Support for exporting activities (12th February 2010)

Nine companies received financial support to enable them to exhibit at last month’s Intersec...

From Newsletter Stories

A new decade for the BSIF (12th February 2010)

Following its recent AGM, there will now be a progressive development in the structure of the BSIF to make it a more focused public service organisation striving for improvements in occupational health and safety...

From Newsletter Stories

Campaign Update - Fit2Fit and Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (12th February 2010)

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF Safety Awards 2010 launched – Make your business soar (12th February 2010)

The 2010 BSIF Safety Awards have now been launched...

From Newsletter Stories

Clean Air? Take Care! (12th February 2010)

A major new joint initiative between the BSIF and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will be launched on Thursday 18th March...

From Newsletter Stories

Cleaning up our act in leaky situations (1st February 2010)

Handling hazardous liquids can be a risky business, especially when spills occur, so it is essential that correct health & safety procedure is adhered to.The BSIF offers some advice...

From Premises

From the Secretary’s desk (1st February 2010)

A New Year and an opportunity for the BSIF to take an introspective view on how it will re-new itself and make its activities more relevant to the occupational safety and health sector as a new decade dawns.

From BSIF News

Support for Exporting Activities (1st February 2010)

Nine companies are receiving financial support to enable them to exhibit at this month’s Intersec, the International Security and Safety exhibition,

From BSIF News

Breathe easily with Fit2Fit (1st February 2010)

Some 40 people within BSIF member organisations have now been accredited through the BSIF Fit2Fit scheme since its launch at the end of 2009.

From BSIF News

BSIF Safety Awards 2010 launched (1st February 2010)

The 2010 BSIF Safety Awards have now been launched. They are designed to recognise excellence within the safety industry, excellence in customer service, product innovation and a key goal of improving occupational health and safety.

From BSIF News

Ensure you purchase safe products - look for the Registered Safety Supplier shield (1st February 2010)

The BSIF's campaign to eliminate counterfeit and illegal PPE took a positive step forward for the New Year when details of companies already signed up to the scheme were published.

From BSIF News

PPE Regulations - where from here? (1st February 2010)

The meeting at the EU Commission planned for last November was postponed until May 2010; the next steps will be announced after this.

From BSIF News

You cannot always trust what you read! (9th December 2009)

Since the launch of the BSIF campaign to eliminate counterfeit and illegal safety products from the UK market, the BSIF has been surprised by the number of fraudulent type - examination certificates being reported...

From Newsletter Stories

Reliability not always assured (1st November 2009)

Over the past year the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has highlighted some of the problems encountered by substandard personal protective equipment (PPE) in the marketplace...

From BSIF News

From the Secretary’s desk (1st November 2009)

With the safety industry effectively closing down for two weeks during the festive season, there is little doubt that November and early December will be busy throughout industry

From BSIF News

You cannot always trust what you read! (1st November 2009)

Since the launch of the BSIF campaign to eliminate counterfeit and illegal safety products from the UK market, we have been surprised by the number of fraudulent type - examination certificates being reported.

From BSIF News

'Clean Air? - Take Care!' (1st November 2009)

The BSIF/HSE campaign to improve understanding of respiratory protection, is to be officially launched next January...

From BSIF News

Make sure you use 'safe' PPE (1st November 2009)

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has now launched a major new scheme to help companies buy genuinely "safe" PPE and other safety products - the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme...

From BSIF News

Respiratory Protection Fit-testing - ask for evidence of competence (1st November 2009)

The first scheme of its type, generated by a close cooperation between the HSE and the BSIF, now provides a simple route for fit-testers of respiratory protection to demonstrate competence as set out within HSG 53 [the HSE's guidance on respiratory protection].

From BSIF News

A+A and BSIF – attending the internationally renowned safety trade fair (27th October 2009)

Using the financial support available from UK Trade & Investment, the BSIF is working with some 20 to 30 member and non-member companies to support their attendance at this year’s A+A show, taking place on the 3 – 6 November in Dusseldorf...

From Newsletter Stories

A preview to the 2010 BSIF Guide to the British Safety Industry (27th October 2009)

The 2010 BSIF Reference Guide to the British Safety Industry is currently being compiled and promises to be a more useful reference tool than ever before...

From Newsletter Stories

Creating an Ompah in the industry! (27th October 2009)

The thirteenth annual BSIF Networking Day proved lucky for all who attended last month...

From Newsletter Stories

Fit2Fit gathers pace at the International Society for Respiratory Protection Autumn (27th October 2009)

Following the launch of the Fit2Fit initiative, designed to improve the understanding of the importance of adequate respiratory protection, the campaign has been gathering pace...

From Newsletter Stories

Breathe easily - The BSIF focuses on Fit2Fit (27th October 2009)

According to a survey carried out by the HSE, 5.5 million employees in about 220,000 workplaces are potentially at risk of respiratory disease...

From Newsletter Stories

'What do I do if - - ?' (20th October 2009)

The BSIF is often asked what to do if employees are not using the PPE which has been issued to them...

From BSIF News

From the Secretary’s desk (1st October 2009)

We are now being advised that the "green shoots" are beginning to show regarding the recessionary climate. Unfortunately this is not always the case across the safety industry.

From BSIF News

BSIF contributes to solving the Medical Devices 'problem' (1st October 2009)

The collective influence of the BSIF, in conjunction with European NGOs and Trade Bodies, the UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills [BIS] and the European Safety Federation [ESF], has persuaded the EU Commission to resolve the current difficulties with Medical Devices [MDs] which offer protection to the wearer.

From BSIF News

Avoiding the drop – BSIF appeals for safer practices when working at height (1st October 2009)

Falls from height result in a quarter of all major injuries and are still the most common kind of workplace accident to cause fatality; provisional figures show that 58 people died from a fall from height at work in 2007/

From BSIF News

From the Secretary’s desk (1st September 2009)

With the whole safety industry seeming to return from holiday this month, there has been a recent concentration of activities to ensure that everything is up and running before the festive season.

