of a specific facepiece to seal adequately to the individual wearer thus minimising leakage via the face seal. This is a key step in the selection process which should be conducted by a competent person irrespective of the fit test method of choice. BSIF Fit2Fit scheme plays a vital role in driving up fit testing competence and is a route by which a fit tester’s competence can be demonstrated. Table 1 shows suitable fit test methods for a range of common RPE types.

A fit test also helps with the assessment of the respirator’s comfort, compatibility with other PPE and overall suitability for the wearer, along with being an ideal training opportunity for the wearer on the correct fitting and use of the RPE.

There are two basic types of RPE fit testing- qualitative (QLFT) and quantitative (QNFT) – both of which are covered by the Fit2Fit scheme.

QLFT is a pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of any leakage from the face seal region, by sensing the test agent. UK accepted QLFT methods are based on a bitter or sweet tasting aerosol. 

QNFT gives an objective numerical measure of face fit called a fit factor. QNFT methods require specialised equipment and are considered more complicated to carry out than qualitative methods. UK accepted QNFT methods are based on either aerosol particle counting or controlled negative pressure.

Let’s work together

Do not forget to consider PPE compatibility. It is likely that when respiratory protection is required, other forms of PPE is also required. Considering each in isolation may result in the selection of PPE that is not compatible, i.e., PPE that is not able to be worn together without problems or conflict – therefore not able to protect the wearer from the respective hazards. It can be tricky to select a compatible combination of head worn PPE and when a combination is achieved it may not work for every individual, and so an item of integrated PPE that comprises respiratory, eye, head and even hearing may be a great solution. Powered RPE as well as providing integrated protection, additionally offer reduced breathing resistance and increased comfort. 

Compatibility is a key consideration addressed by competent facepiece fit testers who will always seek to understand the other forms of head protection required to be worn with the RPE and ensure that any potential conflict between the RPE and other items of PPE is addressed during a fit test. An important consideration to note is that if there is a change in the other head worn PPE, for example a change to the eye protection, a new fit test should be considered.

Even when RPE is not required, it is recommended that compatibility between for example eye and hearing protection is addressed during the selection process: those offering fit testing of hearing protection will be able to offer further advice.

Help – I need somebody

Selection of adequate and suitable RPE can be complex but thankfully there is a lot of help and guidance available that can help you through the process of selection and use. RPE manufacturers and suppliers are keen to help and offer great advice across the whole range of RPE products and common applications and hazards. There is of course HSE guidance such as HSG53 and INDG479 which are essential reading materials for practical implementation of RPE and facepiece fit testing. When it comes to obtaining RPE (and PPE) it’s not just anybody that we should purchase the RPE from. To ensure that you are receiving genuine products and sound advice, seek a supplier who is a member of the BSIF Registered safety supplier scheme (RSSS- Registered Safety Supplier | BSIF)

References:

Health and safety at work Summary statistics for Great Britain 2021

https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh2021.pdf

HSE RR798 - Factors influencing the implementation of RPE programmes in the workplace

https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr798.htm

HSE EH40 EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/eh40.htm

RPE Selector tool

https://www.healthyworkinglives.scot/resources/rpe-selector-tool/Pages/default.aspx

HSE HSG53 Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide. 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm

HSE INDG479 Guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg479.htm

In the September issue of HSM, and my piece on the chaotic situation around UKCA, I added a footnote that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) had issued a UK Product Safety Review (PSR) Consultation.

The PSR was launched on the 2 August and is part of the programme of potential reforms (Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy) the government wishes to enact following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The PSR has been launched, considerably later than anticipated, following the “Call for Evidence” in 2021. As ever when these types of reforms are launched the stated objectives usually include sound bites like, reducing the burdens on business and deliver choice to consumers. This consultation is no different and indeed it also includes some fairly extravagant statements like reducing the cost of living and turbocharging science and innovation! But let’s leave all that stuff aside and look at what the PSR Consultation contains.

Within the consultation the government has laid out 13 specific proposals on which they are seeking stakeholder opinion. Quite some number of the proposals deal with what I would consider are technical/internal regulator functions, such as aligning some of the existing regulations to deal with some fairly apparent anomalies and contradictions which have crept in over time. However, I believe there are some 6 or 7 “proposals” which have a real bearing on our market and I will be responding to the DBT with views on them. The proposals that I have identified as relevant are below.

