The importance of partnering with a BSIF registered supplier

Mark Dowling
Water Purification Plant
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When it comes to PPE procurement, cutting corners is not an option.

By working with a BSIF registered supplier you are choosing a reputable partner that ensures authenticity, quality, and compliance with safety standards.

Ensuring authenticity and quality in PPE supplies

In the global markets we operate within today, identifying reliable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers is of increasing importance for both businesses and individuals. The demand for PPE has been growing since the Covid-19 pandemic and the market has seen an influx of suppliers as a result.

With so many suppliers in the market, would you be able to easily differentiate between genuine and substandard products? Would you know what to look for?

This is where The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) can provide invaluable guidance, offering a standard of trust and assurance in the middle of all the uncertainty.

What is the BSIF and the RSSS?

The BSIF is the UK’s leading trade body within the safety industry, championing the highest standards of product quality and service. The RSSS, launched by the BSIF, provides a definitive way to identify trustworthy PPE suppliers. Companies listed on the RSSS have made a binding declaration that their safety equipment complies fully with PPE regulations, adheres to appropriate standards, and bears the CE mark.

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How are they standing up to fake PPE?

The rise of counterfeit PPE has posed significant and increasing risks to individuals and businesses. Fake equipment may not provide adequate protection, leading to potentially hazardous consequences. These included cut-resistant gloves that are anything but and safety harnesses that cannot support the declared weight. These products put your workers at increased risk.

Over a 12-month period the BSIF sourced, assessed, and tested 160 products from distributors outside BSIF membership (in other words, PPE suppliers that are not annually audited like Tower are). Of that 160, 144 products failed. That’s a failure rate of 89%!

This means, if you were to buy from a non BSIF supplier, there is a potential 89% chance that the products you purchase will not protect your workers.

Would you willingly put your workers at risk, not knowing if the safety equipment you are using is up to standard?

Partnering with a BSIF registered company, such as Tower Supplies, ensures that you only source authentic and reliable PPE, safeguarding the wellbeing of your workforce.

You can read more here about what Tower is doing to protect customers from fake PPE: https://wearetower.com/news/are-you-buying-fake-ppe

Why is being BSIF registered important?

Not any company can become BSIF registered. To achieve BSIF registration, companies must undergo rigorous processes.

Members of the RSS scheme need to comply with the following:

  • sell only certified PPE
  • meet all responsibilities of the PPE Regulations
  • submit their products for random independent performance testing
  • train public facing staff in the BSIF’s Safe Supply Course (a publicly recognised qualification to educate those selling PPE and safety products)
  • maintain a quality policy
  • hold necessary authorisation for service provision
  • have the capability to carry out any necessary product recalls and trade honestly and ethically.

By meeting these requirements, BSIF registered suppliers demonstrate their commitment to excellence and safety.

How does this benefit our customers?

Who wouldn't want to have confidence that their PPE is protecting their staff?

Partnering with a BSIF registered supplier like Tower Supplies brings several key advantages. First and foremost, customers gain confidence knowing that the PPE they purchase is up to the highest standards of quality and safety. There is peace of mind in knowing that products are ethically sourced and meet all necessary regulations, protecting both the user and the reputation of the purchasing organisation.

When it comes to safeguarding lives and wellbeing, partnering with a BSIF registered supplier is a decision that should never be compromised. It’s a small step to take to ensure the safety of your workers.

By choosing Tower, you can rest assured that you’re working with a company dedicated to upholding the highest safety standards and providing authentic, quality PPE. Click here to find out how your organisation can benefit from working with Tower.

Accreditations & memberships

We hold all the relevant associations, memberships and accreditations that prove our dedication to safety and continuous improvement.

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Mark Dowling6 TOWER21
Mark Dowling
Committee Member
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