From BSIF News

'Clean Air? - Take Care!' and Fit2Fit to launch in Autumn (1st September 2009)

The "Clean Air? - Take Care!" campaign, jointly initiated by the HSE and the BSIF, has two prime objectives.

From BSIF News

Standards – not always helpful (1st September 2009)

It is not unusual for safety officers and professionals to use references to EN standards to select suitable equipment and, in most instances, product manufacturers use these standards as a route to confirming compliance with the various regulations

From BSIF News

Safe handling of liquid spills (1st September 2009)

Following the successful introduction of a British standard to regularise the ways in which sorbents are measured, the BSIF Sorbent Manufacturers Group is now initiating a performance standard for these products.

From BSIF News

Help for Exporters (1st September 2009)

The BSIF is the safety industry trade body through which government supports can be arranged for small companies wishing to exhibit at overseas trade shows to develop their export sales.

From BSIF News

Genuine products, look for the BSIF shield (1st September 2009)

The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier scheme is the safety industry's response to the increase in the number of counterfeit and illegal PPE currently available in the UK which fails to meet the necessary standards and make exaggerated performance claims.

From BSIF News

Who you gonna call? The BSIF! (1st September 2009)

Following recent high profile cases in the news, the need for companies to comply with health and safety legislation has been highlighted.There is no room for complacency following the amends to the Health & Safety Offenc

From BSIF News

From the Secretary’s desk (15th August 2009)

There is a natural tendency during a recession to try and save costs by carefully evaluating every aspect of activity so that non-essential spending can be eliminated. The BSIF, like every other responsible safety industry organisation, is urging companies to make a positive decision not to compromise on health and safety in an attempt to save a few pounds.

From BSIF News

Better support for respiratory protection (15th August 2009)

Recent research indicates that of the people needing to use respiratory protection about half do not use RPE (respiratory protective equipment). This same research shows that of the half that do use RPE, only half of them are using it correctly, have been properly fit-tested and have been adequately trained in its use and maintenance.

From BSIF News

Need advice or information - contact the BSIF (15th August 2009)

The BSIF receives enquiries on a daily basis on a broad range of health and safety issues. Much of this information is readily available on the BSIF website or in the BSIF Guide but, as has often been said before, the answers are only easy if you understand the question.

From BSIF News

Progress on the need for accreditation (15th August 2009)

The BSIF has long held the view that there should be a nationally accepted, industry self-regulated accreditation scheme for safety professionals that verifies competence (as an ability to perform and apply knowledge rather than a simple qualification) so that those requiring advice have a yard-stick to assist the recruitment or engagement of competent health and safety consultants and professional safety managers.

From BSIF News

BSIF Networking Day 2009 – Book now to avoid disappointment (15th August 2009)

The BSIF Networking day takes place on Monday 28th September and will be at the new venue of Staverton Park this year.

From BSIF News

The BSIF Guide 2010 (15th August 2009)

Conscious that the BSIF Guide is regularly used as a reference source for the accessing of safety equipment, the BSIF is developing its "Guide to the British Safety Industry" to ensure that it will have sufficient appeal to remain on the shelf for its twelve month's currency.

From BSIF News

No marks for substandard safety equipment (1st July 2009)

Since the launch of its counterfeit products campaign, which aims to eliminate substandard safety products and PPE, the BSIF has started to build a picture of the scale of the problem, explains Geoff Hooke, secretary general to the BSIF

From BSIF News

The Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2008 (26th June 2009)

This major piece of new safety legislation was enacted last year but came into force on 1st January 2009...

From Newsletter Stories

Safety & Health Expo 2009 (26th June 2009)

This year’s Safety & Health Expo proved to be one of the BSIF’s best, with a busy and productive three days...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF Safety Award Winners Announced at Safety & Health Expo 2009 (26th June 2009)

The BSIF Safety Awards promote the importance of innovation and the highest standards of excellence when it comes to improving UK occupational health and safety. The winners of this year’s Awards were announced at a prestigious ceremony at Safety & Health Expo...

From Newsletter Stories

The BSIF Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Provider Accreditation Scheme (26th June 2009)

The Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Provider Accreditation Scheme was officially launched at Safety & Health Expo: this works alongside with the Clean Air? Take Care! awareness campaign, organised in conjunction with the HSE...

From Newsletter Stories

The BSIF trade mission to Saudi Arabia (26th June 2009)

In the last newsletter, we reported back from a very successful trip to The Dubai Security and Safety Exhibition in January. The United Kingdom Trade & Investment department (UKT&I) supported the BSIF when we led a delegation of UK companies to exhibit within a ‘British pavilion’ at the show...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (25th June 2009)

The BSIF has a busier programme than usual this summer following the launch of three major initiatives at the recent Safety & Health Expo.

From BSIF News

Launch of accreditation scheme for respiratory protection fit-testers (25th June 2009)

Developed with the assistance of the HSE, the RPE Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme was launched by the BSIF at the recent Safety Expo.

From BSIF News

Registered Safety Supplier scheme launched (25th June 2009)

Triggered by an increase in counterfeit and illegal safety products entering the UK market, the BSIF launched its Registered Safety Supplier scheme last month

From BSIF News

The safety industry event of the year (25th June 2009)

°To take place at the new venue of Staverton Park in Daventry, this year's BSIF Networking Day will build on the traditional combination of leisure Golf, Karting and Outdoor Pursuits followed by opportunities for guests to meet informally before enjoying the Gala Dinner.

From BSIF News

New PPE Directive being developed (25th June 2009)

The BSIF is closely involved in the development of a revised directive to replace the existing regulations.

