Testing and certification requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) are rigorous for a reason. As untested, dangerous equipment continues to be sold on online marketplaces, checking compliance has become more important than ever.  

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging UK employers to review their PPE stock to make sure it is fully compliant and safe for use.

Non-compliant PPE is often sold online

Despite the strict legislation governing how PPE is assessed, in recent years more sub-standard products have become available on online marketplaces (OMPs).

The legal framework had not been able to keep up with the growth of OMPs, meaning non-compliant equipment is often sold without verifying that the appropriate assessment procedures have been applied.

Without proper testing, PPE may not be safe for use, putting unsuspecting wearers in danger.

How big is the problem?

Almost 90% of Category 3 PPE purchased in a 2021 Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) test purchasing programme was found to be non-compliant.

The programme targeted equipment that regularly appeared on the OPSS list of recalls and alerts as well as the EU Safety Gate system, selecting unbranded / unknown brand products, sold at low prices, with poor reviews (below 3*), as well as those perceived to be low specification from images.

276 of the 315 products purchased failed to meet the required criteria, leaving only 39 properly certified products, and highlighting the risk involved when buying low-cost, low spec PPE online.

Under previous legislation the issue was difficult to tackle. However secondary legislation supporting the new Product Regulation and Metrology bill (PRAM) should give market surveillance authorities more power to combat non-compliant products being sold online.

How to check PPE compliance

Different types of PPE are subject to various testing and certification procedures. Products are divided into three risk categories:

To ensure PPE is safe to use, it is important to check it has been properly tested and certified. There are several ways to make sure your PPE is compliant:

1.       Check conformity markings

All PPE must carry a CE or UKCA conformity marking. Usually the conformity marking appears on the product itself. Some smaller products, such as ear plugs, have markings on the packaging instead.

2.       Check performance markings

British, European and International standards require additional markings, usually including the standard number itself – e.g. EN 397 – often followed by the year of publication.

Other markings relate to performance. Helmets, for example, are marked with standardised symbols to show applicable optional requirements – such as -40°C or MM. Find out more about helmet markings.

PPE without the correct conformity and performance markings is not fully compliant, which may also indicate that the product has not been independently assessed.

3.       Check documentation

PPE must be accompanied by specific documentation. Documents may be physically provided with the product or available via a web link detailed in the user instruction leaflet or packaging.

All PPE must have a Declaration of Conformity (DOC). The DOC is issued by the manufacturer, stating that the product is in conformity with the PPE Regulation and relevant product standards.

Category 2 and 3 PPE also needs a type examination (CE/UKCA) certificate, issued by an independent Notified or Approved Body.

Category 3 PPE is subject to ongoing monitoring. The relevant Notified or Approved Body either audit the manufacturer or perform annual testing to ensure products remain compliant, issuing a Module C2 or Module D certificate which is available on request from manufacturers.

Simplify selection and buy from a Registered Safety Supplier

The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) helps to combat non-compliant and counterfeit products. Members of the RSSS are independently audited to ensure the safety equipment they offer meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulation and carries the relevant conformity markings.

By purchasing from a Registered Safety Supplier you can remove the risk and rest assured that the equipment meets the relevant standards and legislation.

JSP are proud members of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme, offering reassurance that all JSP PPE is properly assessed and compliant.

Choose trusted, tested, traceable PPE

JSP PPE is tested in-house and externally at world-renowned independent test laboratories, ensuring conformity with all relevant legislation and performance standards.

In addition to mandatory and BSIF RSSS audits, we also apply voluntary BSI Kitemark™ certification across many product ranges. The Kitemark™ guarantees strict production control and rigorous testing, with regular site audits and surveillance testing to ensure ongoing quality.

We offer services to verify products, guaranteeing that your PPE is genuine, and make compliance information easy to access and understand.

The JSPCheck™ system offers full traceability information for JSP helmets and Sonis® ear defenders. Entering the details from your product’s barcode label returns precise, down-to-the-second manufacturing information, confirming the authenticity and quality of your PPE.

Documentation for JSP PPE is available at documents.jspsafety.com. The website gives you 24/7 access to DOCs, certificates, user instructions and more, ensuring it is quick and easy to check compliance.

With the volume of sub-standard, non-compliant products available on online marketplaces, it is essential to check your safety equipment is properly assessed and certified. Review your PPE stock now to make sure it is fully compliant and capable of protecting staff when it matters most.

Need help checking compliance? Contact the JSP Technical Helpline for assistance.

Checking and maintaining your PPE

Find out about the new JSP Compatibility Assessment Scheme