1. Proposal to: Examine options for a new approach centred around potential hazard, cross-cutting risk-based safety requirements and transparency!

This on the face of it has some merits, involving the grouping of products which have similar potential to cause harm. It would in all likelihood, mean a move away from some product/category specific regulation. However, this would not work for PPE as the likelihood of harm inherent in the product is very small whereas the likelihood of harm being caused if the PPE is not fit for purpose is significant. We need to see PPE as separate and maintain the “Regulation”.

2. Proposal to: Establish a derogation process, enabling businesses to apply for temporary regulatory easements to speed up the supply of essential products in emergencies!

This to me seems both common sense and at the same time problematic. During the easement on PPE, brought about by the covid emergency, we saw the market flooded by potentially unsafe products and some of it is still out there. Market Surveillance Regulators cannot effectively manage such a process. Further, for a derogation process to work there needs to be conformity assessment capacity and this is under threat following the extension of the acceptance of the CE “regime”. Finally in this area, I must admit that I have doubts as to the practicality of any regulatory regime if there needs to be a built-in derogation in times of need!

3. Proposal to: Take full advantage of digital labelling!

This, would you believe is restricted to products, such as white goods, which already have a screen. What a missed opportunity to utilise facility provided by QR codes. Proper use of technology would allow the PPE to be accompanied by digital documentation which would benefit the user the environment and the regulators. I am frankly amazed that this proposal is so lame.

4. Proposal to: Clarify cooperation duties for new business models, particularly “online marketplaces” to ensure effective cooperation! And linked ….

5. Proposal to: Set out due care requirements in relation to unsafe product listings!

Proposals 4 and 5 are about defining the responsibilities of online marketplaces and they lead into a further proposal…

6. Proposal to: For higher risk products, increase consumer-facing information for online product listings to support informed purchasing decisions!

As well as warnings and information traders details (names of sellers) would need to be displayed. I would certainly welcome proposals 4, 5 & 6

7. Proposal to: Enhance the leadership and coordination role of the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

PPE market surveillance is shared between the Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards and in my opinion this is “ineffectiveness by design”. I believe there should be one market surveillance authority only, and while this outcome will not be realised by this proposal I believe it would be progress of a sort.

In conclusion I welcome the Product Safety Review consultation, it does contain some interesting elements. That said, it is very late and compromised to a degree, by the indefinite extension of CE acceptability. The sceptic in me says that we will not have legislation to support these proposals before the next general election.

The opportunity for BSIF to meet with member companies and the Scottish industry as a whole is something special and long over due! Scotlands first HSM Live event promises to be a hugely successful day and visitors to the event should expect informative seminar sessions, fantastic networking opportunities and innovative and quality product displays from the exhibitors many of whom will be displaying the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) Shield. Companies who have joined the RSS Scheme commit to independent auditing of their products and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the regulations and only offer end users PPE & Safety Products that are up to standard and do the job they claim to do. The easiest way to source safety is to specify a Registered Safety Supplier. For a full list of scheme participants please visit www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

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.

BSIF will have our own stand as part of the exhibition and we are keen to meet with all of the show visitors, we’ll be displaying examples of products identified as non- compliant and some shocking examples of products being sold in the UK that under testing have failed against their claims in some alarming ways. There will be the opportunity to pick up BSIF guidance on how to identify non compliant and non conforming product in the form of our PPE selection checklist, our team will be on hand to explain how to use the free tool to reduce the risk of purchasing PPE/Safety products.

As an event partner BSIF have also been given the opportunity to deliver seminars to the attendees, these will focus on highlighting the dangers when sourcing PPE and safety products and also an update on the regulations including the changes to product marking and certification.

By attending these seminars the audience will gain an understanding of the simple ways they can protect themselves and their colleagues to make sure the products they are using are fit for purpose. Keeping up with the regulations and knowing what to look for when identifying product is not always as easy as it should be but the BSIF team will aim to provide tips and guidance to make it an easier to grasp process.

