Inclusive, effective PPE
The British Standards Institution (BSI) offers practical, person-centred guidance in a new publication.
BS 30417, Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), is a new British Standard working toward ensuring PPE is inclusive, effective and equitable for every worker.
Diverse workforces have often encountered ill-fitting PPE, a common issue that can pose serious safety risks and undermine confidence at work. While some manufacturers and employers are working to develop more inclusive offerings, in most cases, gender, ethnic or cultural/religious considerations are not fully taken into account, nor are disabilities catered for.
This British Standard is intended to encourage a move away from unisex and ‘one-size-fits-all’ PPE. It provides guidance to organisations and individuals involved in the purchasing, supply and use of PPE to ensure the needs and requirements of diverse workforces are accommodated.
