Protecting Frontline Professionals Worldwide

PPSS move manufacturing of highly acclaimed cut resistant fabric Cut-Tex PRO to UK'

2011-09-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

The manufacturing of Cut-Tex® PRO cut resistant textile has been moved from Pakistan to England. These steps have been taken in order to guarantee the fabric’s excellent quality and highly respected performance levels.

Cut-Tex® PRO cut resistant fabric is offering the following protection levels:

ISO 13997:1999 blade cut resistance level 5 (the highest possible)
EN 388:2003 blade cut resistance level 5 (the highest possible)
ASTM F-1790 level 4
EN 388:2003 tear resistance level 4 (the highest possible)
EN 388:2003 abrasion resistance level 4 (the highest possible)

Cut-Tex® PRO now offers even further improved blade cut resistance of 27.8 Newton, as well as extraordinary tear and abrasion resistance, making it the ideal fabric to manufacture protective clothing.

Police, prison, private security, mental health care professionals, and industries, such as glass handling and metal pressing are already benefiting from protective clothing made out of this great new fabric.

Please view our Cut-Tex® PRO Presentation

Cut-Tex® PRO cut resistant raw fabric is now available to specially licensed manufacturers around the world. PPSS Group welcomes any enquiries with immediate effect.

Being UK based and supporting this country’s economy in this difficult financial climate was another factor close to our hearts, and made us believe this was without a doubt the correct business decision.

Cut-Tex® PRO is a registered trademark of UK based PPSS Group.

Cut-Tex® PRO is available for purchase form 15th October 2011 subject to strict licensing conditions.

Should you have any questions in reference to Cut-Tex® PRO please feel free to contact PPSS Group on +44 (0) 845 5193 95 email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

My new blog !!!!!

2011-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear All

Please note that I have now moved my blog to: http://www.ppss-group.com/blog/

It would be great to see you there.

Take care of yourself.

Kindest

Robert

Cut Resistant Sweatshirts

2011-06-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

Cut Resistant Sweatshirts

Cut resistant sweatshirts and sleeves have been developed following thousands of cut related injuries at the workplace around the world.

After cut resistant gloves have been available for a number of years now, companies such as UK based PPSS decided to look into the development of a cut resistant fabric, which could be used in order to design cut resistant sweatshirts, sleeves, arm guards and even boiler suits (coveralls) in order to protect factory worker within metal pressing, glass handling and similar industries.

It is with regret that cut injuries continue to be among the highest incidents for lost work time and indemnity costs among metal pressing companies, glass handling and other manufacturers. Providing our workforce with high quality and durable cut resistant sweatshirts and sleeves can effectively protect their upper bodies from potentially horrendous cut injuries.

It would of course be a relatively simple procedure to protect against cuts and abrasions if it were not for the issue of mobility, flexibility and comfort. A solid steel sweatshirt would provide great protection but would keep the worker from being productive. Because we want, not only to protect the worker but also to allow him to continue to do the work he is doing with a minimum of discomfort and mobility restriction. For this reason we have found ourselves, over the years, trying to develop different cut resistant fibres and materials that will restrict movement to a minimum and yet still provide the best possible protection.

Leather for example was, for years, the best protection against cut related injuries but the best protection called for thicker leather which left the users with a minimum of dexterity and virtually no sensitivity. Other fabrics and more technical fibres, developed over the years have increased dexterity and allowed for more flexibility without compromising protection.

In June 2010 PPSS Group officially launched their BS EN 388:2003 blade cut resistance level 5 cut resistant fabric Cut-Tex PRO, with the clear intention to reduce the risk of cut related injuries at work. During the development process of Cut-Tex® PRO, now widely regarded as one of the world's strongest cut resistant fabrics, the directors of PPSS Group attended numerous meetings with some of the industry leading companies within the above mentioned sectors. As the CEO of PPSS Group I have been a part of this meeting and been shown several images of sever cut injuries, sometimes penetrating main arteries, muscles and tendons.

With these injuries and images in mind, the first protective garment we decided to develop was our cut resistant sweatshirt with turtle neck and thumbhole. We specifically decided to add a turtle neck in order to offer previously unmatched cut protection to the neck area and also effectively protect the main carotid and aortic artery from being cut in case the wearer is coming in accidental contact with sharp metal or glass.

The thumbholes were added in order to eliminate the risk of the wrist being exposed. Many images of cut injuries we have investigated displayed deep cuts across the radial artery, leading to a quick extensive bleeding. The protection of the radial artery was paramount for us right from the start and something we received extensive support from when explaining this detail to industry experts within the glass, metal pressing/handling industry.

Cut resistant sweatshirts made out of Cut-Tex® PRO are machine washable to 40 degrees, but in order to combat cross contamination and dangerous bacteria transfer within hospital environments, Cut-Tex PRO lined garments can also be washed up to 60 degrees if necessary.

Cut-Tex® PRO lined cut resistant sweatshirts offer EN 388:2003 Blade Cut Resistance Level 5 (the highest level possible) and EN 388:2003 Tear Resistance Level 4 (the highest level possible) and come in sizing ranging from XS to XXXL.

I genuinely believe that cut resistant sweatshirts will help reduce the risk of cut related injuries at work. However, there is no doubt in my mind that effective health and safety training and the highlighting of operational hazards and risks to the workforce is of even greater importance. The matter of fact is though, that injuries will always occur as long as human being exists. Our focus or concentration can be compromised by a number of variables e.g. personal circumstances, such amount of sleep, health and how much an individual enjoys their job role.

Cut resistant sweatshirts are only a safety net… not more… but certainly not less!

Please note PPSS is also manufacturer of extremely thin and ultra light covert ballistic vests.

For further information please do not hesitate and contact us by email info@ppss-group.com or call +44 (0) 845 5193 953

Effective blunt trauma protection ignored by most body armour manufacturers

2011-05-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

Effective blunt trauma protection ignored by most body armour manufacturers

Kicks, punches and blows during a physical confrontation can cause blunt trauma, blunt injury or blunt force trauma, all of which are types of physical trauma. Most common body armour manufacturers have ignored this risk and overlooked the potential horrendous injuries which can occur following such attacks.

Based on my own professional frontline experience and our extensive research I can only stress that an impact based assault is a more likely event here in the UK than an attack involving an edged weapon or even firearm.

Most body armour supplied to UK’s frontline professionals (this includes private security, local government enforcement, emergency services, hospital security and university security teams) offer UK Home Office certified bullet or edged weapon protection, but very much neglect the need for effective blunt trauma protection.

What level of protection is really essential for those dealing with potentially hostile members of the public?

There is of course no ‘golden rule’, as each of the previously mentioned services have different operational duties and face different operational risks and threats. However, here are some very simple, but nevertheless important common sense guidelines.

