BSI : BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION
The countdown is on to the new PPE Regulation
Bob Wells , Global Head of Personal Safety provides an overview of BSI and explains why the PPE regulation should be high on the agenda in 2017 .
BSI
( British Standards Institution ) is the business standards company that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence . Formed in 1901 , we were the world ’ s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization ( ISO ).
Over a century later we continue to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping our clients drive performance , manage risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards , many of which BSI originated . We publish nearly 2,900 standards annually . These standards address the most pressing issues of today from information security to energy management ; spanning sectors including Aerospace , Automotive , Built Environment , Food , Healthcare and IT . Standards are voluntary – it is not a legal requirement to implement them , however they can help organisations to comply with regulations depending on the industry in which they operate .
BSI is also renowned for our marks of excellence including the consumer recognized BSI Kitemark™ , which today ranks amongst the UK ’ s most trusted brands and can be seen on thousands of products - from fire extinguishers to horse riding helmets .
In the PPE world , our main focus at the moment is guiding clients through the changes that are occurring as the PPE Directive changes into a Regulation in April 2018 . PPE can be defined as “ equipment designed and manufactured to be worn or held by a person for protection against one or more risks to that person ’ s health or safety ”. From domestic DIY environments , right through to heavy industries and fire fighting applications , PPE is vital for safety .
To meet legislation requirements in the EU , PPE manufacturers must ensure their products conform to the relevant National , European or International Standard or to a Technical Specification and are CE marked to the PPE Directive 89 / 686 / EEC .
The PPE Directive 89 / 686 / EEC is a fundamental piece of European legislation relating to occupational safety throughout Europe . The PPE Directive was one of the first New Approach Directives and is now over 20 years old . In order to reflect current technologies and processes for developing and bringing PPE to the market , it has been updated . It is also important to bring it in line with other Directives that have undergone a revision in recent years �.
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HSE INTERNATIONAL