PPE: No room for doubt

Arco’s test has found that not only are some CE marked safety footwear models continuing to fail standard safety tests, but has also identified samples of non-compliant leather gloves. This suggests that as Arco extends its testing, it is likely that further failures may be exposed. 

What’s the problem with CE Marking?

The current EC type approval and CE marking process appears to be allowing less responsible manufacturers or importers to gain CE Certification for products they wish to market. The manufactures will subsequently make changes to the product due to market pressures and not retest the altered products. Even though the product should be retested when significant changes are made, this may not be happening for category two items.

During compression testing on non-metallic safety footwear in 2015, it was apparent that, despite being CE marked, some samples of safety footwear with injection moulded plastic toe caps performed significantly worse than the fibreglass composite toe caps and that, if compressed, these substandard toes caps would not protect the wearer’s foot as intended, potentially resulting in severe injuries if an accident occurs

Concerning results

More than two years on, further market surveillance has discovered a number of safety footwear styles on the market are continuing to fail standard safety tests according to EN ISO 20345: 2011. In one example, three non-metallic footwear styles from one brand showed significant failures on 14 of their products. The failing results are some of the worst Arco has seen with many toe-caps losing structural integrity through cracking; an injury while wearing this footwear is likely to fracture the bones of the foot, leading to possible amputation.

The fact that the products are still available on the market despite the manufacturer being aware of these failing suggests that the distributors in question do not have robust Quality & Product Assurance processes and are contravening the PPE legislation EU2016/425.

Leather gloves

Random sampling of a leather glove supplied by one distributor was found to contain excessive levels of Azo dyes, substances restricted under REACH when in contact with the skin due to some being found to be carcinogenic. For this reason, testing is required to ensure that the products meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 REACH. 

Challenge suppliers

Unfortunately, some of the substandard products Arco identified in its testing have come from well known industry distributors. Of further concern is the fact that all of the manufacturers whose products failed the tests two years ago were advised of the results, yet some of these same products are still available to buy.

It can be extremely difficult for those buying PPE to identify true product compliance but there are three simple steps that can be taken to increase performance confidence:

•  Ask suppliers for a declaration of conformity showing original certification for the PPE  

•  Ask suppliers to define their process for sample testing to ensure safety products continue to meet the required standards

•  Ask suppliers to define their process of quality assurance to ensure products are being manufactured as originally certified.

There is no room for doubt when it comes to employee welfare. If those responsible for buying PPE only do business with manufacturers and distributors who can prove they are reputable suppliers, operators compromising on standards will be forced to change their practices, helping to drive substandard products from the market and ultimately ensuring the UK workforce stays protected.