Are you exhibiting at A+A 2021?

Highlighting the importance of having PPE products tested before they are displayed at the show.

As many countries around the world are cautiously lifting restrictions forced upon them by the global pandemic, the organisers of a number of trade fairs are confidently announcing plans for forthcoming events. Of course, such arrangements require careful consideration of hygiene and infection protection procedures for visitors, exhibitors and members of staff.

One of the most important shows for anyone interested in safety footwear or personal protective equipment (PPE) is the A+A Health and Safety exhibition, which this year is scheduled to be held on October 26th to 29th in the German city of Düsseldorf. This impressive biennial fair – once again located in the Messe Düsseldorf complex – is extremely important to suppliers and buyers of PPE and is probably the largest of its kind in the world. The 2019 event attracted over 73,000 visitors who discussed their requirements with 2,111 exhibiting companies. As usual, this year’s show will focus on ‘safety at work’, ‘security at work’ and ‘health at work’.

As all PPE items to be placed on the European Union market must be produced in line with the (EU) 2016/425 regulation – or, for the United Kingdom, under the new ‘United Kingdom Conformity Assessed’ (UKCA) legislation – it is imperative that they are shown to meet the latest requirements. This may call for testing and subsequent certification from a Notified Body (or an ‘Approved Body’ in the UK), both of which roles are filled by SATRA.

SATRA is one of the leading organisations for the European CE marking and UKCA marking of PPE, and has been influential in the development of PPE-related test methods and safety standards. SATRA’s testing and certification services now extend across most areas of PPE – from safety footwear to head protection, and nearly everything worn in between. Our well-equipped mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical and acoustic laboratories are capable of testing most types of PPE.

Preparing to show your products

The first step in preparing to showcase products at A+A is to review your range in order to identify the priorities for certification, and assess the associated technical files against the criteria laid out in the relevant legislation. It is important that all information is current and validated. As any certification will be based on the current version of the standards, it is recommended that these documents are reviewed to ensure that current product designs are fully compliant. Please let us know if you would like a list of all SATRA EU type-examination or UKCA certificates issued to your company.

Particularly during the months leading up to a major fair like A+A, we test and certify many new products ready for launch. We provide a fast and efficient testing programme to all our customers and can offer constructive help and advice where appropriate to our members. Such assistance, from concept to certification, is often deemed invaluable in reducing development times and quickly acquiring certificates.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 15 of the July/August 2021 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

Other articles from this issue »

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