From BSIF News

Preventing Workplace Dermatitis – "It's In Your Hands" (1st June 2009)

Geoff Hooke, general secretary of the BSIF, highlights the problems of occupational dermatitis and explains how it is being tackled through a high profile campaign

From Ppe

BSIF award winners 2009 (1st June 2009)

Championing the importance of innovation and the highest standards of excellence when it comes to improving occupational health and safety in the UK the British Safety Industry Federation Awards 2009 were presented at thi

From BSIF News

From the Secretary’s desk (1st May 2009)

With the clocks going forward and lighter evenings, coupled with the sunny weather, we should all be feeling better despite the difficult financial climate which will be affecting every BSIF member.

From BSIF News

Focus on respiratory protection (1st May 2009)

The BSIF is to launch a joint campaign with the HSE and industry stakeholders entitled “Clean Air? Take Care!” to promote the need for the correct deployment and use of respiratory protective equipment [RPE].

From BSIF News

Prevent workrelated dermatitis - next steps (1st May 2009)

The success of the joint HSE - BSIF “It's in your hands” campaign and the broad engagement with major industry stakeholders

From BSIF News

Beware of counterfeit and illegal safety products (1st May 2009)

The increasing incidence of Counterfeit and illegal safety products is adversely affecting the safety of workers using these products when they do not perform and they cannot rely on "what is said on the tin" .

From BSIF News

Take a deep breath – BSIF gets serious about respiratory protection (1st May 2009)

Inadequate and poorly fitting RPE has been a cause for concern for some time, which is why a new accreditation scheme and awareness campaign from the BSIF and HSE is targeting this issue,explains BSIF secretary general Geoff Hooke

From BSIF News

Get the Guide (12th March 2009)

The BSIF's guide to the safety industry for 2009 is now available online...

From Newsletter Stories

Raising the profile of safety in the workplace (12th March 2009)

The annual British Safety Industry Federation’s (BSIF) Safety Awards is a prestigious celebration of all that is finest in the UK safety industry...

From Newsletter Stories

'Don't reduce safety' (9th March 2009)

BSIF has recently been stressing to the market that despite the economic downturn, health and safety must remain a high priority...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF exporters in Dubai (9th March 2009)

Held each year in January, The Dubai Security and Safety exhibition has now become a key event within the sector, attracting high profile buyers from the Middle East, Africa and the Indian sub continent...

From Newsletter Stories

Avoiding workplace dermatitis (9th March 2009)

Dermatitis contracted through the workplace continues to be of serious concern. While the short term effects can be irritating and uncomfortable, the long term ones can be devastating and very painful...

From Newsletter Stories

Supply chain – major source of advice (13th February 2009)

To assist the generation of measurable objectives for the two respiratory protection schemes being mounted by the BSIF, the BSIF targeted SMEs in vulnerable sectors to find out more about how organisations decided to select, deploy and use respiratory protective equipment...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF Members given insight into new Health and Safety Strategy (11th February 2009)

On 14th January, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) welcomed the Health & Safety Executive chair, Judith Hackitt, at the first BSIF Directors Club Luncheon of 2009...

From Newsletter Stories

Reduction in work-related injuries masks worrying trend, SAYS BSIF (11th February 2009)

New statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal a reduction in the number of people killed, injured or made ill by work during 2007/8...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (1st February 2009)

From BSIF News

BSIF elects new directors (1st February 2009)

At its Annual General Meeting, held in the vaults at the Brewery in London, the Chairman Elect, David Hall of Moldex Metric announced "Over the past two years a number of long serving Directors have retired, that there are others likely to retire during the next few years and that this situation will drive the BSIF to think seriously about the future.

From BSIF News

BSIF 2009 INNOVATION AWARDS (1st February 2009)

Full entry details are now available for the prestigious BSIF Innovation Awards. The three award schemes celebrate and recognise creative product development through the Product Innovation Awards,

From BSIF News

Taking on the counterfeiters (1st February 2009)

Ahead of the launch of the BSIF's Registered Safety Supplier Scheme, the federation's Secretary General Geoff Hooke warns against the dangers of substandard PPE and explains what BSIF is doing to try and eliminate these products from the UK market

From Safety first

From the Secretary’s desk (1st December 2008)

The current financial climate makes life difficult for everyone and the BSIF hopes that companies will not compromise the safety of their staff by seeking to make cost savings in their health and safety budgets

From BSIF News

Can I trust the safety products I buy? (1st December 2008)

The short answer is yes if you know what questions to ask or yes if you use a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier.

From BSIF News

UK INCREASES INFLUENCE ON EU SAFETY LEGISLATION (1st December 2008)

The BSIF Test and Certification Association has notified bodies and accredited certification bodies and test houses as members.

From BSIF News

Counterfeit and illegal PPE - would you know the difference? (1st December 2008)

As the first step in the its campaign to eliminate counterfeit and illegal safety products, primarily PPE, the BSIF decided to ensure that its own house is in order, that its members are complying with the various regulations and that they are not seeking to plagiarise other companies designs.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st December 2008)

The BSIF is acutely aware of the credit crunch and the effects that it will have on members’ businesses.

From BSIF News

BSIF Industry Networking Day (3rd November 2008)

For the last 12 years, during October the supply side of the safety industry has got together to socialise and informally discuss trends within the UK safety market. The 2008 event was held at the Forest of Arden Hotel in Birmingham and attended by over 160 people...

From Newsletter Stories

2008 Health and Safety Statistics (3rd November 2008)

The publication of the HSE's Annual Statistics shows a small decrease in the number of deaths at work and amplifies the generally held opinion that the construction industry is still a major contributor to workplace deaths and injuries...

From Newsletter Stories

British Safety Industry Federation:- How do we benefit our members? (3rd November 2008)

The British Safety Industry Federation is the recognised trade body for the supply side of the Safety Industry, the lead association for the PPE directive and is recognised as a competent authority by the Health & Safety Executive...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF assists health and safety equipment exporters (3rd November 2008)

With the UK economy continuing to slow and major users of safety equipment, such as the construction industry, carefully watching their spend, an increasing number of Safety suppliers are looking to expand their export markets...

