Counterfeit PPE equipment endangers workers
July 31, 2009
Worker safety in the UK has often been undermined by the increasing amount of counterfeit and illegal personal protective equipment (PPE) entering the country. Frequently the product performs badly, is incorrectly CE marked and does not meet the standard's performance claims, while users of the product will be unaware of the problem.
The use of fake products in the workplace can lead to poor protection for employees and can put health and lives at risk. To try to address this issue, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has recently launched a new scheme, the "BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme". Its aim is to advise buyers where they can obtain genuine safety equipment.
Suppliers wishing to be members of the scheme must demonstrate their commitment to ethical trading, and make a legally binding declaration that the safety equipment offered meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations and is appropriately CE marked. They will also be subject to standards audits and their declarations will be available in the public domain. In return, registered organisations may display the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme shield as an assurance to their customers that their products are genuine and comply with regulations.
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