Blunt trauma related risks and other threats

The risk of private security, local government enforcement or prison officers facing an aggressor with a firearm is extremely low here in the UK. Much lower compared to other European countries or the USA.

The risk of frontline professionals facing an aggressor with an edged weapon, knife or hypodermic needle is reasonably low, but realistic here in the UK, and based on my professional opinion, frontline professionals require a reasonable level of protection from such threat.

The risk of frontline professionals being punched, kicked and thrown about whilst doing their job is high in the UK. Frontline professionals must be protected from such realistic and likely threat and body armour supplied to these professionals must considerably reduce the effects of blunt trauma by absorbing energy and distributing forces over a much larger area.

Let us look at prison officer for example. How likely is it that a prison officer will get shot? It is extremely unlikely. How likely is it that a prison officer is getting stabbed or slashed? That is certainly possible and realistic. The question how likely it is that one of these great professionals is getting beaten up or physically assaulted by a punch, kick or self made weapon must be answered with ‘high’. Should this indisputable fact not make us think very carefully when issuing body armour to our employees or colleagues?

You are already wearing body armour? Then ask yourself the question, will your body armour protect you effectively from someone punching you really hard in your stomach? Will it protect you effectively form someone kicking your rib cage when you already ion the floor? Will it protect you from someone hitting your back or spine with a blunt object? If not, then ask yourself the question “are you wearing the right body armour”?

However, many body armour manufacturers try to find around this and now use materials, such as ‘laminated Kevlar®’ and state that their body armour offer a good level of blunt trauma protection. I personally would be very careful with such claim. What does ‘good’ actually mean?

‘Good’ in my opinion is not good enough. The fact that spine and rip cage injuries and other blunt trauma related injuries can cause irreparable damage to the body, and the fact that anyone on the street is physically capable to commit such an assault makes me believe that body armour must offer excellent blunt trauma protection, not ‘good’ protection. Laminated Kevlar® is certainly not the best material out there and a body armour featuring such material will not protect you from a serious blow, kick or punch. It might well reduce the impact to a certain extend, but body armour using polycarbonate or similar high performance materials have taken blunt trauma protection to a completely different level without adding any cost.

My advice to all those who are charged with evaluating real operational risks and those charged with looking into the purchase of body armour is simple. Please ask your body armour manufacturer or supplier what level of blunt trauma protection their proposed body armour offers. What stops you from asking a simple question such as “Can I punch or kick you while you wear your own body armour?” As we say, ‘the proof is in the pudding’ and ‘actions speak louder than words’.

Issuing body armour means protecting your frontline staff from a realistic threat without going over the top and issuing protective equipment that is too bulky, heavy and uncomfortable. Body armour don’t need to be bulky, heavy, uncomfortable or aggressive looking. Technology and manufacturing capabilities have improved a lot over the past years, and so has effective blunt trauma protection.

Please call us if you have any question in reference to blunt trauma protection or visit our website.

PPSS Group | Body armour presentation at London Islington Hilton Hotel

2011-05-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

What an event that was...

Just over a month ago we all met at the London Islington Hilton Hotel. Professionals from the prison service, private security sector, special needs schools and others decided to make their way to the Hotel, have a drink with us and witness a truly entertaining and informative presentation of our potentially live saving body armour and slash resistant clothing.

I got to stab myself with combat knives, needles, broken bottles. I even got to slash myself with razor blades, and Simon Wilson our new Head of Consultancy took place in beating me up with pipes, sharpened table frame legs and police issue telescopic batons... and he strangely enjoyed it!?

The editor of info4security, was kind enough to come along and film the entire event. You must check out their website featuring our videos click here

Some days you just feel you are on form. I think this event was certainly among the very best we have set up.

Let us know if you have any questions in reference to knife, needle or blunt trauma protection or if you would like to learn more about concealable body armor.

We are here to help you.

Please visit www.ppss-group.com

Take good care

Robert

Our Survey Confirms Paramedics Require User Friendly Body Armour

2011-04-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

Too many paramedics and other frontline professionals are still opposed to wearing stab vests or other forms of body protection, due to simple misperception.

Many internal surveys, conducted by the UK’s Ambulance Trusts concluded that stab vests are not wanted by their frontline staff.

I strongly believes this is simply due to 'technical and design misperceptions' of body armour.

We have conducted a six months survey, questioning a number of paramedics within the UK how they feel about stab vests, and the result is absolutely clear.

Of course, there will be people doubting the efficiency of our survey. Nevertheless, we strongly believe this survey shows once again, professionals require user friendly protection.

Based on our survey, 72.8% of those completing the survey stated “stab vests, which offer blunt trauma protection, should be issued to ALL Paramedics”.

87.7% also confirmed that “paramedics should be issued with their OWN INDIVIDUAL stab vest”.

55.6% mentioned they were not aware of the latest available advances in covert stab vests, e.g. thickness, weight, concealability and wearability.

Many of these professionals still believe stab vests are 6kg heavy, one inch thick, bulky, uncomfortable, restrictive and confrontational looking. But this is now far away from the truth.

I am convinced that the majority of violent attacks on emergency services staff in the UK are not edged weapon, knife or needle related. He believes that the majority of assaults are ‘blunt trauma related incidents’.

Based on many years of frontline experience and our extensive research we know that the risk of knife or needle attacks exist, but this risk is nowhere near as high as the risk of being pushed, punched or kicked whilst on duty.

This is why we have developed concealable, ultra thin and 2.1kg light body armour that protects the wearer from any type of knife and needle, but more importantly also from punches, kicks and any type of blows.

I think it is time to ask paramedics, prison officers and other emergency services personnel the right questions and educate them in a caring and supportive manner.

Let us show them how much body armour have advanced. We fully understand the operational responsibilities and risks of ambulance personnel and our body armour reflect this understanding.

On Thursday 10th April, PPSS Group delivered a very informative public presentation, demonstrating the astonishing capabilities of their recently developed body armour, stab vests and slash resistant clothing at the London Islington Hilton Hotel. The event was attended by numerous organisations and professionals.

Aiming to clarify the common misperceptions of body armour, I have demonstrated the effectiveness and capabilities of the equipment. The two LIVE demonstrations, which saw the audience gasping for air, certainly had a huge impact and impressed all visitors.

I strongly recommends to all NHS Ambulance Trusts, Healthcare Trusts and any organisations which employ frontline professionals to re-look at the potential requirements for user friendly and lightweight covert body armour.

Should you have any questions in reference to body armour, stab vests or slash resistant clothing, then please feel free to contact PPSS Group on +44 (0) 845 5193 95 email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

New Cut Protection Ordinary Body Armour Cannot Offer

2011-02-09T02:56:00.000-08:00

Cut-Tex PRO, a BS EN 388:2003 level 5 blade cut resistant material is now being used to create a highly breathable t-shirt that offers unrivalled cut protection in areas ordinary body armour fail to protect.