As so many of our members are either based in Scotland or will be attending the HSM Live event we thought it was a perfect opportunity to extend our visit to Edinburgh and so we have arranged a BSIF Networking Dinner taking place on the 15th November at the Skybar which has stunning views of Edinburgh and the iconic Castle. The evening will bring together BSIF members and exhibitors and provide a great chance to socialise with industry colleagues.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception hosted by BSIF and our partners at HSM Live before moving into the dinner where guests will be fed, watered and entertained! Tickets for the dinner are available now and can be purchased by contacting BSIF.

We are looking forward to the opportunity to meet with members and visitors to both events and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to by HSM to participate in what we are sure will become Scotlands premium Health & Safety event and reinforcing the message Health & Safety Matters.

THE OPPORTUNITY for BSIF to meet with member companies and the Scottish industry as a whole is something special and long over due! Scotlands' first HSM Live event promises to be a hugely successful day and visitors to the event should expect informative seminar sessions, fantastic networking opportunities and innovative and quality product displays from the exhibitors many of whom will be displaying the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) Shield. 

Registered Suppliers commit to independent auditing of their products and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the regulations and only offer end users PPE & Safety Products that are up to standard and do the job they claim to do. The easiest way to source safety is to specify a Registered Safety Supplier. For a full list of scheme participants please visit www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

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.

BSIF will have our own stand as part of the exhibition and we are keen to meet with all of the show visitors, we’ll be displaying examples of products identified as non-compliant and some shocking examples of products being sold in the UK that under testing have failed against their claims in some alarming ways. There will be the opportunity to pick up BSIF guidance on how to identify non compliant and non conforming product in the form of our PPE selection checklist, our team will be on hand to explain how to use the free tool to reduce the risk of purchasing PPE/Safety products.

As an event partner BSIF have also been given the opportunity to deliver seminars to the attendees, these will focus on highlighting the dangers when sourcing PPE and safety products and also an update on the regulations including the changes to product marking and certification.

By attending these seminars the audience will gain an understanding of the simple ways they can protect themselves and their colleagues to make sure the products they are using are fit for purpose. Keeping up with the regulations and knowing what to look for when identifying product is not always as easy as it should be but the BSIF team will aim to provide tips and guidance to make it an easier to grasp process.

As so many of our members are either based in Scotland or will be attending the HSM Live event we thought it was a perfect opportunity to extend our visit to Edinburgh and so we have arranged a BSIF Networking Dinner taking place on the 15 November at the Skybar which has stunning views of Edinburgh and the iconic Castle. The evening will bring together BSIF members and exhibitors and provide a great chance to socialise with industry colleagues.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception hosted by BSIF and our partners at HSM Live before moving into the dinner where guests will be fed, watered and entertained! Tickets for the dinner are available now and can be purchased by contacting BSIF at enquiries@bsif.co.uk

We are looking forward to the opportunity to meet with members and visitors to both events and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to by HSM to participate in what we are sure will become Scotlands premium Health & Safety event and reinforcing the message Health & Safety Matters.

For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk

 

Please access via the link https://tinyurl.com/p3cumup2

At this time we have no further information or details but we are in touch with the Department and we will share relevant information as it becomes available.

ON THE 1 August 2023 the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announced that it will continue to recognise CE marking indefinitely. This continuing, indefinite recognition covers all of the product categories and regulations that fall under the DBT, including of course PPE.

The announcement came with the normal “newspeak” bordering on “doublethink” of …..cutting red tape, reducing burden, enabling firms to focus on creating jobs and growing the economy. Overall, as we have come to expect the spin was that yet again these steps were being taken “support for business”. This rhetoric is hollow, even mendacious, especially for those in the PPE industry who moved heaven and earth to provide good product during the pandemic and invested massively in being ready for UKCA. It is also a body blow for PPE Approved Bodies who invested to provide conformity assessment capacity for UKCA. 

Setting aside any politics this is one expensive debacle, with the costs borne by the industry.

Let me remind readers of the events…..

