BS 30417 Guidance: A Turning Point for Inclusive PPE
In 2025, the first British Standard dedicated specifically to inclusive PPE provision was introduced under BS 30417.
For years, too many workers have been expected to wear PPE that simply wasn’t designed with them in mind. Ill-fitting gloves. Oversized high-vis. Safety boots that don’t accommodate different foot shapes. Equipment that technically “meets requirements” but doesn’t truly protect the person wearing it.
The BS 30417 challenges the market to rethink this. It sets out clearer expectations for manufacturers, suppliers and employers, pushing the industry to move beyond the outdated “one-size-fits-all” approach. PPE is no longer just a box-ticking exercise. It must work for the individual.
The standard centres around three key principles:
- Fit
- Accessibility
- Equity
Here’s what that really means in practice.
1. Fit: Protection Designed for Real People
The traditional “Small to Extra-Large” sizing model simply doesn’t reflect the diversity of today’s workforce. People come in different shapes, proportions and body types and PPE needs to reflect that reality.
BS 30417 encourages:
- Broader size ranges
- Improved pattern cutting for different body shapes
- Designs based on real anthropometric data rather than assumptions
When PPE fits properly, everything improves. Workers move more freely. They’re more comfortable. They’re more likely to wear the equipment correctly. And most importantly, they’re safer.
Good fit isn’t a luxury it actually a fundamental to effective protection.
2. Accessibility: PPE That Works for Everyone
Accessibility focuses on groups that have historically been overlooked in PPE design.
This includes workers with:
- Disabilities
- Prosthetics
- Reduced mobility
- Dexterity limitations
- Sensory needs
The standard highlights practical considerations for suppliers and manufacturers, such as:
- Easier donning and doffing
- Fastenings that can be operated with reduced dexterity
- Adjustable features that aren’t hidden under complex straps
- Designs compatible with prosthetics or mobility aids
It’s about ensuring that protection is usable for everyone, without any unnecessary barriers.
3. Equity: A Clear Responsibility for Employers
Equity shifts the focus onto employers. It’s no longer acceptable to simply purchase the cheapest compliant option and distribute it across the workforce. Employers must be able to demonstrate that they have made a considered and inclusive selection.
Under BS 30417, organisations should be able to show that they have:
- Assessed a suitable range of PPE options
- Considered fit across different body types
- Ensured the selected products are appropriate for all staff — not just the “average” worker
Equity means recognising that different people have different needs. It’s about fair access to suitable, comfortable protection.
Why This Standard Matters
At its core, BS 30417 reinforces a simple principle: everyone deserves PPE that fits, functions properly and allows them to work safely.
No one should have to roll up sleeves that are too long, stuff excess material into gloves, or struggle with fastenings just to do their job.
Inclusive PPE isn’t just about compliance. It’s about dignity, safety and performance. And this new standard signals that the industry is finally moving in the right direction.