Numerous security professionals, police officers, prison officers and other frontline professionals have suffered from cut wounds under their arms and on the sides of the upper body.

No ordinary body armour used by any of the above sectors offers protection in these areas, as commonly used materials would restrict movement and agility.

Many frontline staff by instinct will lift their arms and hands during a potential hostile situation, in order to protect the face and head.

However, we must acknowledge that this action would expose an extremely vulnerable area under your arms. A cut, injuring the auxiliary artery under your arms, can lead to rapid blood loss and even death.

This new highly breathable t-shirt is made out of Coolmax® and only features the ultra high cut resistant fabric Cut-Tex® PRO on the entire sleeves part and over the 15cm wide vertical stretch on the sides of the upper body.

Attacks on frontline professionals are occurring rather frequently in this country. One unprovoked attack on prison officers at Frankland High Security Prison in Durham, UK, in 2010 left one prison officer severely injured after one of his auxiliary arteries was slashed during the incident. He survived.

Security professionals, police and prison officers have long asked for better knife protection than the protection offered by their existing body armour or stab vests.

Our job is to offer the best possible protection from the most realistic threats. Leaving the area under your arms unprotected is ignoring the potential dangers a knife, bottle or edged weapon attack represents.

This new type of cut resistant t-shirt is extremely lightweight, comfortable and available from size XS – XXXXL. It is available with short or long sleeves.

For further information please contact PPSS Group directly. Please visit www.ppss-group.com or email info@ppss-group.com or call +44 (0) 845 5193 953

Prison Officers In Urgent Need For Concealable Body Armour

2011-01-19T02:02:00.000-08:00

Concealable body armor should be made available to prison officers immediately.

Recent incidents have highlighted once again the urgent need for concealable and lightweight body armour within the prison service.

One prison officer who asked not to be named told the BBC: “At least 50% of prison officers have been assaulted at least once, several officers, several times.”

The last two months alone several reported riots and violent attacks on prison officers have been recorded, which include major incidents at HMYOI Cookham Wood on 27th December, HMP Ford on 1st January, HMP Littlehey on 10th January, to name but a few.

Unfortunately this was not a new occurence, or something that should surprise us too much. Major violent incidents in 2010, which saw prison officers seriously injured at Frankland High Security Prison in Durham and HMP Leeds last year, are still fresh on our mind.

Why are body armour of such importance?

As much as we would like to, we just cannot change the aggressive behaviour of some prisoners. A prisoner on the receiving end of a disciplinary can overreact to anything the officer says or does. There is also no doubt that a prisoner consuming any kind of class A drugs, illegal substance or self made alcohol can become hostile and violent within a split of a second.

But how can it be that our police officers who are often required to face serious criminals for only a very few minutes are required to wear stab/ballistic vests, but those having to face the same criminals for potentially years to come are not being issued with any form of body armour?

Worrying staffing levels, prisoner’s easy access to alcohol and drugs, a serious lack of respect and cultural issues will continue to contribute to the risk of escalation in our country’s prisons.

Colin Moses, Chairman of the Prison Officer Association (POA)said violent action can erupt at any time, and the severity of the violence and subsequent injuries to our officers is increasing. We fully appreciate that prisoners should be treated fairly and we are more than happy to ensure that all of our actions comply with human rights, but we are also determined to ensure the personal safety of our members. Would anyone expect their partner, child or friend to come home from work with a horrific injury?

For me it is simply common sense that prison officers should be protected from kicks, blows and punches as well as needles and razor blades. Concealable body armour can and will one day save one of our prison officer’s life.

Recent changes within the law such as the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 are going to put immense pressure on all key decision makers within the prison world.

If prison officers are not permitted to purchase body armour or if the British Government is not taking all necessary actions to ensure the personal safety of their prison officers, we could potentially look at liable cases within months from now.

We need to remember ourselves it is a legal, but above all, a moral obligation. We have to protect those who serve and risk their lives every day they go to work.

Any arguments against body armour?

The argument that body armour can be perceived as confrontational or aggressive and lead to the escalation of a hostile situation might be true, but should we not pass this responsibility on to body armour manufacturers, urging them to create 100% concealable body armour?

Yes, I would completely agree with this. In fact, we have already been speaking and meeting with the Prison Officers Association (POA) and made a real impression. Many professionals are just not aware how thin and light body armour or covert ballistic vests can be.

Every employee has the right to be equipped appropriately, and this must include prison officers. They need our protection and help.

Should you have any questions in reference to body armour or other types of protective equipment, then please feel free to contact PPSS on +44 (0) 845 5193 953, email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

Stab Vests - Why?

2010-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

We all need to understand that a lack of adequate safety measures such as stab vests can put an individual at unnecessary risk and cause unacceptable injury or harm.

Body armour and stab vests have regrettably, but understandably become a real necessity within a number of domestic frontline professions.

We have to accept the fact that the increasing lack of respect, changes within health and safety laws and the potential negative media coverage following a potential fatal incident should really make everyone think twice and look into the potential use of protective equipment and clothing within their line of work.

Every professional whose responsibilities include visiting people in their home or office to enforce laws and regulations, police the system or being the bearer of bad news increases the level of risk should consider the use of stab vests or other protective equipment

Working within certain geographical areas or trouble spots can be high risk, such as poor or run down council estates and would subsequently require safety measures to be in place.

Dealing with certain high risk individuals, such as potentially violent or aggressive members of the public, drug users or dealers, or mentally ill individuals should also raise the question if PPE is required.

Dealing with frustrated and disappointed customers (e.g. customers unhappy with the service your or your partner organisation has provided), working late, evicting people from their homes, securing or protecting property, events or people, are all professional responsibilities that certainly warrant the need for stab vests.

However, corporate health & safety laws have recently been rewritten in a number of countries around the world, in order to protect those who serve and risk their lives for others. This fact has lead to the re-writing of risk assessments everywhere and health and safety managers and directors get more and more under pressure to make the right decisions when it comes to issuing personal protective equipment and clothing to domestic frontline professionals.

Sadly there is this so popular argument against stab vests I have personally come across so many times. How will professionals wearing stab vests be seen by the public when they start walking around in body armour.

Well, I fully agree with the fact that 'perception' is certainly one of the most important issues within personal safety, and I also very much agree with the fact that overt stab vests can often be perceived as very confrontational, aggressive or authoritative, especially when dealing with intoxicated members of the public or those who seriously dislike authority, your organisation or presence to begin with.

Yes, frontline employees dealing with the general public should be doing their utmost to express themselves as peaceful ambassadors within their line of work at all times. 'Covert' stab vests allow them to use their positive personality, diplomacy and negotiation skills to defuse a situation, whilst still being protected just in case things get out of hand.

Of course, certain professionals e.g. Police, Trading Standards or Licensing Officers need to be seen as 'Authority', 'Law Enforcer' or visual deterrent, and in these case overt stab vests would be the correct choice.