From Newsletter Stories

Withdrawal of fake CE approval certificates for PPE (3rd November 2008)

Following the advice given in our last newsletter, regarding a number of PPE products on the UK safety marked claiming false compliance to CE norms, a few cases have recently come to light...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (1st October 2008)

Although the credit crunch will be affecting many businesses, the BSIF is receiving mixed reports from its membership. Certainly, those servicing the construction industry are experiencing a reduction in their commercial activity as this industry consolidates and reduces workforces.

From BSIF News

“Clean Air?-Take Care!” (1st October 2008)

Following the successful "It's in your hands" campaign, targeted at reducing workrelated dermatitis, the BSIF and the HSE are now planning the "Clean Air?- Take Care!" campaign to increase awareness of the need for protection against the inhalation and ingestion of hazardous substances.

From BSIF News

EU WEEK OF HEALTH AND SAFETY (1st October 2008)

The BSIF is delighted that this year the theme of the EU Week of Health and Safety is Risk Assessment.

From BSIF News

Networking Day ‘best yet’ (1st October 2008)

In his address, event organiser David Lummis of BSIF Enterprises thanked members, guests and sponsors for their contribution to the best BSIF Networking Day to date. He commented that this event was without doubt the most convivial and enjoyable social event in the safety industry calendar.

From BSIF News

DRIVE TO INCREASE EXPORTING SU (1st October 2008)

Changes last year within the former DTI and UK Trade and Investments triggered a hard look at the ways in which British companies might gain support for their exporting ambitions.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st October 2008)

The BSIF Directors’ Club is now firmly established as the meeting place for senior managers to network, exchange views and discuss current safety industry issues. The next event will be on 14th January and the BSIF will be delighted to welcome Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Health and Safety Executive as their guest speaker.

From BSIF News

Forthcoming campaign: Clean Air? - Take Care! (15th August 2008)

Within the HSE's chemical programme there is a strong desire to improve everyone's awareness of the need for adequate respiratory protection...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF to launch Fit2Fit scheme (15th August 2008)

It is widely accepted that any form of respiratory protection needs to provide an adequate seal with the face of the wearer even when positive pressure equipment is being used...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF award winners 2008 (15th August 2008)

The winners of the 2008 BSIF Awards were announced to a packed auditorium at the Safety and Health Expo in Birmingham on the 13th May...

From Newsletter Stories

Accreditation of Safety Professionals (15th August 2008)

As many readers will know the BSIF has been a strong supporter of the idea that safety professionals should be the subject of self-regulation...

From Newsletter Stories

When is PPE not PPE? (15th August 2008)

One of the answers to this question appears to be "when the product is a medical device"...

From Newsletter Stories

Networking Day - book now (15th August 2008)

An opportunity to network with old friends and new colleagues, the BSIF annual networking day takes place Monday 13th October at the popular Forest of Arden hotel...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (1st August 2008)

At the time of writing this we have enjoyed our three days of summer and I hope that this will continue for the benefit of those taking their holidays in the UK

From BSIF News

BSIF to launch Fit2Fit scheme (1st August 2008)

It is widely accepted that any form of respiratory protection needs to provide an adequate seal with the face of the wearer even when positive pressure equipment is being used.

From BSIF News

Networking Day – book now (1st August 2008)

David Lummis of BSIF Enterprises the event organiser commented that a significant number of bookings have now been received and that venue limitations might create the need to establish a "waiting list".

From BSIF News

WHEN IS PPE NOT PPE? (1st August 2008)

One of the answers to this question appears to be "when the product is a medical device".

From BSIF News

Forthcoming campaign - Clean Air? - Take Care! (1st August 2008)

Within the HSE's chemical programme there is a strong desire to improve everyone's awareness of the need for adequate respiratory protection.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st August 2008)

The recent issue of the EU Official Journal features a section listing the current PPE harmonised standards.

From BSIF News

Helmet comes out on top (3rd June 2008)

The winners of this year's BSIF awards have been announced and the Peltor Solaris sumitted by Aearo (now part of 3M) has won the Product Innovation Award...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (1st June 2008)

With the holiday season fast approaching it is timely for us all to realise that duty holders and those responsible for the safety of others also take vacational leave. While they are away, work continues and it is important that the management of safety and health is not compromised as a result of their absence.

From BSIF News

A solution to the Harmonised Standards problem? (1st June 2008)

For some time now the BSIF has been concerned about the trend towards adding "negative" elements into Annex ZA within harmonised PPE EN standards.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st June 2008)

Competence check for safety professionals - a good idea The recent report on Health and Safety published by the Work and Pensions Select Committee regretted the fact that Safety Professionals are not regulated.

From BSIF News

Need to use Sorbents? - the BSIF's Selection Guidance could help (1st June 2008)

To help identify the most appropriate sorbent for use with any hazardous liquids it can be of little use consulting the COSHH Material Data-Sheets since the requirements on the material manufacturers who provide these are somewhat loose

From BSIF News

The BSIF Networking Day – a date for your diary (1st June 2008)

The 2008 BSIF Networking Day is to be held at the popular Forest of Arden hotel on Monday 13th October. David Lummis of BSIF Enterprises, the event organiser, summarised the programme as "The top social event in the safety industry's calendar.

From BSIF News

BSIF award winners 2008 (1st June 2008)

The winners of the 2008 BSIF Awards were announced to a packed auditorium at the Safety and Health Expo in Birmingham on the 13th May. The annual awards celebrate, promote and highlight health and safety products and services which combine innovative design with improvements in occupational health and safety.

From BSIF News

Don’t get less than you bargained for! (12th May 2008)

There are a growing number of incidents of non CE approved or ‘fake’ safety products being sold into the UK for occupational safety...

