BSIF Non-Member Test Results Reveal 90% PPE Failure Rate – Why Buying Safety from Registered Suppliers Matters
The latest product testing results from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) revealed alarming truths about some of the personal protective equipment (PPE) available on the market.
Between December 2023 and December 2024, the BSIF tested 161 products from non-registered suppliers, of which 90% failed to meet the necessary compliance and safety standards.
The results highlight the importance of purchasing PPE and safety from credible suppliers on the market so that you can be certain you are not putting trust into non-conforming products that may not protect when required and could cause more harm than good.
Breaking Down The 90% Failure Rate
The BSIF’s testing covered a wide range of PPE, including head protection, safety footwear, eye protection, and respiratory protective equipment (RPE). The results revealed:
Head Protection (6 product’s) – 100% failure rate. Products failed penetration and shock absorption tests, putting wearers at risk of head injuries.
Eye & Face Protection and Fall Protection (13 products) – 100% failure rate. Products failed to resist particle impacts and compromised fall safety mechanisms, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Safety Footwear (31 products) – 86% failure rate. Critical failures in toecap compression, slip resistance, and electrical hazard protection were identified.
Hearing Protection (28 products) – 90% failure rate. Products failed due to poor fit and ineffective noise reduction.
Safety Gloves (21 products) – 95% failure rate. Claims around cut and abrasion resistance were not upheld under testing.
Hi-Vis Clothing (11 products) – 85% failure rate. Garments failed brightness and visibility tests, reducing effectiveness in low-light environments.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) (22 products) – 88% failure rate. Filters failed to adequately protect against hazardous dust and fumes.
These failures are not just number, they represent real risks to workers’ safety and wellbeing. Wearing substandard PPE can lead to life-changing injuries or even fatalities.
What Makes BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers Different?
There is a clear contrast between non-member and registered supplier results. Of the 399 products tested from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers over the same period, 86% passed. Importantly, for the 14% that didn’t initially meet the standards, suppliers took swift action to resolve the issues, ensuring products met the necessary requirements before reaching the market.
Lyreco Intersafe are proud to display the BSIF Shield, which is a mark of trust and compliance. Being a registered supplier means that we have made a formal commitment to only provide products that meet the correct performance standards and comply with UKCA and CE regulations. It also means that our products undergo regular testing and assessment to ensure ongoing compliance.
When choosing your provider, look for the BSIF Shield. As the BSIF says: “Anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone.” The BSIF Shield is your assurance that the products you’re buying are fit for purpose and meet the highest industry standards.
Why It Matters
When it comes to PPE and safety products, cutting corners can have serious consequences. Faulty or substandard PPE and equipment not only puts your workforce at risk but also exposes your business to potential legal and financial penalties. By sourcing from a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier you can:
- Ensure your team is protected with PPE and equipment that meets the highest safety standards.
- Avoid the hidden costs of replacing faulty products or handling workplace injuries.
- Gain peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a trusted, accountable supplier.
Download the BSIF’s PPE purchasing checklist: Check Your PPE
Visit BSIF Release Product Testing Statistics – RSSS for the BSIF’s report.
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