Regardless of the outcome of any common risk assessment, the fact of the matter is that there is always an 'unknown' level of risk due to unforeseen circumstances. Ordinary risk assessments might often conclude in the verdict of 'low risk', however these often fairly basic risk assessments are based on technical facts or 'on-hand information' only, and as much as I appreciate them, they often do not go beyond these facts. A risk assessment dealing with the activity of a lone worker having to enter someone else's property or deal with customers or clients on a one-to-one basis can in my opinion, can in my humble opinion never result in ‘low risk’.

The moment a lone worker walks through someone's door or deals with often unfamiliar member of the public at another location, one can simply not know who else will be in the house or who else might enter the house at a later point. What activities have taken place prior to your visit? Who else might be going to interfere or engage in your conversation or argument at a later point? All of these issues and questions must have an impact on the need for stab vests.

What would you do if you were driving a car and your petrol light comes on, indicating you only have a small amount of petrol left? Would you start thinking: Will I make it home or not? Some people would be willing to take the risk in this situation. In the workplace though, in my view, it is the duty of the employer to not allow their employees to take unknown risks on their own accord without the provision of equipment and training to protect them should they make a mistake in their own judgement. 'Better safe than sorry' and 'Prevention is better than cure' are two great sayings, making more sense within corporate health & safety than anywhere else. I hope you would stop and get some fuel, because you want to be on the safe side. You might have made it, but you didn't want to take that risk. The bottom line is you cannot afford to break down. The fact that a lone workers activity involves a rather 'unknown risk' must urge key decision makers to remain at least open minded when it comes to body armour, stab vests, or additional training that can be made available.

Recommending stab vests does not mean at all I suggest you are in danger. I simply say that anyone will have a higher chance of remaining unharmed in the unlikely, but possible, case of something going wrong. Wearing personal protective equipment can be compared to wearing a seat belt when driving a car. We do not put the seat belt on because we believe we are going to have an accident today. We are simply acknowledging the fact that there is an exceptionally small chance that we might crash. Yet, if this chance becomes reality, we have increased the chance of survival by wearing a seat belt.

PPSS launch unique front only body protection for female mental health care professionals

2010-11-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

We have now launched our recently developed front only body armour, in an attempt to reduce workplace violence related injuries within mental health care sectors, such as severe learning disabilities, challenging behaviour and special needs.

The single front plate is made out of a body moulded ultra light 3mm polycarbonate plate and held against the upper body via 6 point adjustable elastic straps.

A number of mental health care facilities have recently asked us if we can create something that protects very specific areas, such as the female breasts, which have often been subject to very violent grabs or nips. This type of body armour is therefore ideal for those facing frequent biting and punching related incidents, often occurring in the above sectors”.

I can also confirm that this innovative and widely requested new body armour offers 16 Joule of stab protection and absolutely 100% needle protection.

We are fully aware of the fact that there has been a serious lack of personal protective equipment and body armour availably specifically to females. This new type of body armour is ideal for female mental health care professionals.

Are you aware that it took more than 25 years from the initial launch of body armour to the police forces here in the UK to the first major developments of female specific body armour?

For us it has always been and will always be crucial to listen to our potential customers and find out what they have to say. Then it is our job to design and manufacture PPE based on their operational risks and duties.

The new front only body armour is available as a male or female version and can be purchased directly from PPSS.

For further information please contact the industry experts PPSS. Please visit www.ppss-group.com or email info@ppss-group.com or call +44 (0) 845 5193 953

PPSS launches high quality, but low cost stab vests

2010-11-02T05:28:00.001-07:00

Everyone involved in the private security sector will fully understand that stab vests are different from bulletproof vests, most of which offer little protection against knives or needles. But will cheap stab vests still do the trick?

PPSS have now launched a range of high quality, but low-cost stab vests. Although not certified by the UK Home Office, these recently developed and very professional body armour are said to offer a very good level stab resistance and knife protection to those with a very tight budget.

By using ultra light 3mm thin sheets of body moulded polycarbonate, we have created high quality stab proof vests, which offer also excellent blunt trauma protection from kicks, punches or blows by any object.

I genuinely feel that everyone has the right to protect themselves, and everyone has the right to be equipped appropriately while on duty.

This important rule includes of course all security and other frontline professionals, who risk their lives on a daily basis, but who might not be able to afford 'state of the art' or 'top of the range' stab proof vests. Some of which will cost in excess of £600.00.

Many security professionals have recently expressed their anger at some of the ridiculously high prices for body armour,our range of cheap stab vests can still save lives: When we say cheap stab vests we mean low-cost and certainly not low-quality. We will never risk the lives of security professionals. We are here to protect those who serve.

As many professionals perhaps know, the most famous fibres, such as Kevlar, Twaron, Dyneema, Spectra and Goldflex, do not provide very effective stab protection. This is why we looked for a completely different material.

Polycarbonate, a material also used to manufacture motorbike helmets, turned out to be the perfect choice, now especially being used by PPSS here in the UK, to manufacture uncertified, but highly professional, effective and reliable cheap stab vests for security and other frontline professionals all over the world.

I also would like to stress the fact that that stab proof vests are just a small part of a package of measures to protect staff. Appropriate training and good conflict management skills too need to be a part of the overall personal safety package of any good security professional.

For further information please visit www.cheap-stab-vests.com or email info@ppss-group.com or call +44 (0) 845 5193 953

Leading security solution providers announce headline sponsorship for LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011

2010-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Leading security solution providers announce headline sponsorship for LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011

The key objective of the LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition is to create a platform for professionals to exchange information, recommendations and codes of practice in reference to lone worker safety

We wanted to provide all colleagues who share our genuine passion for lone worker safety with specific and up-to-date information, which will go far beyond theory alone

Organisations from the public and private sector have already expressed a great interest.

Manufacturer of the UK’s leading lone worker protection device Connexion2, has been the first industry leading company securing their headline sponsorship for LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011.

Craig Swallow, CEO of Connexion2 said: “We are very pleased once again to be associated with this event. Last year was very well organised with some extremely valuable content provided by a number of quality speakers. If you are interested in lone worker safety this event is a must.”

I can also announce that Professional Witnesses Ltd will be the second headline sponsor.

“I am absolutely delighted to have one of the UK’s leading and most respected security solutions providers on board. Trevor Barton MBE, Chairman of Professional Witness Ltd, is undoubtedly one of the most respected security experts, after 32 years within the police force and having been Chief Superintendent of Greater Manchester Police.

For me personally it was the key objective to partner up with headline sponsors and a media partner who I felt genuinely care about the personal safety of those working alone and are widely respected in this industry. I believe we have done exactly this.

