Thursday 19th March, 2026
7-10 minute read
The introduction of BS 30417 marks a significant step forward in how personal protective equipment (PPE) is approached across the UK.
Moving beyond traditional “one-size-fits-all” thinking, the standard sets out clear guidance for providing PPE that works for a truly diverse workforce.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Inclusive PPE Matters
Historically, PPE has often been designed around a limited range of body types, typically based on a male default. This has left many workers with ill-fitting equipment that can reduce protection, restrict movement, or discourage proper use.
BS 30417 aims to change that by promoting PPE that accommodates differences in:
- Body shape and size
- Gender and sex
- Ethnicity
- Religion and cultural needs
- Disabilities and medical conditions
The goal is simple: ensure everyone has equal access to PPE that fits properly and performs as intended.
A Shift Away from “One-Size-Fits-All”
A key principle of the standard is moving away from unisex PPE.
Instead, organisations are encouraged to provide a range of options that collectively meet the needs of all users. This doesn’t mean one product works for everyone; it means the right product is available for each individual.
Importantly, inclusive PPE should not create unnecessary distinctions between users or introduce new risks (such as snagging or restricted movement).
Start with Risk – Then Consider the User
The selection process still begins with hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA). But BS 30417 goes further by requiring employers to factor in the needs and preferences of end-users alongside the risks.
This includes:
- Consulting workers during selection
- Considering comfort, fit and compatibility
- Evaluating how PPE performs in real working conditions
Trialling PPE with a diverse group of users is strongly recommended before final decisions are made.
Fit is Critical to Safety
Proper fit is central to the effectiveness of PPE.
The standard highlights that:
- PPE should be individually assessed and fitted
- A wide range of sizes should be available
- Fit should be reviewed over time (e.g. pregnancy, seasonal changes)
- Comfort and protection must be balanced equally
If PPE doesn’t fit correctly, it can compromise protection, or simply not be worn at all.
Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring
Inclusive PPE isn’t a one-off purchase. The standard places strong emphasis on:
- Regular inspections (pre-use, post-use, and formal checks)
- Planned maintenance and cleaning
- Clear defect reporting and replacement processes
- Record keeping for compliance and accountability
This ensures PPE remains effective throughout its lifecycle.
Accessibility and Accommodation
Where standard PPE options still don’t meet specific needs, employers are expected to go further.
This can include:
- Providing alternative or adapted PPE
- Using assistive accessories (e.g. modified fastenings)
- Ensuring compatibility with medical devices or cultural attire
- Working directly with users to identify solutions
The emphasis is on removing barriers to safe working.
Training and Awareness
Providing the right PPE is only part of the solution. BS 30417 also highlights the importance of:
- Clear training on correct use and fit
- Accessible and inclusive training materials
- Ongoing communication about available PPE options
- Encouraging feedback from users
Building awareness helps drive adoption and compliance across the workforce.
Continuous Improvement
Finally, the standard promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
Organisations should:
- Gather feedback from users
- Review PPE performance regularly
- Engage with suppliers and manufacturers
- Adapt their approach as workforce needs evolve
Inclusive PPE isn’t a fixed solution; it’s an ongoing process.
Symmetry Within Safety: The Right Fit for Every Woman in Every Industry
While BS 30417 sets a clear direction, many of the challenges it addresses already exist, particularly regarding PPE fit for women.
Despite making up around 50% of the UK workforce, women are often provided with PPE designed around male body types. The result is a poor fit, reduced comfort, and in some cases, compromised protection.
This goes beyond inconvenience. Ill-fitting PPE can create real risks, from restricted movement and reduced dexterity to increased trip hazards and ineffective protection.
These issues are especially evident in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where performance and safety depend heavily on well-fitting equipment.
There are also wider considerations around individual needs, such as pregnancy or temperature regulation, which standard PPE often fails to accommodate.
BS 30417 reinforces the need for a more user-focused approach, ensuring PPE is available in a range of sizes, fits and designs that work in practice.
At its core, inclusive PPE is about making sure every worker can operate safely, comfortably and with confidence.
What This Means for Stronghold Customers
BS 30417 reflects a positive shift in how PPE is approached, placing greater focus on fit, comfort and individual needs to improve safety across the board.
For Stronghold customers, it’s an opportunity to take a more tailored approach. Access to a wider range of PPE options, combined with a better understanding of user requirements, helps ensure every member of the workforce is properly protected and confident in their choice of PPE.
Stronghold supports this by working closely with customers to identify the right solutions for their teams and environments. From product selection through to ongoing supply, the focus is on making inclusive PPE straightforward to implement and effective in practice.
As expectations continue to evolve, taking a more inclusive approach isn’t just about meeting guidance; it’s about raising standards and delivering better outcomes on site.
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