From Newsletter Stories

Good news for exporters (12th May 2008)

If you are involved in exporting safety items, BSIF has some excellent news...

From Newsletter Stories

Supplier recognition (12th May 2008)

Quality products supplied on time and backed by great support are what every customer wants...

From Newsletter Stories

Why take the risk? (12th May 2008)

How many times have you wanted some advice on safety, but found that because you brought your safety goods from your general industrial supplier he didn’t really know the answer...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF launches new Safety Excellence Award (12th May 2008)

The BSIF is launching a new award for Safety Excellence at the Safety & Health Expo this year...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (22nd April 2008)

The early Easter has condensed much of the BSIF's annual programme into March and April this year. Coupled with the increased enthusiasm to eliminate counterfeit PPE, the introduction of a new award scheme...

From BSIF News

Visit us at the Safety & Health Expo at the NEC (22nd April 2008)

The Safety & Health Expo is now the largest annual event of its type in Europe and, having played a pivotal role in the creation of this exhibition, the BSIF is delighted to continue its involvement as the main sponsor of this event...

From BSIF News

Campaign to eliminate counterfeit PPE (22nd April 2008)

The frequency of reports identifying non-compliant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the fraudulent use of CE documentation in respect of PPE has increased significantly over the past twelve months

From BSIF News

Health and safety “Competence” still an issue (22nd April 2008)

There appears to be two interpretations of the term "competence" and while there is some movement to bring these definitions together, there is a significant gap when if comes to the differences between the legal interpretation in respect of health and safety regulations, the educational system of qualifications and the expectations of those seeking to employ/engage competent advice and guidance.

From BSIF News

BSIF Awards: New Safety Excellence award launched (22nd April 2008)

The BSIF is launching a new award for Safety Excellence at the Safety & Health Expo this year. This will complete the series of awards mounted by the Federation following the successful launch of its Safety Service Awards last year. These awards will be presented at the Expo on Tuesday 13th May.

From BSIF News

BSIF safety awards 2008 (4th March 2008)

The BSIF safety awards acknowledge individuals or organisations within the industry whose ideas have established new levels of excellence in their field...

From Newsletter Stories

PPE - DOES IT DO WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN? (1st February 2008)

The BSIF is seriously concerned about the integrity and performance of safety products (primarily personal protective equipment) which may appear to be genuine and of good quality which does not do what it says on the tin.

From BSIF News

From the Secretary’s desk (1st February 2008)

Spring, the annual season of re-generation and renewal. Within the BSIF there is a new urgency is in the air.

From BSIF News

Safety & Health Expo 2008 (22nd January 2008)

On 13th – 15th May 2008, the annual safety show, Safety & Health Expo,w takes place at the NEC Birmingham...

From Newsletter Stories

Get The Guide (22nd January 2008)

December 2007 saw the launch of the BSIF Guide to the Safety Industry for 2008...

From Newsletter Stories

An illegal CE mark? (22nd January 2008)

The BSIF is becoming increasingly concerned that a number of products are available in the UK market that do not live up to their CE approvals or are in fact not approved at all.

From Newsletter Stories

Exporting British products and services (22nd January 2008)

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF Safety Awards 2008 (21st January 2008)

The British Safety Industry Federation is currently finalising the arrangements for the BSIF Safety Awards 2008...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (1st December 2007)

Unlike previous years when December seemed to herald a distinct end-of-term atmosphere, the run-up to this year’s Festive season, sees the BSIF highly focused and closely involved in a wider range of schemes and projects than is usual.

From BSIF News

SUPPLY CHAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: A NEW APPROACH BLUEPRINT (1st December 2007)

Many readers will not be aware of what a ‘New Approach Directive’ actually is. In principle it is one of the many EU Directives which are modelled against a strict blueprint to ensure consistency.

From BSIF News

Respiratory protection initiative (1st December 2007)

Following the wide acclaim for the ‘It's in your hands’ campaign, mounted through a joint HSE - BSIF venture, and its initial successes in reducing industrially related dermatitis, the HSE and the BSIF are to combine to generate another awareness campaign.

From BSIF News

When is a medical device not a medical device? (1st December 2007)

Some time ago, it was recognised that the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) created many difficulties by eliminating the facility for a Medical Device to be PPE at the same time and the EU Group in Brussels had drafted a clause to eliminate the problem. Hopes were high at a PPE meeting in Brussels that the problem had been solved.

From BSIF News

UNDERSTANDING 'STANDARD' (1st December 2007)

From BSIF News

‘ROGUE’ PRODUCTS (1st December 2007)

There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of ‘rogue products’ on the UK market and elsewhere across the EU with the BSIF receiving growing evidence of ‘passing-off’, noncompliance and illegal CE.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st December 2007)

The BSIF Directors Club met recently at a luncheon held in the hallowed environment of the Committee Dining room at Lords Cricket Ground, a venue synonymous with fair play and gentlemanly conduct.

From BSIF News

Safe Practices? It’s the law (2nd October 2007)

The Sale of Goods act gives you confidence that, if a product doesn’t work properly straight out of the box, there is a remedy available to you. Simple (or it should be)...

From Newsletter Stories

I’m backing Britain (2nd October 2007)

Remember the old Slogan, ‘I’m backing Britain’. It emphasised the strength of British products and the need to support UK industry. Recently the BSIF has launched a campaign to promote the same ideals...

From Newsletter Stories

HSC and HSE merger (1st October 2007)

The BSIF supports the merger between the HSC and the HSE..

From Newsletter Stories

A chance to network (1st October 2007)

The BSIF Networking Day takes place on Monday 8th October at the Forest of Arden Hotel again this year...

From Newsletter Stories

A+A roundup (1st October 2007)

Now extending over nine exhibition halls, the A+A exhibition in Dusseldorf is the worlds largest show aimed at the health and safety market place...