Should you have any questions in reference to the LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition, then please feel free to contact PPSS on +44 (0) 845 5193 953, email info@ppss-loneworkersafety.co.uk or visit www.ppss-loneworkersafety.co.uk

PPSS announce LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 headline sponsor and media partner

2010-10-04T02:51:00.001-07:00

Providing like minded professionals, genuinely interested in improving lone worker safety with specific and up-to-date information, which will go far beyond theory alone, is the key objective of next years LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition.

The 2010 event exceeded our expectation and was a great success. We are certainly very proud and happy with the overwhelming feedback, received via feedback forms, emails and telephone calls.

We have now started working on next year’s event, which will take place on Tuesday, 10th May 2011 at the great Olympia Conference Centre in London”.

Some of the leading, most passionate and respected experts in lone worker safety will deliver talks, covering tried and tested, factual based and straight forward guidelines, systems and recommendations.

Realistically we are aiming to grow by up to 50% in comparison to this year’s conference and exhibition.

We are very proud to announce that we have with Connexion2 secured a highly regarded headline sponsor. It’s also a great pleasure to announce that ‘Health & Safety at Work’ have agreed to be our Media Partner.

Craig Swallow, CEO of Connexion2 comments: “Connexion2 is pleased once again to be associated with this event. Last year was very well organised with some extremely valuable content provided by a number of quality speakers. If you are interested in lone worker safety this event is a must.”

For me personally it was the key objective to partner up with headline sponsors and a media partner who I felt genuinely care about the personal safety of those working alone and are widely respected in this industry. I believe we have done exactly this.

Our conference and exhibition is entirely dedicated to the personal safety of those workers who serve, care and risk their lives on a daily basis, and with our conference and exhibition we will do our upmost to create a platform for professionals sharing our passion for personal safety, to exchange information, recommendations and codes of practice.

LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition has been structured to focus on lone workers themselves, managers, team leaders and senior members of staff who work within organisations where lone working takes place e.g. public sector enforcement, housing, social and health care, nursing, utilities field representatives and public transport.

We are welcoming everyone who shares our great passion for lone worker safety.

Should you have any questions in reference to the LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition, then please feel free to contact PPSS on +44 (0) 845 5193 953, email info@ppss-loneworkersafety.co.uk or visit www.ppss-loneworkersafety.co.uk

Launch of new Cut-Tex® PRO website

2010-09-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

We have now launched our new dedicated website www.cut-tex.com

The growing need for bespoke cut resistant clothing and increase of incoming enquiries encouraged us to launch a dedicated website for Cut-Tex PRO.

Frontline professionals working for police, prison service, emergency services, social and health care, as well as private security professionals from around the world have now shown an interest in bespoke cut resistant clothing.

I don't believe everyone showing an interest in Cut-Tex PRO clothing is scared of being attacked. Many of those professionals making contact with us look at cut resistant clothing as a form of safety net, or preventative measure.

I think many professionals can see the risk of accidental damage. It is not the fear of being attacked that makes people call us, but rather an understanding of the fact that things can go wrong sometimes.

Further information on Cut-Tex PRO cut resistant clothing can be found on our dedicated website www.cut-tex.com

PPSS teamed up with Intertek for Cut-Tex® PRO case study

2010-09-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

With a passion to protect frontline personnel at work, we continuously seek to improve and develop new equipment and innovative cut resistant clothing.

A short while ago we have developed the ultra high cut resistant textile Cut-Tex® PRO, an innovative BS EN 388:2003 blade cut resistance level 5 textile that offers unrivalled cut resistance. In order to use the fabric for bespoke protective clothing this groundbreaking textile needed to be tested.

We turned to Intertek for technical expertise and testing. Intertek is a leading international provider of quality and safety testing and has experts versed in the stringent testing requirements and standards for PPE fabrics.

The challenge was to substantiate independently the extraordinary properties of the material with independent, scientific evidence.

The fabric was tested to BS EN 388: 2003 6.2 Blade Cut Resistance. It achieved the highest rating of Level 5. The fabric also reached Level 5 when tested to the European and International Standard BS EN ISO 13997:1999, which is highly regarded as the most stringent and efficient Standard for blade cut resistance.

The result demonstrated the incredible strength and cut resistant properties of the fabric, and I am very happy that Intertek has helped PPSS to prove its claims with technical testing and expertise.

However, for us this is not it. We will now continue with testing and submit our textile for the BS EN 533:1997 test (Protective clothing - protection against heat and flame), in order to make this great cut resistant textile more attractive and valuable for fire fighters and other professionals around the world.

Cut-Tex® PRO cut resistant clothing is now available as sweat shirts, windbreaker, sleeves, boxer shorts, workwear trousers, tactical gloves and many other garments. However, PPSS is stressing the point they are specialised in manufacturing bespoke cut resistant clothing based on client’s operational risks and duties.

Should you have any questions in reference to Cut-Tex® PRO or cut resistant clothing please contact PPSS on +44 (0) 845 5193 953, email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

Attacks on paramedics trigger PPSS research project on need for body protection

2010-08-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Too many paramedics are still opposed to wearing stab vests or other forms of protection, due to simple misperception of such protective equipment.

I am of course aware of all internal surveys, conducted by NHS Ambulance Trusts up and down the country, concluding that stab vests are not wanted by their frontline staff. However, I strongly believe this is only the casey due to misperception and sometimes not getting the facts right.

I have recently met members of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel (APAP) and a number of worried paramedics and came to the conclusion that many professionals still associate stab vests or similar types of body protection with the type of body armour worn by police officers over the past many years.

Many paramedics still believe stab vests are 6kg heavy, 1 inch thick, bulky, uncomfortable, restrictive and aggressive and confrontational looking. But this is so far away from the truth.

We are fully aware that the majority of incidents have got nothing to do with edged weapons, knives or needles. The majority of assaults are what we class as ‘blunt trauma related incidents’. This is why we have developed concealable, 4mm thin, 2.1kg light stab vests and body protection that protects the wearer from any type of knife and needle, but more importantly also from punches, kicks and any type of blows.

Incidents, such as the attack on a paramedic in Merseyside on 5th August 2010, the attack on Aberdeen based paramedic on 12th August 2010 and the attack on a Norfolk paramedic on the 16th August, all highlight the fact that assaults on those who serve and care every day are still a sad part of today’s society.

We strongly recommend to all NHS Ambulance Trusts to re-look at the potential use of stab vests and even covert ballistic vests within their authority. Recently developed body armour have been designed after listening very carefully to paramedics and gaining a clear understanding of their concerns, needs and operational risk and duties.

I think it is time to really ask paramedics the right questions and educate them in a caring and supportive manner. Let’s show them what can be done and what has been designed and developed with their safety and comfort in mind.

