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Arcoservices > Health and Safety News > Beware of fake safety helmets, PPE experts warn

Beware of fake safety helmets, PPE experts warn

A UK trade body has issued a stark warning about safety helmets available on the international market that do not meet British and European standards, and which are described as “extremely dangerous”.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) said that helmets under the brand name ‘Burly’ and ‘MkII’ – believed to be of Asian origin – are copies of the well-known MKII® safety helmet made by British manufacturer JSP Ltd. The “counterfeit and subs-standard” helmets do not meet the requirements of European standard EN397, says the BSIF, which adds that “they should not be worn and should be destroyed immediately”.

According to the BSIF, the outer shell of the helmets can be split in half simply by using pressure from the hands (see photo). They are easily identifiable from the marks ‘Burly’ and ‘MkII’ under the peak (see photo).

Oxford-based JSP, which has manufactured its MKII helmet for more than 35 years, said all its helmets not only comply with but exceed relevant international performance standards.

The company’s director of technical support, Matthew Judson, advised users how to spot a fake helmet: “They should make sure JSP’s name is branded into the helmet, and ensure that the user information leaflet is original – not a photocopy that is not square on the page – correctly spelled, in multiple languages, and with the manufacturer’s contact details listed.

“They should examine the helmet closely for consistency of colour, clarity and legibility of markings and make sure it is durable.

“If you suspect a helmet is fake, give us a call and we will send someone out to have a look at it, or take it back to the place you bought it from,” he concluded.

The BSIF says counterfeit personal protective equipment is on the increase, with well-established brands and designs being targeted. To help combat the problem it has introduced the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS). The scheme ensures that all PPE is tested to the known performance requirement as stipulated by CE standards and that sources of products are recognised and reputable.