As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause an alarming rise in counterfeit PPE, leading workwear provider phs Besafe has become a Registered Safety Supplier with the British Safety Industry Federation, ensuring its PPE garments continue to meet stringent EU and UK regulations.

The National Audit Office estimates that in the last year hundreds of thousands of pounds have been wasted on dangerous, cheap PPE imports that breach safety regulations. In the UK, all PPE must be correctly assessed for conformity and certified to meet the European and UK standards.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is the UK lead trade association for the safety industry including personal protective equipment (PPE). The BSIF is recognised by the Health & Safety Executive as a competent authority and it has a primary authority agreement with Trading Standards.

Derek Brown, Managing Director of phs Besafe, said: “The pressures businesses are now under as a result of the pandemic makes it even more important to offer them a clear understanding of what they are getting with their PPE. Using counterfeit PPE can cost lives and, without approved safety standards and marks to look for, it can be hard to tell what you are dealing with. It is an extra strain on businesses at an already stressful time.

“As part of our membership of the BSIF, we underwent the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme Audit.

We signed a binding declaration that the safety equipment/PPE and services we offer meet the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations and is appropriately CE marked, or UKCA marked. This will give our customers the reassurance of knowing that our equipment is compliant and safe, protecting their employees and their business during these uncertain times.”

Paul Manning, Membership Manager at the BSIF, said: “It is so important that businesses complete their audits and become a Registered Safety Supplier so that our country knows where to turn for safe and compliant PPE. After all, anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone.

“We are pleased that, despite the lockdowns we have all faced, we have been able to move our member audits online and have been able to continue testing large quantities of members’ product offerings to ensure they meet standards.”

phs Besafe supplies garments and specialist laundering and repair services to businesses requiring high visibility and PPE workwear.