SPOTLIGHT
BSIF STRENGTHENS RSSS SCHEME IN BID TO COMBAT NON-COMPLIANT & NON-PERFORMING PPE
With more widespread evidence of safety products failing than ever before , The British Safety Industry Federation ( BSIF ) bolsters its Registered Safety Suppliers Scheme ( RSSS ) to combat all non-compliant , non-conforming PPE .
Recent market surveillance has revealed an issue with safety product quality . Through 2015 and 2016 this has included failings in toe cap compression tests , as well as quality issues with leather gloves , safety hard hats and high vis clothing . In late 2015 , Poundworld received a £ 63,000 fine for selling high vis clothing that did not meet required standards .
The BSIF is determined to eradicate non- performing , non-compliant PPE from the UK market and give users the standard of product they should expect . Its Registered Safety Supplier Scheme offers buyers of safety equipment assurance that they are buying products from a trusted source . Distributors and manufacturers that are part of the 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 . All BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers supplying or marketing PPE will be required to submit products for random independent performance testing to ensure they comply with current requirements . From July 2017 all BSIF members who market PPE will be required to participate in the scheme .
To extend the Federation ’ s commitment to ensuring its members can provide expert guidance and advice , the Safe Supply Accreditation training programme has also been developed . This scheme has been created for customer facing individuals working within the UK health and safety industry , further strengthening the deep commitment to meeting the needs of their customers .
Commenting on the decision to strengthen RSSS , Alan Murray BSIF CEO said :
“ Ultimately , the purchasers and end users of PPE deserve quality product from capable suppliers . Registered Safety Supplier Scheme paves the way as the industry standard that must be adhered to , ensuring the safety of workers .”
ALAN MURRAY , BSIF CEO
To find out more about the BSIF visit www . bsif . co . uk , follow us on Twitter @ BSIF1 or download the iOS App , available to download now from the App store free of charge .
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HSE INTERNATIONAL