The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is the leading trade body within the safety industry. It has some 160 members ranging from manufacturers and distributors, through to test houses, certification bodies and safety professionals.
The Federation is the Lead Association for the PPE Regulations in the UK [as designated by the DTi] and is recognised as a Competent Authority by the Health & Safety Executive. It has active links with many government departments and over 130 representative Trade Bodies.
As such the BSIF is probably the best source of general information on most matters connected with occupational health and safety and we take very seriously our public service role of assisting companies to comply with and conform to the current health and safety regulations.
The membership of the BSIF is accommodated in seven independent Trade Associations. Further details can be found on the BSIF's website. In addition, the BSIF has set up a number of Product Groups to provide a focus for improving standards and promoting the correct use of PPE.
The BSIF Height Safety Group (HSG) has for many years been at the forefront of promoting responsible use of fall protection equipment and improved standards for manufacturers, with a number of members representing the BSIF HSG on European Standards committees and also HSE's ACWHAT and ACR groups.
Through BSIF's close links with the DTI and other government departments, we are able to add pressure when required to ensure that action is taken to prevent the possible implementation of suspect standards or lobby at the highest levels for improvements and safeguard actions.
David Ritches of Safety Squared is a key member of HSG and has been responsible for carrying out testing of height safety equipment and systems and also writing a number of important research documents for the HSE. David is currently employed with continued research projects and test procedure improvements and is one of the UK's foremost height safety experts.
The members of the BSIF HSG are able to offer sound impartial advice on subjects as far ranging as height safety systems design and installation, risk assessment and training to equipment selection and inspection and onsite maintenance.
Not limited to manufacturers only membership, BSIF HSG has a well rounded skill base and removes any product bias that may be an unfortunate and inescapable issue for some other groups.
When you contact BSIF HSG members you will be in 'safe hands'. Please visit the BSIF website for more information.