We have now launched our own independent survey, and we would very much like to invite all paramedics to visit and complete our survey: www.ppss-group.com/surveys.html

LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition

2010-08-05T01:22:00.000-07:00

We have now started to work on the preparation of our LONE WORKER SAFETY 2011 Conference & Exhibition at Olympia Conference Centre, London, on 10th May 2011

Prison Officers In Need For Extra Protection

2010-08-03T04:44:00.000-07:00

Stab vests and similar types of body protection should be made available to prison officers immediately.

A zero tolerance and the recent upsurge in violence in British prisons, which included the vicious, callous and unprovoked assault on a female prison officer at high security Frankland prison, have been debated at the Prison Officer Association (POA) during their 71st Annual Conference and subsequent meetings.

As much as we would like to, it’s unfortunately a matter of fact that we cannot change the aggressive behaviour of some prisoners. A prisoner on the receiving end of a disciplinary can overreact to anything the officer says or does. There is also no doubt that a prisoner consuming any kind of class A drugs, illegal substance or self made alcohol can become hostile and violent within a split of a second.

Colin Moses, Chairman of the Prison Officer Association (POA): "Violent action can erupt at any time, and the severity of the violence and subsequent injuries to our officers is increasing.”

Colin Moses continues: “We fully appreciate that prisoners should be treated fairly and we are more than happy to ensure that all of our actions comply with human rights, but we are also determined to ensure the personal safety of our members. Would anyone expect their partner, child or friend to come home from work with a horrific injury?”

I personally find it absolutely astonishing that 81% of prisons have Playstations worth £249.00 listed as one of the facilities available for prisoners, however prison officers dealing with these potentially hostile individuals on a daily basis have got no access to stab vests or body protection, also worth £249.00.

For me it is simply common sense that prison officers should be protected from kicks, blows and punches as well as needles and razor blades. Covert body protection must be made available now.

Recent changes within the law such as the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 are going to put immense pressure on all key decision makers within the prison world. If prison officers are not permitted to purchase stab vests or body protection or if the British Government is not taking all necessary actions to ensure the personal safety of their prison officers, we will be looking a liable cases within months from now.

It is a legal, but above all, a moral obligation. We have to protect those who serve, care and risk their lives every day they go to work.

"Prevention is better than cure" and 'better safe than sorry' are two sayings which make more sense within personal safety than anywhere else. Issuing stab vests or body protection means preventing fatal injuries.

Every employee has the right to be equipped appropriately, and this must include prison officers. They need our protection and help, and they need it now!

Please note PPSS is also manufacturer of one of the world's thinnest and lightest concealable body armor.

Should you have any questions in reference to stab vests or body protection, then please feel free to contact PPSS on +44 (0) 845 5193 95 email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

UNION chiefs say paramedics should wear stab vests

2010-07-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

UNION chiefs say paramedics should wear stab vests after figures revealed a rise in violence against crews in a number of regions.

Physical assaults against East Midlands Ambulance Service staff, including North Lincolnshire personnel, surged by 21 per cent last year, and we believe stab vests could reduce the risk of workplace violence related injuries.

Matt Whitticombe, acting General Secretary of The Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel (APAP), said crews should be deployed with stab vests.

He expressed his concerns: "APAP has run a high profile campaign for the provision of stab vests for all front-line ambulance crews since 1997. It is part of a package of measures for a safer working environment. You can never eliminate the risk of assault, but you can reduce the risk and that is where body armour is so important!”

Mr Whitticombe continued: “ I'm worried the true figure for abuse is much higher than shown because there has been in the past, a culture of under reporting verbal and physical abuse. Thankfully, reporting of physical assaults has become more robust over recent years, but staff see it as so much hassle to fill out the forms needed to log verbal abuse – to take a vehicle off the road for the amount of paperwork is something they're against."

Dealing with potentially hostile members of the public, who are under the influence of class A drugs or alcohol, means dealing with people who can overreact to anything you do or say.

PPSS is a specialised manufacturer of stab vests and we are on the receiving end of a number of incoming enquiries from Ambulance Professionals who have not been issue with stab vests yet.

We get calls from Ambulance Professional every week who feel that their concerns and fears are getting ignored. Is it a financial issue? Do we live in a state where we can put a value on human life?”

Personal safety training, conflict management training and CCTV are some of the best ways of improving the personal safety of these professionals, who help and care and save lives. But sometimes even the best of training is just not good enough, and this is where stab vests become so useful.

We are happy to provide all Ambulance Trusts with a free consultancy service. We are here to help others to come home safely after a day at work. What else can we do as a established experts in concealable body armor?

For further information please contact us, by visiting our website: www.ppss-group.com, email info@ppss-group.com or call +44 (0)845 5193 953

Stab Jackets – What is the excitement all about?

2010-07-05T04:03:00.000-07:00

Certified stab jackets provide you with UK Home Officer certified knife and needle protection. However, now there is an alternative in the form of stab jackets provide you with knife protection as well as unrivalled blunt trauma protection.

We use this sheets of polycarbonate moulded to the upper body’s shape for our stab jackets, resulting in an innovative product with a unique infinite lifespan and unrivalled protection from blunt trauma, caused by punches, kicks or blows by any offensive weapon.

I have personally gained extensive experience within the world of high risk security operations in a number of countries, and after conducting a number of research projects I have determined that an impact based assault is a much more likely incident than an attack involving an edged weapon. This is why our stab jackets are designed the way they are!

Our stab jackets offer impact protection on a completely new level, and this is unrivalled, groundbreaking and it is leading the way.

Two important questions need answering:

1) Why should key decision makers issue or purchase stab jackets, which offer protection from knives, edged weapons and needles only?
2) Why should you only protect yourself from something which, based on our extensive research and frontline experience, is very unlikely, or at least less likely to happen to frontline operatives and ignore the potentially much higher risk of getting harmed by a kick, punch or blow of any kind of blunt instrument?

I have no doubt that our innovative UK Home Office (HOSDB) certified stab jackets are increasing the chance that the wearer will come home safely at the end of your working day, and this is our ultimate business objective.

Please let me reassure you that my company is not here to take your money and ‘run’. We are here because we are genuinely passionate about personal safety. We want to assist you to make the right choice when buying stab jackets... which your or your co-workers life could potentially depend on.

I was personally willing to film and demonstrate the effectiveness of our stab jackets. In our high definition video I was attacked with one of the best combat knives of all time, a broken glass, needles and subsequently hit with a telescopic baton as used by the German Police force. This breath taking high definition video can be viewed on our website or on YouTube or on many other video sharing websites.

We are here to help you… please visit our website www.ppss-group.com or call us on 0845 5193 953!

Cut Resistant Sleeves launched by PPSS – Experts in Innovative Knife Protection

2010-06-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

Cut resistant sleeves, offering BS:EN 388:2003 blade cut resistance level 5 have now been launched by UK based experts in innovative knife protection PPSS.