• 2016. From the result of the EU referendum in June of that year BSIF lobbied the UK Government to maintain the CE regime for PPE, arguing that the existing Regulation was fit for purpose, well understood and it was supported by a robust conformity assessment infrastructure. We made it clear that the PPE market was international in nature and that neither safety nor industry would benefit from creating a different system.

• 2020. September. While the market was reeling from the pandemic and the PPE crisis, accommodating the easements and derogations for product against Regulation 2016/425, the announcement came that we were moving away from CE and that the new UKCA regime would come into force from January 2021 with a standstill period of one year applied until the end of 2022, thus enabling CE marked product still to be placed on the market. The announcement also created a structure of “Approved Bodies” by automatically recognising those former EU Notified Bodies established in the UK, as being “Approved” to provide product approval decisions for placing PPE on the market under the UKCA regime. Despite the reduction in capacity, from over 100 Notified Bodies (throughout the EU) to some 9 Approved Bodies, the market had a means of moving forward and certifying these safety critical products in GB. During this period the department (then BEIS) encouraged the establishment of additional Approved Bodies in the UK to ensure demand for approval and certification was able to be met. At the time of writing this has led to a total of 18 Approved Bodies, scoped to give approval decisions on PPE under UKCA, with 6 EU Notified Bodies and 3 entirely new business investing heavily and establishing themselves in the UK. After much hard work, a balance of supply and forecast demand was achieved. 
  From the initial announcement of the UKCA requirements PPE manufacturers invested immediately and very significantly (in the millions) to ensure their products were compliant, against, it has to be said, a technically unchanged but new parallel GB Regulation. The UKCA regime was, let it not be forgotten, an additional requirement for the vast, vast majority of manufacturers who already held CE certifications and approvals. So from the outset a duplication!

• 2021. June. BEIS announced that it would be acceptable to use existing CE certification as a basis for manufacturers to apply the UKCA mark, meaning much of the money already invested by manufacturers had been needless! At the same time this ability to base UKCA marking on existing CE certification undermined and diminished the role of existing and new Approved Bodies. The deadline date for UKCA compliance however, remained as the end of December 2022.

• 2021. November. Within five short months of the June announcement, referenced above, BEIS created a further easement pushing back the requirement for UKCA to replace CE until the end of 2024, exaggerating the waste of manufacturer investment and the creation of a precipitous decline in demand at UK Approved Bodies.

• 2023. August. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) announces their “indefinite postponement” further amplifying the wasted cost of compliance by PPE manufacturers and it renders UKCA Approved Bodies in the PPE sector all but redundant. Within three days of the announcement there was the first notice of an Approved Body ceasing trading.

Given the story so far, am I surprised? In truth no! Am I shocked? Yes I am, we should all be!

From the outset the stated objective in establishing the UKCA regime was to transition away from CE and make UKCA a meaningful international mark. The problem was and is, that there was never any joined up-reformist strategy to support this. 
What is the future of UKCA? Without wishing to politicise it, my opinion is that ideologically you cannot have driven the leaving of the EU with the whole concept of “taking back control” and concede to formally retaining the constructs of EU conformity assessment. Therefore, UKCA will remain as a parallel option into the future. However, with the potential damage done to domestic testing and approval institutions the structure will not be there!

BSIF have, of course, engaged with Government to make our concerns clear and to seek compensation for the wasted investment. We will continue, in collaboration with others, to try and establish a way forward.

In other news ….the much, much delayed Product Safety Review Consultation (PSR) was published on August 2 2023. This will examine opportunities to reform existing legislation and controls, including on-line selling responsibilities. I will not go into this now, as it is a very important consultation, worthy of comment and discussion which I will deal with over the coming months, but I mention it here as there are also potentially significant impacts on the future shape of product Regulation, including of course PPE, which relate closely to the situation on CE and UKCA.

If I may beg your indulgence though, I talked about language used earlier in the announcement on the “indefinite extension of CE”, well the PSR commentary also includes phrases again drifting into “doublethink” where it states that reforming Product Safety Legislation will “reduce burden on business” and “unleash innovation”. Really!

