How to evaluate PPE quality before you buy: SMI workwear buying guide

Are you tired of ordering PPE online that fails to meet your expectations?

Low-quality workwear can reduce your team’s productivity and put them at greater risk of sustaining an injury at work.

At SMI, we understand the importance of high-quality workwear that meets HSE standards. If you’re fed up with returning ill-fitting, underperforming, and non-compliant PPE, we’re here to help.

We’ve put together this guide so you know what to look out for when ordering PPE.

WHY HIGH-QUALITY PPE MATTERS 

High-quality workwear and protective equipment are key to your team’s safety, comfort, and morale.  

Keep your workforce well protected by always providing PPE manufactured to industry standards. 

Compliant workwear is tested and certified to strict regulations to keep workers as safe as possible while they’re on the job. 

Order compliant PPE to reduce the risk of:

• Frequent reorders - Sub-standard workwear is unlikely to stand the test of time.
• Workplace injuries - Without the correct protection, your team is more at risk of injuries.
  
• Legal prosecution - Failing to provide compliant PPE can result in legal prosecution and fines from HSE.
• Loss of revenue - The wrong or ill-fitting PPE can impact your team’s performance, leading to reduced revenue.
• Low productivity - Your team will work better when they feel safe and valued. Low-quality PPE can reduce your workforce’s confidence and output.

HOW TO CHECK PPE QUALITY BEFORE YOU BUY

Judging a product’s quality can be difficult when ordering online, but it doesn’t need to be. 

Here’s how you can check you’re buying high-quality and compliant products online:

CHECK PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS 

Look for safety standard details in the product description. It’s a red flag if you can’t find any information about HSE compliance.

CHOOSE TRUSTED BRANDS

For peace of mind, purchase PPE from industry-recognised and respected brands. It’s easier to verify compliance and quality when ordering from an established, trusted source. 

ASK ABOUT PRODUCT TRIALS

There’s often quite a bit of guesswork involved when ordering workwear online. Check if a supplier offers product trials to avoid paying for workwear that doesn’t meet your team’s needs. 

RESEARCH MATERIALS  

Read product descriptions and customer reviews to learn more about a product's durability, compliance, and comfort. Doing your research will save you time having to return products. 

CHECK STOCK AVAILABILITY

Keep your team protected by choosing a supplier with consistently high stock levels. A reliable supplier will have the PPE you need, whenever you need it.

 

PARTNER WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Choose a supplier with industry knowledge to make sure your team has appropriate workwear for the job. Industry experts know all about HSE regulations and the different types of PPE available.

LOOK FOR A COMPANY WITH GOOD CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Good supplier communication is essential when ordering PPE online. Supportive suppliers can help you to find the right products for your needs, and are available to resolve any issues quickly. 

CHECK CE OR UKCA COMPLIANCE

PPE that meets EU and British safety regulations features a CE or UKCA marking. Get in touch with the supplier if details of these certifications can’t be found in the product description.

At SMI, we show all of the safety markings, so you don’t have to guess. 

You’re guaranteed high-quality products that meet industry standards when you partner with our single source supplier.

Chat to our team today to learn more!

HOW TO SPOT COMMON SIGNS OF POOR-QUALITY PPE

As well as knowing how to find good PPE online, it’s important to know the telltale signs of low-quality products. 

Signs of non-compliant, poor-quality workwear include:

• No CE or UKCA marking 
• No brand or product name
• No declaration of conformity
• No manufacturer’s care instructions
• Poor customer reviews and online ratings 
• Low-quality images used in product listings 
• No specifications in online product descriptions 

If you have any concerns about a product’s quality or certifications, contact the supplier.

Reputable suppliers will gladly provide you with the information and reassurance you need. 

SOURCE HIGH-QUALITY WORKWEAR WITH SMI 

Don’t take risks when it comes to your team’s safety.

It’s not always easy to find high-quality workwear online; that’s why we’re here to take away the guesswork. 

SMI is your one-stop shop for PPE manufactured to industry standards. Whether you need hard hats or respirators, you can trust us to protect your team with compliant equipment and workwear. 

Here are the benefits of switching to SMI:

RELIABLE QUALITY 

We partner with reputable brands and suppliers, such as ROKWEAR® and Uvex.

We have workwear and PPE options that meet every need and budget. From safety footwear to face coverings, we protect your workforce from head to toe. 

PRODUCT TRIALS 

Finding the right fit isn’t always easy when ordering workwear online. 

Not all suppliers offer the option to try before you buy, but we do!

We offer trials of our ROKWEAR® and other product ranges.

Request a trial and give your team an opportunity to test the quality before you buy!

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE 

When you partner with SMI, you gain a new dedicated member of your team. 

Your MY-SMI account manager makes sure your workforce stays protected and your business remains compliant. 

Not only do we care about streamlining the PPE procurement process, but we’re also invested in your team’s well-being. 

Switch to SMI to work with a single source supplier dedicated to elevating standards for safety and employee satisfaction. 

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE 

With so many online PPE suppliers to choose from, it’s hard to know who to trust with your team’s safety. 

Whether you work in logistics or the waste industry, we have the industry knowledge needed to help you choose the right PPE. 

We provide workwear that keeps your workers safe, your business compliant, and can help reduce your carbon footprint.

PARTNER WITH A SUPPLIER THAT PUTS SAFETY FIRST

Receive high-quality PPE every time you make an order with SMI. 

We’re committed to your team’s safety and only supply protective equipment from trusted brands.

Our user-friendly ordering portal saves you time, effort, and money when purchasing workwear for your team.  

When you switch to a single source supplier, you have one account, one invoice, and one dedicated account manager. 

Want to find out more?

Call the SMI team on 0330 441 3500, or send us a message. 

FAQS

What are the factors to consider when choosing PPE? 

When choosing PPE for your workforce, you should think about:

• Cost 
• Comfort 
• Durability 
• Size, fit, and style
• Protection needed 
• Industry standards 
• Storage and maintenance requirements 

Keep your team safe on the job by always providing PPE that meets HSE regulations. 

How do you check PPE is safe to use?

Make sure PPE is safe for use by inspecting it regularly. 

Check for damage before and after use. Even a small crack or rip can put the wearer at risk. 

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and to replace damaged PPE as soon as possible. 

Continuing to use faulty or expired PPE leaves your team unprotected and your business at risk of prosecution. 

What will good quality PPE be marked with?

Good quality PPE will have a CE or UKCA marking. 

A CE marking shows that PPE has been manufactured to meet the required European standards. The UKCA marking has the same purpose, but was introduced in the UK after Brexit. 

PPE marked with CE or UKCA provides compliant and reliable protection for your team. 

Can I return defective PPE?

You can return PPE if it’s faulty, damaged, or has been recalled. Always check your supplier’s policy for specific information on when and how to return defective PPE. 

Returns are unlikely to be accepted if the PPE has been used or damaged once opened. 

When you order PPE with SMI, you have 30 days to return unused products.

Let us know right away if something isn’t right.