Here are some commonly asked questions by our customers, and we hope the answers prove helpful to you as well.

 

1.1 "What should I do if one of our staff members has encountered a situation involving a knife, improvised weapon, or gun, or is worried about such incidents in the future?"

Conduct a thorough risk assessment considering the potential risks or threats faced by your staff. This assessment should encompass both the general threats in your local vicinity (advisably consulting with local law enforcement) and the specific risks associated with your staff's duties. If there's a discernible threat, it's advisable to equip your staff with appropriate body armor. However, it's crucial to understand that while body armor aims to mitigate the risk of severe injury or fatality, it cannot safeguard against all threats. Therefore, it should strike a balance between protection and enabling your staff to perform their duties effectively.

 

1.2 "What criteria should I consider to ensure my staff members are adequately protected?"

The standards set by the UK Home Office govern body armor protection in the UK. Besides the CE mark, adherence to Home Office standards is paramount for ensuring adequate protection. Simply labeling a product as "body armor" or a "stab vest" doesn't guarantee protection; hence, the importance of Home Office standards. While other countries may have their own standards (e.g., NIJ for ballistic resistance in the US), UK Home Office standards exclusively apply in the UK. It's crucial to exercise caution with body armor claiming to be "made to" or "tested to" Home Office standards; certification by the Home Office is the definitive mark of compliance.

 

1.3 "What are the legal requirements concerning body armor?"

It's not illegal to purchase or sell "stab vests" lacking certification by the Home Office. However, the onus lies on the employer to ensure the adequacy of protection provided. Under the Health & Safety at Work Act, every organization bears a duty of care to safeguard its staff, which includes issuing appropriate body armor to those at risk. Failure to provide adequate protection may lead to legal repercussions such as industrial tribunals, compensation claims, and penalties under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, including unlimited fines and publicity orders.

 

1.4 "What constitutes a 'spike,' and do all stab vests offer protection against them?"

Spiked implements like screwdrivers, chisels, or similar improvised weapons pose a threat comparable to knives, if not greater due to their accessibility and lesser legal repercussions. It's essential to ensure that stab vests hold Home Office certification for spike protection (SP1, SP2, etc.) in addition to knife protection (KR1, KR2, etc.), as knife threats often coincide with spike threats.

 

1.5 "If a vest provides protection against knives and/or guns, does it also protect against syringes?"

No, protection against syringes depends on the specific vest. There's no Home Office standard for syringe protection (SP1 standard pertains to spikes, not syringes). Given the fine needle point of syringes, many conventional body armor models with Home Office KR1 and SP1 certification may not prevent penetration by syringes. To counter this increasingly prevalent threat, seek suppliers offering dedicated syringe protection.

 

1.6 "What is meant by 'blunt trauma' or 'impact-based assault'?"

While knives, spikes, and guns pose significant threats of severe injury or death, blunt trauma resulting from blows with objects like baseball bats or bricks is arguably the most common hazard faced by staff. However, projectiles like bricks may land outside the coverage area of a vest, necessitating lightweight, flexible armor that allows staff to evade danger effectively. Unlike syringe protection, there's no Home Office standard for blunt trauma protection; hence, it's advisable to opt for suppliers explicitly offering such protection.

 

1.7 "My staff express concerns about stab vests being too heavy. How should I address this?"

As a responsible employer or manager, prioritizing staff comfort without compromising safety is essential. While it's crucial to provide Home Office-certified body armor to at-risk staff, current technological limitations mean that achieving the thinness and lightness of regular clothing in certified armor isn't feasible. Considering factors like armor flexibility, heat control, and additional protection against syringes and blunt trauma alongside Home Office certification can ensure both safety and comfort for your staff.

 

1.8 "Is custom-made body armor necessary for effectiveness?"

No, custom sizing isn't obligatory for ensuring adequate protection. Standard sizes (S-3XL), which suit 99% of wearers, suffice for most situations, aligning with the approach adopted by the majority of UK police forces. However, tall wearers may benefit from longer armor to adequately cover lower organs, while individuals outside the standard size range, including some women requiring larger cup sizes, may require specialized sizing for both comfort and protection.