From Newsletter Stories

Is it real PPE? (1st October 2007)

Have you ever been offered a Rolex watch at a seriously knock down price? Fakes and copies are a major problem, but of course ‘fake’ PPE could be lethal...

From Newsletter Stories

From the Secretary’s desk (1st October 2007)

There is little doubt that the establishment of BSIF Enterprises has created a change of pace in the Federation's activity programme.

From BSIF News

ENSURING COMPETENCE (1st October 2007)

The BSIF's position on the need for some form of independently assessed competency audit to verify the abilities of safety personnel, similar to the CORGI scheme, has been well voiced over recent months.

From BSIF News

What does ‘O’ mean to you? (1st October 2007)

In future issues, the BSIF will attempt to clarify some regularly-used expressions that mean a variety of different things to different people. Such variations create difficulties when several people are discussing important aspects of occupational health and safety.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st October 2007)

he BSIF's involvement with the Expert Group within the EU Commission on PPE and the extension of the European Community to some 27 member states is beginning to raise a number of peripheral issues which will likely provide distracting material for meetings across the EU for some time to come.

From BSIF News

Networking day ‘best yet’ (1st October 2007)

One of the key advantages of membership of the BSIF is the opportunity to informally network with other BSIF members, discussing areas of mutual interest and understanding the differing views from each sector of the market.

From BSIF News

FOCUS ON HEIGHT SAFETY (1st October 2007)

Mike Luke, chair of the BSIF Height Safety Group, comments on issues of height safety.

From BSIF News

From the secretary’s desk (1st August 2007)

While August traditionally is a time when people abandon their desk in favour of the beach, the situation seems more acute this year. Rest assured, however, that the BSIF does not go on leave and will never excuse lack of delivery because key personnel are away improving their suntan.

From BSIF News

MOVES TO ELIMINATE PART HARMONISED ENs (1st August 2007)

There is strong desire by the BSIF and its members to ensure that the EU Commission does not approve as Harmonised ENs, standards that do not cover all the basic health and safety requirements.

From BSIF News

NEWS IN BRIEF... (1st August 2007)

For some time now, the BSIF has been seeking to ensure that the details within materials data-sheets provide more specific information for users of hazardous chemicals. The main areas where BSIF members believe that these data sheets should be improved relate to the nature of suitable protective equipment for personnel in contact with these chemicals and information on the ways in which spills and emergencies should be handled.

From BSIF News

A chance to network (1st August 2007)

The BSIF Networking Day takes place on Monday 8th October at the Forest of Arden Hotel.

From BSIF News

REACH: Responsibility on suppliers (1st August 2007)

As many readers will be aware, the REACH directive was brought into UK legislation earlier this year and, while DEFRA is the government department responsible for this new legislation, the HSE has been designated as the competent authority regarding enforcement when it comes to the workplace safety aspects.

From BSIF News

Winners by design (12th July 2007)

The BSIF's Product Innovation Awards 2007 proved an outstanding success with a record number of entries, innovative products and services, a new category of Award and delighted winners who recognise the marketing benefits the awards will bring to their companies...

From Newsletter Stories

The safety case against reverse eAuctions (6th July 2007)

The BSIF Distributor Association has been increasingly concerned about the results achieved, through the bidding process of Reverse eAuctions...

From Newsletter Stories

BSIF offers support for safety show (6th July 2007)

The BSIF will be offering support for British exhibitors at this year's A+A in Dussledorf, Germany from the 18th - 21st September...

From Newsletter Stories

Making the grade (6th July 2007)

If you've ever had doubts whether a product meets the CE standard or matches the claims the supplier has made, the BSIF is here to help...

From Newsletter Stories

Respiratory fit testers accreditation scheme (4th July 2007)

BSIF has been concerned that the quality of Respiratory Fit Test provision has, on occasions, been below an acceptable standard, risking injury and death...

From Newsletter Stories

From the secretary’s desk (1st June 2007)

The fact that the seasonal weather is not as predicable as usual will not change the desire of most people to take their annual holidays in July and August...

From BSIF News

Safety passports: ‘Not all they seem’ (1st June 2007)

The BSIF believes that because Site Safety Passports are based on a ‘qualification’ rather than an ‘accreditation’ principle there is often a serious lack of competence which contributes to incidents and injuries.

From BSIF News

LOBBYING FOR CHANGE (1st June 2007)

Hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety, which the Federation sponsors, the BSIF mounted a reception at the House of Commons to lobby for parliamentary support for several issues which, it believes, need national solutions. Michael Clapham, Chair of the APG, welcomed MPs and guests and invited Geoff Hooke of the BSIF to make a brief address.

From BSIF News

Competence matters (1st June 2007)

The BSIF believes it is now important that clients of safety professionals and employers of safety specialists should have a more simple and accurate process to evaluate the people they are to engage to provide them with safety advice.

From BSIF News

INNOVATION AWARDS (1st June 2007)

The BSIF presented its Innovation Awards at a special luncheon within the Safety and Health Expo at the NEC this year.

From BSIF News

2007: Winners by design (1st June 2007)

The BSIF's Product Innovation Awards 2007 proved an outstanding success with a record number of entries, innovative products and services, a new category of Award and delighted winners who recognise the marketing benefits

From Safety first

Welcome to the BSIF e:newsletter (8th May 2007)

Now in its thirteen year, the British Safety Industry Federation [BSIF] has already established its position as the major, independent voice of the British safety industry...

From Newsletter Stories

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety & Health (8th May 2007)

On Tuesday 15th May, Michael Clapham MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety & Health is hosting a British Safety Industry Federation reception...

From Newsletter Stories

Customer Service in the Safety Industry (8th May 2007)

British Gas has recently been highly criticised for poor service and off-shore call centres are creating strong debate. But how is the Safety Industry doing...

