All PPE must be correctly tested and certified to meet the appropriate European standard. Unfortunately, the quantity of non-approved product being sold into the UK is on the increase. Such products should not be used for business because they contravene safety legislation. 

To help combat this, the BSIF created the Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) scheme. Companies displaying the scheme’s logo sign a binding declaration that the safety equipment they offer meets appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations and is appropriately CE marked. All Registered Safety Suppliers are independently audited to confirm compliance with the scheme’s requirements. 

This declaration is, as a condition of the scheme, audited through special provisions set out within the company’s ISO9001 Certification.

Vigilance needed 

Certified goods will always be paramount in the health and safety world and being extra vigilant when looking after your workforce is essential when health and lives are at risk. By just being aware of the type of counterfeit items available on the marketplace and remembering that offers that seem ‘too good to be true’ usually are, is a step in the right direction. 

Purchasing the right PPE is a big responsibility; safety equipment that doesn’t perform properly isn’t just inconvenient, it may actually cost lives. Make sure you look for the Registered Safety Supplier Shield to be certain your purchases are from competent and certified sources.

A full listing of Registered Safety Suppliers can be found at: http://www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk.

The website has details of end user companies who have committed to supporting the scheme by ensuring that, as part of their safety and health policy, they will always seek to source PPE from scheme members.

You too can show your support for the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme by registering via the website and demonstrating your commitment by displaying the supporter logo.