The BSIF and REMA join forces to help combat illegal PPE

The BSIF and the Reflective Equipment Manufacturers Association (REMA) have joined forces to help combat illegal PPE entering the UK market place.

Over the past few years both organisations have become increasingly concerned regarding the quantity of PPE (high visibility garments being a major problem) being purchased and issued for occupational use that does not comply with appropriate EN standards and the PPE Regulations 2002 (embodying European Directive 89/686/EEC). Unfortunately this serious problem is twofold; some products and garments do not purport to meet the requirements of the Regulations but are nevertheless purchased in the mistaken belief that they are acceptable and secondly they are sold as complying with the Regulations when they do not.

This mutual problem has been the catalyst for an ongoing joint campaign between both parties. Whilst there may not be a 'quick fix' to the problem, both the BSIF and REMA agreed that this situation is unacceptable, they are therefore combining their efforts and resources in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers posed by sub-standard products with as many specifying and purchasing organisations and individuals as possible. Both the BSIF and REMA will undertake a number of cooperative activities in the UK, including producing educational material for both the trading standards and the HSE, giving presentations to various interest groups, together with a number of PR and marketing initiatives.