PPE Directive: BSIF makes its view heard

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has been gathering the opinions of its members to provide feedback for the consultation period of the new personal protective equipment (PPE) Directive that is set to have a wide range of implications for the supply of PPE.

David Lummis, CEO, says: “The Federation believes the current PPE Directive is in need of an update as the enforcement is not consistent throughout the EU. Language translational problems exist within areas such as chemical clothing and it lacks market depth due to its application to only manufacturers.

There is a real need to re-classify some products and simplify descriptions. At present it feels like the PPE Directive is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.”

The consultation period has now concluded. The EU Commission anticipates the Directive will be in force by 2014, with a final version available from Spring 2012.