From Newsletter Stories

Product Innovation Awards (8th May 2007)

The BSIF is keen to encourage the development of new products which will contribute to improvements in occupational safety and launched its Product Innovation Award scheme, to reward the “best” suppliers in the health and safety industry...

From Newsletter Stories

Select suitable sorbent (1st April 2007)

Liquid oil and chemical spills are normally viewed in the light of their environmental consequences with little regard to safety hazards. Now, triggered by indications that the incidence of dermatitis and adverse effects of h

From Premises

Innovation awards announced (5th February 2007)

If you have a product or service which has made a significant contribution to workplace safety you could be in the running to pick up a BSIF Safety and Health Product and service innovation award...

From Newsletter Stories

Safety & Health Expo (1st April 2006)

9-11 May 2006 NEC Birmingham

From Training

Better understanding of Sorbents required (1st October 2005)

The BSIF Sorbent Manufacturers Group is highly active in seeking to improve the safety of personnel responsible for handling liquid spills. In addition to initiating a development of BS 7959 [part 3] to assist identification of the right Sorbent to u

From News

2005 - QUITE SIMPLY THE BEST NETWORKING DAY YET (1st October 2005)

The BSIF Networking Day has now established itself as the safety industry’s event of the year and the 2005 gathering took place on 26th September at the Forest of Arden Hotel near to Birmingham.

From News

The way forward (1st October 2005)

Over the coming months, the BSIF is to embark on a restructuring programme to refresh its ability to better serve the safety industry and its members. At its recent Annual General Meeting, Sir John Cullen, President of the BSIF, announced the wider v

From News

Selection and Use of PPE (1st October 2005)

The BSIF programme, designed to improve the selection and use of PPE, has now advanced to the stage when Stakeholder meetings are to take place shortly. The objective is to define solutions to reduce the number of incidents involving PPE resulting fr

From News

Skin Protection Campaign to be launched before Christmas. (1st October 2005)

The joint activity between the BSIF and the HSE has now engaged with other learnéd institutions to ensure that their Skin Protection Campaign will be effective in reducing the incidence of work related dermatitis. Any organisation which has an intere

From News

Anti-static Filters (1st October 2005)

The intense activity which followed the research in France, which questioned the use of anti-static respiratory filters in certain workplace situations, has ceased to be front-page news but the situation and the solution is an active discussion item

From News

From the secretary’s desk (1st October 2005)

As is usual in any commercial environment, the Autumn is always full of activity - the kids have gone back to school and projects need to be started and progressed before the extended closure for the Festive Season. This is no different within the sa

From News

BSIF Tribute (25th August 2005)

The BSIF would like to pay tribute to John Howard, OBE, the CEO of RoSPA, who recently died suddenly. John was highly respected as a major contributor to improvements in occupational health and safety over the past 20 years and coupled this with an e

From News

News in Brief (20th August 2005)

BSIF Establishes closer links with NEBOSH The recent consolidation within academia to create a more focused “business streaming” within Awarding Bodies has resulted in OCR moving away from health and safety specific awards and qualifications. This ha

From News

From the secretary’s desk (20th August 2005)

Within the Safety Industry there was a general confidence apparent during the first half of 2005 and there now appears to be a greater focus on business volumes and profitability than was evident earlier this year. Recent reports that the manufacturi

From News

The problem of compensation culture (20th August 2005)

The BSIF is naturally delighted with the greater emphasis on health and safety and the general awareness of this issue by the general public. The downside is that there is now an attempt by the media to ridicule excessive reactions, for claims compan

From News

From the secretary’s desk (1st February 2005)

With the national dailies regularly predicting a May General Election, there seems to be a flurry of activity on the regulatory front as Government departments now appear to be seeking to resolve a wide range of regulatory items. Over the past month,

From News

Need for improved safety handling liquid spills (1st February 2005)

The recent Oil Storage Regulations seek to ensure that the environment is not adversely affected by spillages from oil storage installations. Other regulations are likely to be brought in in the near future to place duties on companies to have proced

From News

Farms and kids don’t mix (1st February 2005)

The combination of farms and children is often an accident waiting to happen. Children can see the farmyard as a wonderful playground and are blissfully unaware of the dangers posed by farm vehicles, falling from height, drowning or playing with mach

From News

Industry needs ‘private sector’ accreditation (1st February 2005)

While the UK education system may not hold all the answers, it does have in place a range of standards for the curriculum and regular checks, by an independent authority, on the quality of the teaching and the qualifications achieved by students righ

From News

Bob Simpson – an obituary (1st February 2005)

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Bob Simpson in December.

From News

Boil & Bite Mouthguards (1st December 2004)

There has been some confusion as to whether these products fall within the scope of the PPE Regulations following a number of recent enquiries. The current view is that these are indeed PPE and that as they are not specifically mentioned in the exclu

From News

Corporate Killing (1st December 2004)

The BSIF welcomes the inclusion in the Queen’s speech of an intention for the Government to bring into law legislation on Corporate Killing. It is a little disappointing that it is unlikely to incorporate personal responsibilities on Directors or the

From News

PPE at Work Regs (1st December 2004)

The HSE has advised that it is to review the current guidance on the PPE in Work Regulations and is now seeking industry comment. Any reader wishing to comment is invited to contact the Editor, the BSIF or the HSE Direct

From News

From the secretary’s desk (1st December 2004)

Looking forward to the festive season, the BSIF wishes its members, friends and readers a Happy Christmas and a prosperous, successful and safe New Year.

From News

Electro-static filters - the thin end of the wedge (1st December 2004)

The decision by France to unilaterally seek to exclude electro-static filters from use at work for respiratory protection unless they are able to satisfy a significantly more onerous testing regime is seen as a major issue by most UK and European sup

From News

Export support at risk (1st December 2004)

Recent political activities have resulted in a government desire to trim the future budgets within the DTI and the axe appears to be falling on the SESA scheme run by UK Trade & Investments. This will affect every industry sector within the UK that r

From News

Advice on skin disease (1st December 2004)

The HSE is currently developing its Chemicals Programme and, within this, there is a special project designed to provide employers with easy read, understandable advice on how to prevent the incidence of industrial skin diseases.

