New regulations proposed to prevent counterfeit PPE

The survey – made up of 106 respondents from the construction, education, manufacturing and facilities management sectors – also identified key PPE problems, including substandard PPE equipment being used by contractors.

Due to the potentially fatal consequences of inferior products, the quality of PPE is high on the agenda. As a result, Seton is fully supporting plans for revisions to the current European PPE Directive to tackle the growing problem of “fake” PPE.

PPE Survey

Seton conducted a study to develop a deeper understanding of PPE from a customer perspective.

The second most important factor in PPE management was ensuring PPE is in good, serviceable condition, due to the impact on employee safety.

Furthermore, a key PPE problem identified by 39% of respondents is that contractors are not necessarily aiming for the same safety standards as the organisation. If contractors provide their own PPE and this is substandard, the consequences could be extremely serious for both the contractor and the employer.

Proposed legislation

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) have reported that fake and illegal products are being manufactured and sold within the PPE industry at an increasing rate. Many products manufactured using substandard materials are becoming more available, from gloves to high visibility vests.

Revisions to the European PPE Directive (89/686/EC) have been proposed to tackle the problem.

The new legislation would make retailers and distributors responsible for ensuring products they sell meet the required safety standards, as opposed to all responsibility falling on the manufacturer.

It is hoped that this reform will tackle the issue of poor quality, counterfeit PPE in UK workplaces and protect employees.