The latest British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) independent test results reveal the concerning amount of non-compliant and potentially dangerous PPE available on the market.

The BSIF created the Registered Safety Supplier (RSSS) scheme to help combat substandard PPE in the UK. Members are audited to ensure that products meet appropriate standards and fully comply with the PPE Regulation.

Every year, testing is carried out to assess non-member and member PPE. Products are assessed for performance, labelling accuracy and compliance with relevant standards. The assessments are conducted independently in accordance with the requirements of the PPE Regulation.

Between December 2023 and December 2024, 161 non-member supplier products were tested. Only 10% (16 products) met the requirements, whilst an overwhelming 90% (138 products) failed to meet the necessary criteria, with seven test results still pending.

In some key categories – including head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection – every non-member product failed assessments.

•   Head Protection: 100% failure rate (6 products)

Products failed resistance to penetration and shock absorption tests, potentially allowing impacts to penetrate the helmet or transfer excessive force to the wearer's head.

•   Eye and Face Protection & Fall Protection: 100% failure rate (13 products)

Products failed to resist impacts, risking severe injuries from foreign objects entering the eyes or compromising fall safety mechanisms.

•   Hearing Protection: 90% failure rate (28 products)

Issues included incorrect cushion and headband pressures, compromising effectiveness against hazardous noise levels.

•   Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE): 88% failure rate (22 products)

Filters in these products did not adequately protect against hazardous dust and fumes.

•   Safety Footwear: 86% failure rate (31 products)

A growing number of safety shoes, often marketed on social media platforms, fail critical tests and potentially leave wearers at risk of injury.

•   Safety Gloves: 95% failure rate (21 products)

Products failed claims for cut protection, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance.

•   Hi-Vis Clothing: 85% failure rate (11 products)

Many garments failed chromaticity and luminance tests, rendering them ineffective in low-visibility conditions.

The BSIF inform vendors of these issues but often products remain available for purchase, potentially putting wearers at risk.

 

BSIF member test results

Testing of RSS member products returned vastly different results. 399 products from Registered Safety Suppliers were tested, with 86% (322 products) passing all assessments.

For the 14% (51 products) that initially failed to meet criteria, all issues were promptly rectified, ensuring products are safe for use and accurately labelled. 24 results are still pending.

 

Choose a Registered Safety Supplier

Purchasing from a Registered Safety Supplier is the simplest way to make sure your PPE is safe and properly approved. Companies displaying the BSIF shield have signed a binding declaration to ensure their PPE and safety equipment meets the correct performance standards, fully complies with regulations, and bears the necessary conformity markings. Registered Safety Suppliers offer genuine products along with information and guidance.

 

Trusted, tested, traceable

JSP are proud members of the RSSS Scheme, providing reassurance that all JSP PPE is fully compliant.

Our products are rigorously assessed. In-house and external testing at world-renowned independent laboratories ensures JSP PPE meets all relevant legislation and performance standards.

The JSPCheck™ system enables full traceability. Entering details from the product’s barcode label returns precise manufacturing information, confirming the authenticity and quality of your PPE.

Conformity documentation is available at documents.jspsafety.com, giving you access to Declarations of Conformity (DOCs), CE/UKCA certificates and more.

PPE must be selected carefully to ensure it is compliant with the PPE Regulation and capable of protecting the wearer. The latest BSIF non-member test results reveal the risks that can be involved when purchasing safety equipment, highlighting the importance of choosing a trusted supplier. Contact technical@jspsafety.com for more information about PPE testing and compliance.