CEO of PPSS Knife Protection Robert Kaiser states: “Our Cut-Tex™ PRO lined cut resistant sleeves are offering BS EN 388:2003 blade cut resistance level 5 and are typically used by professionals working within mental health, special needs, challenging behaviour or severe learning disabilities.”

“However, we have recently also received a number of enquiries for cut resistant sleeves from the steel industry, glass manufacturing companies, private security firms and the construction industry.”

Cut-Tex™ PRO cut resistant fabric provides exceptional protection from accidental cuts, slashes and very importantly from bites (important for mental health), whilst maintaining a high degree of dexterity to the wearer.

All cut resistant sleeves can be worn on either arm, and are machine washable up to 60° or can be dry cleaned.

“The best news is that we can design and manufacture bespoke cut resistant sleeves based on our customers needs and operational risks, for example ‘loose around your forearms or very tight’ or ‘without or with thumbhole’, to ensure that the sleeve will not slip, exposing the wrist or arm”.

"Many professionals face certain risks when dealing with potentially hostile members of the public, and based on statistics and our own research we are fully aware that cuts on open hands and forearms are most common injuries within police services and the private security sector. These wounds are classed as ‘defensive wounds’."

All cut resistant sleeves can be manufactured using different outer materials and can be used in conjunction with Cut-Tex™ PRO lined cut resistant gloves. They are machine washable up to 60° and achieved excellent results in Dimensional Stability Test and Appearance Assessment.

Please call +44 (0) 845 5193 953, visit www.ppss-group.com or email PPSS Knife Protection on info@ppss-group.com for further information.

PPSS Slash Proof Clothing Soon Available On Scandinavian Market!

2010-06-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

PPSS slash proof clothing using Cut-Tex™ PRO and UK Home Office certified stab proof vests will now become available to the Scandinavian markets within weeks.

We are now launching our BS EN 388:2003 Level 5 slash proof clothing range in Scandinavia via exclusive distributors in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

After receiving numerous enquiries and extensive research and contract negotiations I have now chosen to team up with some of the leading security companies and equipment suppliers in Northern Europe.

All exclusive distributors were able to understand the incredible market potential, but more importantly the importance and advantaged of slash proof clothing.

For us it was not only important to find partners that can see the clear business opportunity. For me personally it was of great importance to find professionals who share the genuine passion to improve the personal safety of those who serve day in day out."

Social and health care workers, prison warden, police officer, security professionals and enforcement officers in the public sector can all benefit from slash proof clothing. Professionals working with potentially hostile members of the public are more vulnerable than others. That's a fact."

However, the potential applications of Cut-Tex™ PRO lined knife proof clothing seems to be endless. Slash proof clothing in the form of polo shirts have been developed for private security professionals as well as for one of the World's leading metal press companies. Slash proof sleeves and boiler suits for high security mental health hospitals have also been created, as well as slash proof workwear trousers for refuse collectors.

We at PPSS Knife Protection genuinely believe in every employee's right to be equipped appropriately and that it is only a question of time before our knife proof clothing saves a human life. This is our single key business objective, to save and protect lives, here in the UK, in Scandinavia and Worldwide."

"Prevention is better than cure" and "better safe than sorry" are two sayings which make more sense within personal safety than anywhere else. Making slash proof clothing and stab proof vests available to Scandinavian frontline professionals means preventing potentially fatal injuries.

Should you have any questions in reference to slash proof clothing or UK Home Office certified stab proof vests then please feel free to contact us on +44 (0) 845 5193 95, email info@ppss-group.com or visit www.ppss-group.com

Cut Resistant Gloves

2010-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Our bespoke cut resistant gloves are manufactured using either Spectra® (offering BS EN 388:2003 Blade Cut Resistance Level 3) or our very own ultra high cut resistant Cut-Tex™ PRO (offering BS EN 388:2003 Blade Cut Resistance Level 5).

Cut resistant gloves are commonly used in work places, where professionals can potentially come in contact with knives, edged weapon, sharp edges, broken glass, and other dangerous tools and materials. These work places can range from prisons, high security mental health facilities and law enforcement, to metal pressing, glass handling and even ice speed skating. Wherever and whoever you are… we can help you.

Cut resistant gloves are worn to protect one's hands and keep it safe while working. This type of personal protective equipment can be manufactured in a number of different materials and cater to different jobs. A true professional should make a very careful choice when selecting cut resistant gloves, which is why we at PPSS Body Armour are very keen in creating bespoke cut resistant gloves based on our customer’s special and individual requirements.

If you are planning to buy cut resistant gloves please note the following advice you might find to be of help.

Materials: Always check on the material used in the making of such equipment. Different materials are used for different jobs. So make sure your gear has the best material required for the job. The most commonly used material used to offer cut protection is Kevlar®. However, please note Kevlar® is offering only a fairly low blade cut protection level of 2 or 3 in rare cases. Spectra® and Dyneema® are more advanced fibres and fabrics and usually offer a blade cut resistance level 3 or 4. Our recently developed Cut-Tex™ PRO is one of the most advanced fibre combinations out there, offering the highest blade cut resistance level 5 within the BS EN 388:2003 standard.

Padding: There are different layers of padding available for our bespoke cut resistant gloves, in order to protect your finger tips, knuckles or wrist area. Please note that you should carefully consider the amount of flexibility needed in your job. Thick padding will provide lesser flexibility, while thinner padding will provide more flexibility.

Grip: Grip is the most important feature in cut resistant gloves, because you might be dealing with objects which are smooth and slippery, and you cannot take off your gear to handle them. This means you need to choose something which gives enough control to hold all objects you might have to handle.

Fit: Last but not the least, proper fitting gears are very important as they are now like your hands and you need to do a lot of things with your gear on. Hence, if the glove is too loose, you will not be able to have a good grip.

It is always recommended to buy cut resistant gloves from a well trusted and capable manufacturer that sell them for specific requirements and are capable of creating and manufacturing bespoke cut resistant gloves.

Please note, accidents involving the use of sharp objects make up a significant percentage of injuries in the workplace (the exact percentage varies from industry to industry, with hospital workers and engineers being the most likely to suffer injuries of this nature).

We as a glove manufacturer are continually looking for new and ingenious combinations of materials to achieve the greatest protection possible, whilst still allowing you, the wearer, enough dexterity to perform all of your required activities.

Please contact us on +44 (0) 845 5193 953 or info@ppss-group.com if we can be of any help.

Cut-Tex™PRO - Cut And Slash Proof Clothing

2010-05-09T03:38:00.000-07:00

I genuinely believe in every employee's right to be equipped appropriately and that it is only a question of time before our knife, slash and bite resistant clothing will save a human life. In fact it is my full time job to develop personal protective equipment that is concealable, comfortable and relevant to those who are either opposed to body armour or for those whose risk levels would not justify wearing stab vests.

Cut resistant clothing has therefore become a real option for many frontline professionals around the World.

