PPE Fails Rampant In British Roofing Industry.
PPE can protect roofers from hazards, but only if it can do the things it claims to do. In the UK, that’s a big “if.” Between December 2021 and December 2022, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) found a shocking 85% of PPE products they tested failed to meet the regulatory criteria. Worse, the most recent testing between December 2023 and December 2024 found that only 10% of the products in the study were fully compliant. That’s a 90% fail rate. Even more troubling was that in the head protection, eye and face protection, and fall protection categories, 100% of the products tested failed the assessment. Many of those substandard products are still available for purchase.
While these studies tested only “BISF non-member” suppliers, it’s still an alarming result; one that reveals there are many unscrupulous suppliers out to make a buck (or a pound) without any regards to the quality of their product or the safety of their customers. Fortunately, here in the U.S., things are different. Or are they?
While we may not have published such appalling fail rates of PPE available here in the states, that doesn’t mean they aren’t here. In fact, bad PPE is everywhere. Unless you are careful in your purchases, you could be at risk.
Blatantly cheap products are usually easy to spot, but others may fool you, especially if they are purposefully counterfeit. Here are some helpful tips on how to not get scammed into compromising your safety.
1. Look for Recognized Certifications
- OSHA Compliance (U.S.) – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets PPE standards for construction.
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute) – ANSI-rated equipment meets rigorous testing requirements, but those are easily skirted or misrepresented as you can see from this excellent article from FallTech.
- CSA (Canada) – The Canadian Standards Association certifies PPE for safety compliance.
2. Buy from Trusted Brands and Suppliers
- Stick to established brands like 3M, Honeywell, FallTech, Guardian, and Klein Tools. (This is not a complete list.)
- Purchase from reputable retailers such as Grainger, Fastenal, and certified safety equipment suppliers rather than random online stores.
3. Verify Third-Party Testing
- Many PPE manufacturers submit their products to third-party labs like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or TUV for testing. Look for such approvals.
- Check for NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approval on respirators and other safety gear.
4. Check for Counterfeits
- Buy directly from manufacturers or authorized dealers.
- Inspect labels, serial numbers, and certification marks.
- Be wary of deals that seem too cheap—counterfeit PPE is a big issue in online marketplaces.
5. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
- Other roofers can provide insight on which brands hold up in real-world conditions.
- Join industry forums or Facebook groups for roofing professionals to get trusted recommendations.
6. Request Documentation and Testing Reports
- Legitimate manufacturers should provide testing reports, compliance certificates, and safety ratings upon request.
- If a company refuses or provides vague answers, that’s a red flag.
7. Stay Updated on Safety Recalls
- Follow OSHA, NIOSH, and manufacturer websites for recall notices and safety warnings.
At Marco, we don’t sell PPE, but we believe your safety should be a top priority. That’s why finding reliable PPE is crucial. Low-quality gear can put your safety at risk. It’s worth taking the extra time to make sure you and your crew are doing the job as safely and responsibly as possible.
To learn more about Marco, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact Marco directly, you can email or call 1-800-800-8590.
