PPE Certification

Normally, the selection of the appropriate type of PPE is made after risk assessments have been carried out by qualified personnel generally known as safety engineers. However, it has been observed that in some institutions and enterprises, persons responsible for the purchase of PPE are not adequately trained to make decisions regarding the selection of appropriate types of PPE.

Awareness of the importance of using quality PPE is extremely low among workers; hence most institutions buy sub-standard products for their workers which exposes them to additional hazards (Ghana News Agency, 2004).

Role of IAS in PPE Product Certification

The Integrated Assessment Services (IAS) is a third-party assessment and certification body that provides certification based on test reports and results. IAS provides services to both enterprises and products and has been doing so for over 14 years.

IAS has a well-established Quality Management System that is based on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17000:2004 and conforms to international best practices. The IAS’s PPE Product Certification services are available in three major categories: ballistic products, biological safety products, and sound reduction earmuffs. In addition, IAS offers PPE Product Certification for the following types of products:

• Firefighters’ protective coatings (liquid, powders)
• Personal protective clothing (contact lenses/safety glasses, face shields, welding helmets, goggles, gloves)
• Safety footwear (boots and shoes)
• Respiratory protection equipment (airway devices, air purifying, supplied-air respirators)
• Rescue equipment (first aid kit product certification, stretchers/lifts, rescue harnesses).

Benefits of PPE Certification

Reliable product safety information to protect users and others exposed to hazardous products. Reduction in product design cycle time, resulting in faster market entry and lower cost of goods. Improved ability to market products based on performance characteristics rather than price alone. A visible quality mark that enables consumers to clearly understand the product certification status.

Who Can Benefit from IAS’s Product Certification Services?

PPE manufacturers, distributors, and users who are interested in promoting their products based on product safety can benefit from IAS’s PPE Product Certification services.

In conclusion, IAS’s PPE Product Certification services provide the following benefits to the customers:

• Reliability of information on product safety
• Reduction in manufacturing cycle time – faster market entry and low cost of goods
• Improved ability to market products based on performance characteristics rather than price alone. Visible quality mark that enables consumers to clearly understand the product certification status.

For more information on PPE Product Certification services by the IAS, please contact at enquiry@iascertification.com

How to Apply

• Finalize the product for which you need to obtain certification like different products or same product with range to be certified
• Contact us with the completed Application form to discuss about the details of certification.
• Submission of first documentation by manufacturer/trader (Based on Certification standard, including test certificates)
• Ensure that the documentation fulfill the compliance requirement.
• Audit the product to ensure the product meets the standard requirements.
• Submission of final documentation along with additional clarifications, if any.
• Final document evaluation and recommendation.
• Award of certification of Compliance.