Cut and slash proof clothing can be manufactured using different aramid or other technical fibres such as Kevlar. However, all recent tests have concluded that using our ultra high cut-resistance Cut-Tex PRO fabric is probably as good as it gets.

Cut-Tex™PRO is a very unique combination of specialised technical high performance fibres weaved by rare high-density knitting machines. It is a unique textile offering the highest achievable cut resistance level 5 (BS EN 388:2003 6.2) for cut resistant gloves.

The potential applications of our high-performance Cut-Tex™PRO knife, bite and slash proof clothing and fabric seem to be endless. My company PPSS, owns the registered trademark for this high-tech fabric and is behind the developed of Cut-Tex™PRO. This great new fabric has now been used to manufacture bespoke slash proof sweat shirts for one of the World's leading metal press companies, slash resistant sleeves and boiler suits for secure mental health hospitals and slash resistant workwear trousers for refuse collectors.

Especially our Cut-Tex™PRO lined knife, bite and slash proof undergarments have become a great hit with social and health care workers and those working within special need schools and with individuals with severe learning disabilities. Especially police officers, prison warden and security professionals in countries around the World have recently expressed a serious interest into this kind of protective clothing in order to improve their personal safety and reduce the risk of injuries at work.

The obviously greatest advantages is of course the fact that is 100% concealable. Wearing protective clothing made out of Cut-Tex PRO cut resistant textile will allow you to deal with a potentially hostile situations and aggressive members of the public primarily using your positive personality, excellent diplomacy and negotiation or communication skills, while being reasonably protected in case the situation erupts and edged weapon are being used.

Recommending cut or slash proof clothing does not mean we suggest you are in danger, I simply want to point out that you will have a higher chance of remaining unharmed in the unlikely, but of course possible, event of something going wrong. Wearing knife, cut, slash or bite protective clothing can be compared to wearing a seat belt when driving a car. We do not put the seat belt on because we believe we are going to have an accident today. We are simply acknowledging the fact that there is an exceptionally small chance that we might crash. Yet, if this chance becomes reality, you have increased the chance of survival by wearing a seat belt effectively.

Body Armour - Why?

2010-03-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Body armour and stab vests have regrettably become a necessity within an ever changing world, where anti social behaviour and lack of respect are the order of the day.

A lack of inadequate safety measures can put an individual at unnecessary risk, and cause unacceptable injury or harm, and this is why appropriate solutions are urgently required.

The United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) developed 18 case studies in 2003 and approached over 400 organisations of various sizes and across a range of different occupations. Detailed questionnaires were sent and interviews were conducted by the HSL with the selected organisations and the information which they provided formed the basis of these widely respected case studies. The outcome is of great relevance to the question: ‘Body Armour - Why?’

The main risk areas highlighted by the HSL are as follows:

Visiting people in their home or office to enforce laws and regulations, police the system or being the bearer of bad news.

Certain geographical areas or trouble spots are high risk, such as poor or run down council estates.

Dealing with certain high risk individuals, such as potentially violent or aggressive members of the public, drug users or dealers, or mentally ill individuals.

Dealing with frustrated and disappointed customers (e.g. customers unhappy with the service your organisation has provided)

Working late at night.

Evicting people from their home.

Visiting clients in unfamiliar industrial and domestic premises.

Visiting unoccupied buildings.

Any of the above points should in itself be reason enough to at least consider the issue of covert body armour or stab vests to domestic frontline services and departments. But many more reasons can be highlighted, making a decision not to issue potentially life saving PPE even more controversial.

Corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide laws as well as health & safety regulations have been rewritten in countries around the world, in order to protect those who serve and risk their lives for others. The cost of facing potential legal action after a fatal or non-fatal incident and the cost of injured employees taking time off would outweigh the one-off cost of body armour. Assaults on personnel who are not wearing protective clothing also create bad publicity for the Authority concerned, not to mention the welfare of the person involved and operational problems resulting from the injured staff being unable to work.

However, the most popular argument against body armour I have personally come across is the concern about how it might be seen by the public when frontline employees start walking around in body armour. Well, ‘perception’ is one of the most important issues within personal safety, and I very much agree with the fact that overt body armour can often be perceived as very confrontational, especially when dealing with intoxicated members of the public or those who seriously dislike authority, your organisation or presence to begin with. For me, frontline employees dealing with the public should be doing their utmost to express themselves as peaceful ambassadors within their line of work. ‘Covert’ body armour allows them to do exactly that, whilst still being protected.

Regardless of the outcome of any common risk assessment, the fact of the matter is that there is always an ‘unknown’ level of risk due to unforeseen circumstances. Ordinary risk assessments might often conclude in the verdict of ‘low risk’, however these often fairly basic risk assessments are based on technical facts or ‘on-hand information’ only, and as much as I appreciate them, they often do not go beyond these facts. A risk assessment dealing with the activity of a lone worker having to enter someone else’s property or deal with customers or clients on a one-to-one basis can in my opinion, never ever result in low risk. The moment a frontline professional walks through someone’s door or deals with often unfamiliar member of the public at another location, one can simply not know who else will be in the house or who else might enter the house at a later point. What activities have taken place prior to your visit? Who else might be going to interfere or engage in your conversation or argument at a later point?

What would you do if you were driving a car and your petrol light comes on, indicating you only have a small amount of petrol left. Would you start thinking: Will I make it home or not? Some people would be willing to take the risk in this situation. In the workplace though, in my view, it is the duty of the employer to not allow their employees to take unknown risks on their own accord without the provision of equipment and training to protect them should they make a mistake in their own judgement. ‘Better safe than sorry’ and ‘Prevention is better than cure’ are two great sayings, making more sense within corporate health & safety than anywhere else. I hope you would stop and get some fuel, because you want to be on the safe side. You might have made it, but you didn’t want to take that risk. The bottom line is you cannot afford to break down. The fact that a lone workers activity involves a rather ‘unknown risk’ must urge key decision makers to remain at least open minded when it comes to body armour, stab vests, or additional training that can be made available.

Recommending body armour or stab vests does not mean we suggest you are in danger, we simply say that you will have a higher chance of remaining unharmed in the unlikely, but possible, case of something going wrong. Wearing personal protective equipment can be compared to wearing a seat belt when driving a car. We do not put the seat belt on because we believe we are going to have an accident today. We are simply acknowledging the fact that there is an exceptionally small chance that we might crash. Yet, if this chance becomes reality, you have increased the chance of survival by wearing a seat belt.

We at PPSS (formerly known as ASEO) are globally respected and renowned experts in body armour for civil and homeland security services, as well as domestic frontline services, such as paramedics, hospital security, brand protection, investigation teams, local authorities, enforcement teams, university security and many others.

Should you ever have any questions in reference to body armour, then please do not hesitate and contact us at PPSS, and in the strictest of confidence we will help you to the best of our ability.