PPE Certification

As market leaders in the testing and certification of respiratory products, we work with some of the best-known manufacturers in this field to help bring their products to market. Our team of testing experts are based at our center of excellence, Kitemark House, and our testing laboratories contain state-of-the-art test rigs capable of testing to the new ISO 17420 suite of standards.

We can help you to gain European and UK market access as all respiratory equipment must undergo Type Examination using a Notified Body before CE Marking can be affixed and an Approved Body for UKCA marking to the PPE Regulation 2016/425, which BSI can help in both of these processes.

To differentiate your products, we can also help you gain BSI Kitemark certification, one of the best-known independent marks of quality.

We can also offer market access solutions for Australasia and the UAE.
We are the first test house to offer testing to the ISO 17420 suite of standards as well as traditional ENs; our testing capabilities include:

• Breathing resistance
• Filter penetration (solids and liquids)
• Total inward Leakage (TIL)
• CO2 build-up
• Flammability
• Dust clogging
• Field of vision
• Mechanical strength and performance testing
• Gas capacity testing

Advances in the technology of respiratory products mean that they may now incorporate headwear, eyewear, or hearing protection, and some products may also incorporate electronic devices. We can provide a complete testing solution for these requirements to help you be compliant with your product development requirements.

Respiratory products we can test include:

• Half/quarter masks
• Gas filters & combined filters
• Particle filters
• Filtering half masks to protect against particles
• Powered hoods and helmets
• Powered air for full/half masks
• Valved combined filtering half masks
• Full face masks - class 1, 2, or 3
• Self-contained breathing apparatus
• Fresh air hose for use with face masks
• Continuous flow compressed airline breathing apparatus
• Self-contained breathing apparatus escape masks
• Self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatus with escape hood
• Respiratory for use in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards

Recognize any of the above? Let us assure your procures, that your products are certified. Get started here >

Excessive noise is prevalent in many industries as well as personal pursuits. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 places the level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones at 85 decibels (average/daily exposure). The level at which employers must make a workers' risk assessment and provide information and training is now 80 decibels. There is also a ceiling of 87 decibels (taking into account hearing protection) above which workers should not be exposed.

We can certify a wide range of hearing protection equipment to ensure compliance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation 2016/425.

Hearing protection is a Category III product, and BSI can provide on-going surveillance to Module C2 and D of the PPE Regulation. We can also provide  Kitemark certification for these products to help you demonstrate the quality and differentiate your products.

Ear protection products we can arrange to test include:

• Ear-muffs
• Ear-plugs
• Helmet mounted ear-muffs
• Level dependent ear-muffs
• Active noise reduction ear-muffs
• Ear-muffs with electrical audio input
• Level dependant ear-plugs

Certify your hearing products with BSI in our one-stop-shop certification process, register, and speak to an expert here > 

The PPE Regulation 2016/425 for CE and UKCA marking usually classifies eyewear as that of Category II design and is graded according to the level of protection it provides. Some eyewear is Category III, where they protect against electrical hazards, and again, we can offer ongoing Notified and Approved Body services.

Eye protection products we can test include:

• Personal eye protection such as spectacles, goggles, and face screens
• Welding filters
• Ultraviolet filters
• Infrared filters
• Sun glare filters for industrial use
• Welder's eye and face protection
• Mesh face screens
• Sunglasses and sun glare filters
• Visors for vehicle users

Our experts can get you started on your certification journey; register to have someone reach out to you here >

Any hand protection, like gloves that offer some form of protection for the wearer, will fall within the scope of the PPE Regulation 2016/425 for CE and UKCA marking. Depending on the protection provided depends on the classification of the glove.

Hand protection products we can test and certify include:

• Water leak for microorganism protection
• Air leak for microorganism protection
• Sizing
• Dexterity
• Chemical permeation and degradation
• Mechanical tests
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Blade cut
  • Tear resistance
  • Puncture resistance
• Thermal protection; heat & flame and cold
• Electrical protection

Gain access to markets, and assure global workforces of your product's quality through certification here >

When it comes to head protection, trust is paramount. Whether you're a firefighter rushing into a burning building, a police officer on the front lines of a riot, or an adventurous cyclist speeding down a mountain, the right helmet can be the difference between life and serious injury. We understand the gravity of this responsibility, which is why we're dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of helmet impact protection certification.