Alan Murray is chief executive of BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk

THERE ARE many factors that can lead to injuries in the workplace - and it is essential for employers to do all they can to minimise the number of avoidable incidents in line with the HSE’s hierarchy of controls. While PPE is often referred to as a last resort for protecting against risks, where it is necessary it’s essential to ensure that workers have access to safe and compliant products.

PPE and safety equipment risks

Following the “Risk Assessment” the selected PPE must provide the required levels of protection for any workplace hazards and need to be worn and used correctly. The PPE must also fit well and be comfortable in order to perform and ensure wearer compliance. 

One of the biggest challenges can be ensuring that the PPE is up to standard. There is a vast array of products on the market from thousands of suppliers across nearly all PPE categories. Those in charge of PPE and safety product procurement need to be extremely vigilant, with suppliers all too often incorrectly claiming UKCA or CE approvals. Although the law states that PPE must be correctly tested and certified to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations, the lack of market surveillance and enforcement in the UK means it can be difficult to distinguish responsible suppliers from less responsible ones. 

Nonetheless, the British Safety Industry Federation's own research has clearly and consistently shown an alarming prevalence of non-compliant PPE and safety equipment currently on the market. Between December 2021 and December 2022, we completed tests on 127 non-BSIF member products, which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 products were fully compliant, with 108 - or 85% - failing to meet regulatory criteria.

By contrast, 86% of the 387 tests on products supplied by members of the BSIF's Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) passed immediately. The issues around the remaining 14% were then quickly resolved and all 387 products are now fully compliant. 

It is difficult to determine how much of the overall PPE in use is non-compliant, but the test results illustrate that it is likely to be an uncomfortably high number. 

Consequences

Non-compliant products often do not perform as they should, putting workers at risk and, in doing so, expose businesses, duty holders and individuals to prosecution for failing to protect staff.

It is also clear that many employers are unaware of the ramifications if they do not carry out effective due diligence. Employers’ legal duty of care is compromised when a non-compliant product is specified regardless of whether it was selected inadvertently, and in addition to obvious safety concerns, there are significant financial, legal and reputational consequences.

Solution

Sourcing products from companies signed up to our Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) is a simple way to cut the risk of inappropriate PPE selection and the serious consequences that can occur. We recommend that buyers and end users follow the Check, Select, Protect process to ensure their PPE is fit for purpose.

CHECK

The first step should always be to check suppliers are BSIF-registered. 

Serious PPE suppliers already comply with stringent demands with regard to legislation, regulation, ethical trading. Signing up for the RSSS is evidence of their intention to go beyond the standard obligations. It involves a commitment to ensuring the highest quality standards by endorsing process audits and random independent product testing.

Process audits feature an extensive checklist of compliance requirements within the regulatory framework as well as a review of procedures to support safe and effective product recall. 

RSSS membership also includes the obligation to enrol customer-facing sales personnel in the NEBOSH-endorsed Safe Supply Qualification. This course features a series of E-learning modules followed by an invigilated exam resulting in the qualification. It confirms that an individual has demonstrated a clear understanding of the various factors that define the safety and personal protective equipment market and is well-placed to engage in professional, plausible and credible discussions with PPE decision-makers. 

Companies do not need to sign up for the RSSS to meet their legal obligations. They choose to do so to demonstrate their determination to go above and beyond for their customers.

SELECT

The BSIF's own testing shows all too clearly that not all PPE is created equal. Those responsible for procurement are responsible for selecting appropriate, certified and compliant products that meet workers' specific requirements.

Due diligence is vital. Buyers must assess the extent to which the product is fit for purpose. They should also look for wearer benefits above and beyond protection and make sure it fits comfortably in order that it performs correctly. They must also determine whether it is compatible with other PPE that may be required.

With the exception of single-use products, buyers should also consider the lifespan of the products, which has potential consequences for safety, cost and the environment. Any sustainability claims - especially around environmental impact - should be backed up with clear evidence. All of the BSIF Registered Suppliers are required to adhere to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Code of Conduct¹ on “Greenwashing”.

The BSIF has created a checklist to help specifiers and users check whether PPE is fit for purpose. It includes questions such as whether the PPE has a UKCA, UKNI or CE Mark; if it was issued with user instructions; and if there is a Declaration of Conformity. If any questions present cause for concern, users should seek support and guidance from their company’s health & safety advisor and the manufacturer of the PPE. BSIF also offers an additional checklist featuring advice on how to check if the supporting documentation for PPE is genuine.