From News

Skin, work creams - should they be PPE (1st December 2004)

The matter of whether Skin Creams [or Work Creams] should be considered as PPE was raised again recently.

From News

Safety & Health Enforcement (1st December 2004)

The forward strategy published by the HSC includes an objective to make greater use of local authority enforcement officers in respect of health and safety.

From News

From the secretary’s desk (1st October 2004)

The usual intensity of activity at this time of the year has seen the BSIF in Singapore and China at trade events, supporting its members’ exporting activities, attending the political party conferences for the first time and participating in the acc

From News

HSE/BSIF forum issues progress (1st October 2004)

The HSE/BSIF Forum was established recently to assist an informal dialogue towards the achievement of mutual objectives.

From News

Good advice when using Fall Arrestors (1st August 2004)

The Personal Safety Manufacturers Association (PSMA) working group HASG are keen to advise readers that there is the possibility of catastrophic failure if Retractable Fall Arrestors [to EN 360] are used incorrectly in the workplace.

From News

INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM (1st August 2004)

Over the last few weeks the BSIF has been directly engaged in assisting the training of the commercial officers based in overseas consulates. Working in conjunction with UK Trade and Investments [DTI], a dedicated safety industry programme was genera

From News

BSIF NEWS - From the secretarys desk (1st August 2004)

The Autumn is usually a busy time with people returning from holidays motivated to complete jobs and projects before the weather changes. This is particularly relevant to the agriculture and construction industries as the first frosts can be especial

From News

in-brief: (1st August 2004)

Darcy are first company to achieve the BSIF Training Quality Mark.

From News

Progress on new PPE directive (1st August 2004)

The EU Commission in Brussels is now much closer to producing the formal draft for the new PPE Directive and it is hoped that this will be available at their next meeting, towards the end of September.

From News

From the secretarys desk (1st June 2004)

The recent spell of clement weather and the approaching holiday season together bring with them their own safety and health risk. The end of term feeling and warm working conditions will naturally lead to a lack of concentration by those carrying out

From News

VAT for PPE is unfair to the self-employed (1st June 2004)

The BSIF has been campaigning for some time now on the need to eliminate VAT on personal protective equipment [PPE]. Whilst most companies will reclaim their VAT as a normal procedure much PPE is used by the self-employed and for sport and leisure by

From News

BSIF - In Brief (1st April 2004)

Dont Miss the BSIF Networking Day

From News

Insurance premiums better system needed (1st April 2004)

For some time now the BSIF has been concerned at the way insurance companies set their premiums in respect of employee liabilities. Over the past year or so, business insurance premiums have risen substantially and, while there is no official informa

From News

BSIF PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARDS 2004 (1st April 2004)

The BSIFs annual awards scheme mounted in conjunction with the organisers of the Safety & Health Expo [CMP Information Limited] encourages manufactures and providers of safety products and services towards the continual development of products that w

From News

BSIF NEWS - From the secretarys desk (1st April 2004)

Now that the clocks have changed and there is an increase in daylight hours there will be an increase in the work carried out in both agriculture and construction. The BSIF has targeted these as key industry sectors for attention as both contribute s

From News

BSIF News - More clarity for selecting spillage products (1st February 2004)

The BSIF Sorbent Manufacturers Group played a major role in generating BS7959 to standardise the ways in which sorbent products are tested in establishing performance criteria. This, coupled with the Groups Code of Practice, should ensure that it is

From News

BSIF News in Brief (1st February 2004)

BSIF Guide & Handbook 2004-2005

From News

BARCODES FOR SAFETY PRODUCTS (1st February 2004)

The BSIF Distributor Association has, for several years, sought to encourage manufacturers to use standard barcodes on their safety products and equipment. Their motivation is clear in that it is these codes that are ideally used in this electronic a

From News

PPE directive progress (1st February 2004)

During the process of developing the formal draft for the PPE Directive, some ten new member states will join the EU. While this in itself could cause some delays in this amended Directive being brought into force, the current time table expects that

From News

BSIF News - From the secretarys desk (1st February 2004)

As we enter 2004, BSIFs 10th Anniversary year, it is interesting to reflect on how far we have come since twelve companies met in 1994 to create the British Safety Industry Federation. The dedication and enthusiasm of members over the past ten years

From News

BSIF News - From the secretarys desk (1st December 2003)

With the end of the year fast approaching and thoughts turning to the Festive Season, I am sure that we are all looking forward to a successful New Year for the Safety Industry.

From News

NEW FINANCIAL SUPPORT RULES TO BE REVIEWED (1st December 2003)

Following the announcement that companies with more that 25% of their shares owned by large enterprises will be disqualified from receiving government financial support to assist their exporting activities, a number of concerns have generated a re-th

From News

2004 Other export opportunities (1st December 2003)

Pursuing its programme of government supported export opportunities, the BSIF has secured sponsor status for five exhibitions next year [including SICUR in February].

From News

BSIF News in Brief (1st December 2003)

Who wants the Keymark?

From News

NETWORKING DAY - THE BEST YET (1st October 2003)

With over 100 senior managers from within the safety industry taking part, the 7th BSIF Networking Day, took place at the Mottram Hall near Manchester and proved to be the best yet. This event, providing opportunities for managers across the safety i

From News

BSIF News in Brief (1st October 2003)

Standards - What presumption of Conformity

From News

Questioning insurance premiums (1st October 2003)

The BSIF has long supported the strengthening of health and safety law and was one of the first proposers that directors and senior managers should be held personally responsible if their employees are injured through their negligence of lack of atte

From News