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Is your PPE safe?

By April 24, 2020No Comments

How do you know if your PPE is safe?

At a time when PPE is extremely scarce, there is a huge amount of pressure on purchasing teams and individuals to not only source PPE (which is getting increasingly more challenging), but with more and more fake PPE hitting the UK market this is getting even harder.

So how do you ensure PPE products are safe? In order to provide maximum protection for the individuals wearing them, products must meet specific safety standards, as recommended by the British Standards Institute, such as:

  1. Does the product bear the CE marking?
  2. Does the product have instructions in the language you require it in and that you can understand?
  3. Can the supplier ensure storage and transportation of goods does not jeopardise its conformity to the CE standard?

fake or real?

Fake masks - how to spot a fake

Counterfeit masks are a massive problem right now. Some of the counterfeit masks really do look like the real deal but are unlikely to offer the level of protection that is promised. Use this checklist to ensure any products you purchase are fit for purpose and safe for your staff.

 

FFP2 and FFP3 Masks must have:

  1. Manufacturers Declaration of Conformity
  2. Module B EU Type Examination Certificate
  3. User instruction sheet in English
  4. CE Marking on product & packaging

*For Covid 19 there has been a special exemption to fast track PPE. If the importer has a valid certificate of exemption from a recognised notified body, then they can sell product without a CE mark.

Surgical Masks must have:

  1. Manufacturers Declaration of Conformity
  2. CE mark on packaging
  3. User instruction sheet in English

BSI has made a series of European Standards (ENs) for medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak available on their website, which cover face mask, medical gloves and protective clothing: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/medical-devices-ppe/

Murray uniforms would like to reassure all of our customers that our products meet these necessary standards at all times.

For enquiries about ordering PPE, please contact Andy or Ken on 02476 587980 or email sales@murray-uniforms.co.uk.

Keep safe and well.

www.murrayuniforms.com