Users of safety equipment and PPE deserve to get the standard of product they expect, supplied through a capable network. Many products that have been found not to perform are placed on the market at the end of a long import supply chain that is clearly difficult to manage. They are often in PPE Category II which requires only one – time type testing with no requirement for further independent quality assurance batch testing. These products often have supporting CE documentation from their original submissions but there is little or no ongoing control from that time. 

Manufacturers and distributors who are part of the BSIF-strengthened RSS Scheme have made a binding declaration that the safety equipment they offer meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with PPE regulations and is appropriately CE marked. In addition, they have committed to submit products to an independent test house for random testing to make sure they comply with current standards. 

In order to support the BSIF’s focus on eradicating non-compliant, non-conforming PPE from the UK market, from July 2017 any manufacturer or distributor that is currently a member or wishes to become a member of the BSIF will  also be part of the RSSS.

Training programme

The BSIF has also developed the Safe Supply Accreditation training programme that will provide PPE knowledge and learning for sales people working within the UK safety and health industry to ensure the information they are providing to customers is up to date and accurate, therefore further strengthening their commitment to safeguarding a reliable, robust and transparent industry. 

A Registered Safety Supplier Scheme member now:

•  Formally declares and commits to selling only certified PPE that performs to claims made

•  Submits their product range to random independent performance testing

•  Maintains a company Quality Policy

•  Commits to having customer facing staff educated and accredited in the Safe Supply qualification

Those who benefit are:

•  The purchasers and users of PPE – with product that performs sourced from capable suppliers

•  RSSS scheme members as they become suppliers of choice in the market 

•  The market, which becomes a level playing field as unscrupulous suppliers are deselected by users.

In order to be sure that the PPE you are buying is of the correct quality, is reliable and properly approved, the BSIF encourages you to buy from a member of the RSSS.