Buyers can also optimise the process by sourcing through a BSIF member. As well as providing peace of mind around product compliance, RSSS companies have the competence, capability and knowledge to provide expert advice on the most appropriate PPE

PROTECT

The UK has one of the best combined health and safety records in the world, but substandard PPE and safety products are all too common. Buyers and specifiers of these products are responsible for ensuring they are properly certified and approved so that they provide the protection workers need.

Verifying that your supplier is signed up to the RSSS provides reassurance that the necessary checks have been performed and that they are committed to the highest standards. Companies displaying the RSSS shield have signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations and is UKCA and or CE marked. 

Anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn't buy safety from just anyone: Always specify the shield. 

References

1.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-claims-code-making-environmental-claims/green-claims-and-your-business 

Find your nearest Registered Safety Supplier at www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk/suppliers/

The event was hosted by Celebrity presenter Tess Daly who did a fantastic job of announcing the successful entrants to the 750 + guests who attended. The audience was a record high for the awards and it certainly helped to create an unforgettable evening for all.

We would like to congratulate all of the companies who gained recognition for their fantastic efforts, the full list of Commended, Highly Commended and Winners is below:

Product Innovation Award – PPE Category

Winner – Rezon – Halos®

Highly Commended – Ansell – Inteliforz Motion Series

Highly Commended – 3M – Sala Exofit XE Harness

Commended – Haix – Connexis Safety Boot

Commended – Polyco Healthline – Armorguard – The Bear

Product Innovation – Safety Product Category (Non PPE)

Winner – Alert Technology – Alert Pro Connected

Highly Commended – Protex AI

Commended – FEIN – Protago high-safety angle grinder

Customer Service Award

Harrisons of Hull – Winner

Uvex – Highly Commended

Gauged Solutions – Highly Commended

Lee Brothers – Commended

Red Wing UK – Commended

Safety Solution Award

Winner – Protex AI – Helping a retail giant to reduce incidents by up to 80%

Highly Commended – Lyreco – Delivering health, safety and sustainability goals through supply consolidation

Commended – Arco Professional Safety Services– Implementation of Respiratory Management Program.

The award, supported by the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Natural Resources Wales recognises the efforts made by business to protect the environment and ensure that all water pollution risks are managed in an effective and efficient way. The Water Pollution Prevention Award is a fantastic opportunity for your environmental efforts to be recognised, providing great PR both inside your business and to the wider market.

The award is open to all businesses and organisations operating in the UK.

Key criteria

Entrants must demonstrate a detailed understanding of their working environment in relation to preventing incidents that could lead to the pollution of the water environment, surface water* or groundwater** highlighting:

• Potential pollution risks / hazards identified
• The consequences of not preventing pollution incidents
• What improvement changes were made to business operations and how these were implemented
• Training of staff including Health & Safety
• Potential for replication

* Surface waters include rivers, lakes, lochs, loughs, reservoirs, ponds, streams, canals, ditches, including those that are temporarily dry, estuaries and coastal waters up to three miles offshore.

** Groundwater is all water below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil.

The Water Pollution Prevention Award will be based upon a submitted case study demonstrating how your company managed the risk of incidents that could lead to the pollution of the water environment, surface water or groundwater.

Judging criteria

Once your company has registered you will be supplied with a template to enable you to submit your information and case study. The case study will go before an independent judging panel who will then create a short list of the entries.

The winners will be announced during the Contamination & Geotech Expo event on 13 —14 September 2023. This will be held at the NEC, Birmingham.

The entry deadline is Friday 25 August 2023. Entry to the Water Pollution Prevention Award is free of charge.

To enter or learn more about the award please view the brochure below:

https://www.bsif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WPP-Award-2023.pdf

THE UK has, for a long time, appreciated the importance of face fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) when the protection of the wearer depends on a seal being formed between the skin and the mask. Further in the UK it is a regulatory requirement that the face fitting is carried out by a competent person adhering to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance. The Fit2Fit competency scheme is the accepted means by which competence to face fit is demonstrated.