Examples of impact protection equipment and the standards we test them against:

• Emergency response head protection for firefighters: Firefighters face extreme conditions, making their headgear vital. Certified helmets for emergency responders comply with NFPA 1971 and EN 443 standards to withstand intense heat and impact.
• Riot helmets for police use: Law enforcement officers require robust head protection. Riot helmets are tested against ASTM F2178 and EN 166 to create resistance against projectiles and chemical agents.
• Cycling/skateboarding/rollerblading helmets: For sports enthusiasts, safety is paramount. Helmets for these activities adhere to CPSC, EN 1078, and ASTM F1447 standards, ensuring optimal protection during high-speed rides.
• Head protectors for cricketers and rugby players: Sports like cricket and rugby demand specialized headgear. Certified helmets meet the BS 7928 and IRB (now World Rugby) standards, safeguarding athletes from impact-related injuries.
• Helmets for Equestrian (Horse Riding) Activities: Riders need head protection built to withstand falls and impacts. Helmets conforming to PAS 015 and ASTM F1163 provide the required safety levels.
• Industrial safety helmets and bump caps: Industrial settings pose unique hazards. Helmets adhere to EN 397 for impact resistance and EN 812 for bump cap standards, ensuring worker safety.
• Helmets for airborne sports, mountaineering, and climbing: Adventurers in extreme environments rely on helmets that meet UIAA, EN 12492, and ASTM F1492 standards to protect against falls, rock impacts, and more.
• Helmets for alpine skiers and snowboarders: Skiing and snowboarding helmets are tested against ASTM F2040 and EN 1077, safeguarding against collisions and falls on the slopes.

Protect lives and heads, provide evidence of quality and safety with certification, register, and have an expert get you started >

Footwear is a crucial line of defense in many professions and activities. Whether working on a construction site, riding a motorcycle, or battling blazes as a firefighter, the right footwear can make all the difference. We take your safety seriously and are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of footwear protection certification are manufactured. 

Examples of footwear protection equipment and the standards we test them against:

• Protective footwear: From steel-toed boots for construction workers to slip-resistant shoes for kitchen staff, protective footwear is a must. Certified options comply with EN ISO 20345 and ASTM F2413 standards, providing protection against impacts and other workplace hazards.
• Electrical insulation footwear: Electricians and workers in electrical environments need footwear that provides insulation against electrical hazards. Footwear is tested and certified to meet EN 50321-1 and ASTM F2412 standards to protect against electrical shock.
• Occupational footwear: Various professions have unique safety requirements. Occupational footwear is certified against specific standards such as EN ISO 20347 and ASTM F2892 for roles like healthcare, hospitality, and laboratory settings.
• Forestry footwear: Forestry workers face the risk of falling objects and chainsaw-related accidents. BSI-certified forestry footwear adheres to EN ISO 17249 and ASTM F2413 standards, ensuring safety in rugged environments.
• Footwear for motorcyclists: Motorcycle enthusiasts need protection on the road. Certified motorcycle footwear complies with EN 13634 and ASTM F2413 standards, offering impact resistance and abrasion protection.
• Footwear for firefighters: Firefighters require specialized boots that can withstand extreme heat and protect against hazardous materials. Certified firefighting boots meet NFPA 1971 and EN 15090 standards, ensuring safety in the most demanding conditions. 

Provide assurance of your protective footwear products' quality and safety, and have an expert to help get you started here >

In demanding work environments, safety isn't just a priority; it's a necessity. Protective workwear is your first line of defense against potential hazards. Whether you're on a construction site, working at heights, or in a situation where visibility is crucial, We are here to ensure the highest standards of protective workwear certification.

Examples of protective workwear and the standards we test them against:

• Hi-Vis jackets: In low-light conditions or high-traffic areas, visibility is key. Certification of hi-vis jackets meets EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107 standards, ensuring you remain visible and safe.
• Fall arrest equipment: When working at heights, fall arrest equipment is your lifeline. BSI-certified fall arrest gear complies with EN 361 and ANSI/ASSE Z359 standards, providing protection in the event of a fall.
• Harnesses: Safety harnesses are essential for anyone working in elevated positions. Certification harnesses adhere to EN 361 and ANSI/ASSE Z359 standards, ensuring secure anchorage and support.
• Connecting devices: Strong and reliable connecting devices are crucial components of fall arrest systems. Certification connectors meet EN 362 and ANSI/ASSE Z359 standards, assure secure connections and prevent accidents.

Cover all areas of quality and safety and create an opportunity procurers can’t turn down; speak to an expert here >

Testing and certifying your personal protective equipment with BSI helps you to gain market access for your products. Our globally recognized certifications reassure manufacturers and consumers that products are safe and resilient. Our Kitemark certification has been recognized as a symbol of outstanding quality, safety, and trust for over 120 years, empowering brands to showcase their achievements on products, packaging, and marketing materials.

Simply fill out the form and someone will be in touch