Substandard PPE Could be in Circulation in the UK

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10 February 2025

Safety testing has revealed an alarming amount of substandard and potentially hazardous PPE in Britain.

The British Safety Industry Federation tested 161 products from non-member suppliers to assess performance claims, labelling accuracy and compliance with industry standards. 90 per cent (138 products) failed to meet the necessary criteria with seven test results still pending.

In head protection, eye & face protection and fall protection categories, every non-member product tested failed the assessments. Head protection products failed resistance to penetration and shock absorption tests and eye & face protection equipment failed to resist particle impacts, risking severe injuries from foreign objects entering the eyes.

Some safety footwear failed critical tests such as toecap compression, impact resistance, midsole penetration, slip resistance, and electrical hazard protection.

For The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Registered Safety Suppliers, testing showed that 86 per cent (322 products) passed. For the 14 per cent that did not pass, all issues were promptly rectified. 24 results are still pending.  

BSIF CEO Alan Murray says: "People are continually surprised by the sheer volume of PPE and safety products that fail to meet basic safety standards. What's even more shocking is that, despite vendors being informed of these deficiencies, such products often remain on the market, continuing to expose unsuspecting buyers and users to significant risks.

"Our latest test results have once again brought to light a deluge of problem PPE, from substandard safety helmets to safety shoes that fall a long way short of the required standards for keeping wearers safe.   

"Buyers and specifiers must urgently review their procurement processes and consider what assurances they have that the PPE and safety equipment they are being supplied with is fit for purpose.”

The testing took place between December 2023 and December 2024 and was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the personal protective equipment at work regulations from 6 April 2022.

Picture: a photograph showing some PPE on the floor, including a hard hat, hi-vis jacket and shoes. Image Credit: Pixabay

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 10 February 2025

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