On the 18 of May Fit2Fit and the International Society for Respiratory Protection (ISRP) held a joint workshop with qualified face fitters and stakeholders to share industry developments and updates and to provide a platform for discussion on best practices. The event was a great success attracting some 94 attendees supported by nine table top exhibitors, demonstrating latest product developments and face fitting equipment.

The agenda for the day covered a wide variety of pertinent topics, with the day beginning with a presentation from the HSE, a key stakeholder in the Fit2Fit Scheme, (undertaken by Nick Baxter) which covered an overview of respiratory hazards and an update on HSE activities and the current programme of interventions to support effective respiratory protection in the workplace. 

The HSE presentation also referenced the long awaited Research Report on the (lack of) effectiveness of filtering face piece respirators with “ear loops”. The research Report RR1194 concluded, overwhelmingly, that ear loop masks are not fit for purpose. You can download a copy of the full report from https://www.fit2fit.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/rr1194-ear-loop-resirators.pdf

The HSE reiterated their concerns about respiratory health and the fact that we are still seeing 12,000 deaths per year caused by occupational lung disease. This problem is not going away and effective use of RPE must be promoted. I then had the opportunity to highlight BSIF’s concerns on the quality of PPE and specifically RPE in the market. I took the attendees through the “Is it Genuine” presentation looking at the number of non-compliant and unsafe RPE products on our market and our efforts to have them removed. 

I also had the opportunity to update the workshop on the expansion of the Fit2Fit Competency Qualification Scheme which is now operating under licence in Belgium and Luxembourg, in Italy and now in Finland, with additional territories preparing to get underway. These developments will make a significant contribution to improving respiratory health through competent face fitting of RPE.

In addition I was able to share some future plans that we have for the scheme in the UK, including the fact that, in time, the Fit2Fit “Qualification” will also carry a NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) endorsement. The additional NEBOSH endorsement will coincide with the change in reference from “Fit2Fit Accreditation” to “Fit2Fit Qualification”.

Paul Salisbury, of Firesafe International and the Fit2Fit Technical Committee, gave a fascinating presentation on “Hygiene” and avoiding the risk of infection during the face fitting process. This problem originally came to light during the pandemic but now, with most covid guidance removed, it was a timely reminder of how simple controls can help to avoid the transmission of infection.

As the day was designed to be interactive and engaging, there were two panel sessions planned, with the morning session taking questions, both general and specific to the presentations delivered. As ever the lively audience did not disappoint with plenty of challenging questions tabled.

As I said earlier there was a table-top exhibition area and the workshop attendees made good use of break and lunch time to engage with the manufacturers showing. 

The afternoon sessions kicked off with Mike Clayton, Fit2Fit’s lead assessor and past President of ISRP, taking the group through the work of the Fit2Fit Technical committee. Mike also illustrated other countries around the world where face fit testing is carried out, be it a regulatory requirement or “best practice”. Interestingly it was illustrated that in several European countries face fit testing is mandatory in certain industries, like asbestos, but not mandatory in other, arguably equally, dangerous sectors. The appreciation of and the understanding that face fit testing is a value adding, safety critical process is spreading quickly and a lot of work is currently being done by the European Safety Federation to promote the adoption of face fitting throughout the EU member states.

Dr. Karen Long, once again of both ISRP Board and the Fit2Fit Technical Committee, who had recently gained a doctorate in this discipline, presented an absorbing session on “Human Errors in Qualitative Fit Testing”. This compelling session drew on data from face fit assessments over the last 12 years and demonstrated where errors are most prevalent and how easily they can occur.

The final element of the day ahead of the afternoon panel session was delivered by Nick Baxter of the HSE Science Division giving the group a broad update on developments in product and face fitting standards.

The afternoon panel session again saw many lively and informative exchanges, through intelligent thought provoking questions from the floor, followed by considered responses from the panel comprised of the afternoon speakers.

The workshop day, which was closed by David Crouch of ISRP and Alan Murray of BSIF, was a very fulfilling day indeed.

Alan Murray is chief executive of BSIF. For more information, visit www.bsif.co.uk