The British Standards Institution (BSI) has embarked on an important initiative by announcing a public consultation for its draft standard on inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE). This consultation is aimed at ensuring the standard remains relevant, clear, and technically accurate, all with the goal of promoting equitable access to safety clothing and equipment. The process will allow various stakeholders, including end users and technical experts, to review and provide feedback on the new proposed standards.
The public consultation is set to run from February 28 until April 28, 2025, opening the door for feedback from anyone with knowledge or interest, particularly those who use or manufacture PPE. This initiative is part of continued efforts to improve safety and inclusivity within industries where PPE is necessary.
The drafting of this new standard commenced in 2024 and is built on the foundation of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)'s #PPEthatfits campaign, which was launched with the aim of addressing inequalities related to the provision of PPE. Over the last six months, BSI has engaged with more than 30 individuals—including end users, health and safety professionals, and manufacturers—to discuss their insights and experiences, which have played a significant role in shaping the proposed standards.
Natalie Wilson, chair of BSI’s drafting panel for the new standard, emphasized the importance of defining what inclusive PPE truly means. "Inclusive PPE, for us, is PPE... correctly fitting PPE for all wearers," she stated. She elaborated, pointing out, “The PPE should provide the required levels of personal protection without creating an obvious point of difference between wearers or inadvertently creating secondary risks or hazards, including trips, falls, and snagging.” This focus on safety and accessibility is at the heart of the BSI's latest efforts.
After gathering feedback during the consultation period, BSI will compile the input received and review it thoroughly. Sara Gibbs, the standards development manager at BSI, highlighted the significance of public participation, saying, “Input [from stakeholders during the public commenting stage] is so important. It helps us shape... effective standards.” This collaborative approach not only enhances the standards but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among those involved.
The BSI hopes to finalize and publish this standard shortly after the consultation concludes, reinforcing their commitment to creating safer work environments through equitable access to high-quality PPE. By actively seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders, BSI is leading the charge for inclusivity and safety, ensuring all individuals have access to protective equipment suited to their needs. This is not just about compliance; it's about real-world application and impact.
This proposed inclusive PPE standard is particularly relevant as many industries are becoming increasingly aware of the different needs of their workforce, which includes recognizing the varying sizes, shapes, and requirements of PPE materials. By establishing comprehensive guidelines, BSI is not only aiming to improve safety standards but also contributing to the broader conversation about inclusivity within the industry.
Overall, the inclusive PPE standard initiative presents both opportunities and challenges. It requires industries to acknowledge and address historical inadequacies and strive for improvements with the help of collective input. The BSI demonstrates leadership by fostering public engagement and transparency within the development of these standards. Such measures are expected to move the needle closer toward universally accessible and protective work environments.