5 questions to ask to ensure PPE supplies are not counterfeit
Protect employees and the organization as a whole from liability exposures and critical health risks.
Recently, there have been reports of companies and even health systems that have received counterfeit personal protective equipment (PPE). This emerging threat not only puts individuals at severe risk of infection but in turn, makes companies vulnerable to significant liability exposures.
Jordan Berkowitz, president of Sunline Supply, says the threat of counterfeit or poor quality PPE makes a reliable supply chain and distributor even more critical.
“Recalls of counterfeit PPE can be costly and cut into productivity,” Berkowitz explains, “and with so much at stake, there’s no room to make assumptions about quality or cut corners when it comes to safety.”
The risk is rampant, Berkowitz said, especially on reseller sites like Ebay. Two of the top PPE items illegitimate companies are counterfeiting are. N95 masks and Nitrile Gloves.
“Both these items require an enormous amount of testing, certifications, and approvals,” Berkowitz said. “At minimum, N95′s need to be FDA-approved and NIOSH-approved, and Nitrile medical gloves require FDA approval, 510(k) certification, and several additional certifications depending on the usage (industrial, medical, chemo-rated).”
“Be certain any company you’re buying PPE from has legitimate documentation for these products (we provide our customers with product info kits — a collective of the product certifications and documentation from the manufacturers to ensure authenticity and quality).”
One of the biggest warning signs? Cost.
“Quality PPE is not cheap — especially N95 masks and Nitrile gloves,” Berkowitz said. “If you see an offer you think is too good to be true, it probably is!”
To protect employees from health risks and your company from liability exposures, Berkowitz recommends that companies looking to purchase high-quality PPE ask the following 5 questions about their distributor’s practices and the equipment they’re receiving.
1. Is there FDA approval of partners throughout supply chain?
With the potential for many parties to be involved in the manufacture and distribution of PPE, ensuring that each facility has received FDA certification can provide peace of mind that their practices prioritize end-user safety.
2. Has a physical examination of factories by performed by the distributor?
Being able to handle physical product samples and see factory operations may be the difference between selecting one brand over another and knowing the distributor is providing high-quality PPE.
3. Does the distributor have qualified teams in the U.S. and manufacturers’ countries?
Even with extensive preparation by manufacturers and distributors, the changing landscape of regulations in China requires ongoing monitoring by a team that is on the ground and well-versed in the needs and laws of all parties.
4. Can the distributor demonstrate a record of industry experience and success?
Though the increased need for high-quality PPE is new, some distributors quickly utilized their established networks of contacts to facilitate to build equally strong supply chains to import masks, gloves, protective gear, disposable equipment, and more, without lags or disruptions.
5. Is the distributor readily accessible to answer questions and provide shipments?
In spite of doing proper due diligence, questions and concerns can still arise about equipment, shipments, and more. Communication is essential to building a successful partnership and securing high-quality PPE.
Related: