Hull safety giant Arco has warned PPE buyers to be on their guard after it emerged 400,000 Turkish surgical gowns don’t meet British standards.
The family-owned specialist, a giant in the field, said procurement has become even more complex during the Covid-19 pandemic with supplies struggling to meet demand.
It has led to incorrect, non-compliant and even fake PPE entering the market.
READ MORE: {}
Many organisations are buying for the first time, with limited or no experience in technical requirements.
Bryan Lawrie, Arco’s sales director, said: “The news about the Government’s consignment of surgical gowns is not the first example we have seen of fake or non-compliant goods coming into the market, putting our frontline responders and other critical workers at risk.
“With the high demand for masks, we are seeing daily issues about poor or incorrect advice given about which type of mask will offer the protection needed, as well as problems with non-compliant products.
“A leading British manufacturer asked us to verify the paperwork for a large supply of masks they had procured for their workforce. Our technical experts identified that the lab that had tested and certified the products, were not actually approved to carry out these kinds of tests. Unfortunately, this is a typical example of poor practice many organisations are at risk of falling prey to.”
Arco, a £282 million turnover operation, laid the blame at unscrupulous companies and other opportunists.
Most Read
As well as ensuring it meets customer demand, with a new £30 million national distribution centre put straight to work with 24/7 shifts across the sprawling 220,000 sq ft addition, bosses said they are in a “unique position to provide expert advice and guidance on product selection and how to make sure PPE products are fit for purpose”. It has made it available online.
Fighting back: How the Humber is helping the Covid-19 battle
Arco has experience in responding to crises, including Ebola, Swine Flu and SARS, and boasts its own 海角视频AS accredited product testing lab.
The employer of 1,600 staff, the majority in the city, is working with a number of NHS Trusts, ambulance services, local councils and other care organisations to provide high quality, compliant PPE.