Pablo Ramos (Ramos ASEPAL): We have major PPE manufacturers that are competitive on the international market
Pablo Ramos Pérez, president of the Association of Personal Protective Equipment Companies (ASEPAL, as per its Spanish acronym), which forms part of the SICUR Organising Committee, states that “we have major national PPE manufacturers who are maintaining and improving their processes to remain competitive internationally”.
As he explains, Spain is currently at the forefront in terms of manufacturing design and quality and product standards. This involves “the integration of technological and technical materials, which not only improve performance but are also geared towards sustainability and the circular economy”.
What is the quality standard of PPE manufactured in Spain?
Spain is currently at the forefront when it comes to design and quality in its manufacturing and product standards. This involves the integration of technological and technical materials, which can lead not only to improved performance, given that many of our products and materials are already geared towards sustainability, the circular economy and the recovery of personal protective equipment which, once it has reached the end of its useful life, can be processed to produce other materials. This reflects the commitment of our manufacturers, whom ASEPAL represents.
How do these teams compare with the rest of the world in terms of competitiveness?
Spain is a safe bet when it comes to standards. We are a technology company that is increasingly committed to setting trends and developing new, higher-performance solutions which, in many cases, exceed the highest industry standards. This reflects our current capacity for innovation, which is now focused on comfort, but above all on being environmentally-friendly. Fortunately, we have major domestic manufacturers who are maintaining and improving their processes in order to remain competitive internationally.
Does this confirm a clear and growing trend towards sustainability among EPI?
We are firmly committed to sustainability. ASEPAL represents a sector with many concerns, one that is constantly evolving, which is why sustainability is always a key consideration.
Is there sufficient market surveillance to ensure that products are reliable and comply with legal requirements?
We must continue to work alongside our government and public bodies, as, although a lot has been achieved over recent years, there is still a great deal of monitoring and follow-up work to be done. This is all the more true as e-commerce continues to grow, which is an opportunity to access a wide range of standardised products, but also means there is a large supply of non-compliant products, which can pose a risk, particularly for end users who lack the necessary knowledge to select the correct PPE. That is why all market players must remain vigilant, and here at ASEPAL we work towards this every single day.
What measures should companies and users take into account when selecting and using their PPE correctly?
Essentially, to be aware of, and to have assessed and identified, all your risks. They should then seek advice from their specialist supply chain, manufacturer or solutions provider, who, thanks to the work carried out by the SPRL (Occupational Risk Prevention Service), will work with them to identify the best PPE solution or solutions. And this is taking into account the complementary nature of the design, as well as other factors that must be considered, such as environmental risks that may affect comfort or usability. Only your manufacturer or the supplier of your specific PPE solution – the vast majority of whom are members of ASEPAL – will be able to help you not only with choosing the best option but also with the correct use of the various types of protective equipment.