On the morning of Wednesday 1st June, BBC One aired an episode of BBC Fake Britain that included an investigation into the devastating impact counterfeit and illegal personal protective equipment (PPE) can have on the workforce. The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) contributed to this programme with one of its members Centurion Safety Products.

 

On the programme, the BSIF’s Chief Executive Officer, David Lummis, discussed the different forms counterfeit items can take and the impact they have on society. David was able to once again reinforce the message that it is pivotal that genuine and legal PPE is used to ensure workers’ health and safety. 

Centurion Safety Products, with the help of British Standards Institute (BSI) testing laboratories, demonstrated the difference between a genuine and counterfeit safety helmet and the results from the test created a stark visual impact.

 

David Lummis commented: “We are delighted that the issue of counterfeit and illegal PPE has been addressed on a national basis, it is a serious concern for our industry.   Both our members and the Federation are campaigning hard to raise awareness of the issue to end users through our Registered Safety Supplier Scheme. The BSIF will continue to take an active stance in policing the marketplace and will carry on raising awareness about the issue.”

 

The Registered Safety Supplier Scheme was created to help signpost purchasers of PPE to safety experienced and ethical companies that will work tirelessly to provide equipment that ‘does what it says on the tin’. By opting to purchase equipment from a Registered Safety Supplier, purchasers will be safe in the knowledge that they are buying genuine legal products from suppliers who can provide good advice. Leaving both the wearers of PPE (plus their families) and organisations to rest assured that they will be protected correctly in the event of an accident.

 

The BSIF introduced the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme in 2009. Members of the scheme identify themselves as having made a formal declaration that they are selling only products that are genuine and legal. 

 

For further information regarding the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme please visit http://www.bsif.co.uk/registered-supplier-scheme

 

The mentioned episode of BBC Fake Britain is available to view on BBC iplayer.