This certification programme has been designed using a voluntary technical guide for face coverings and other technical elements our experts have incorporated from over 30 years' experience of testing PPE.
The first step towards achieving Kitemark certification for face coverings is that samples of the product must be tested. This is known as initial type testing.
The face coverings are put through various tests in our laboratories including filtration and breathability tests to ensure consumer comfort as well as performance. This process goes beyond an initial set of tests as products need to be assessed on an ongoing basis to demonstrate trust and to make sure the coverings that are manufactured continue to offer the appropriate levels of protection for use.
For organizations that have a Quality Management System (QMS) in place that can be audited, we audit the QMS or review their ISO 9001 certification related to the manufacture of face coverings, either on-site or remotely. Once this is done and all requirements are met, the Kitemark certificate is issued.
Then on an ongoing - basis we:
- Audit the QMS twice per year, either on-site or remotely
- Audit test the product twice per year in the BSI labs
For organizations that do not have a formal Quality Management System (QMS) in place that can be audited we test each batch of product in the BSI laboratories as a means of on-going quality control.
