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How do standards ensure product safety?

Part of Design and TechnologySocial responsibility of product design

What are the key learning points about product safety?

  • Independent testing and labelling of products is crucial for ensuring safety and quality.
  • Standards like the British Standards Institution (BSI) and Kitemark, the European CE mark and International ISO certifications help consumers identify reliable products while promoting trust in the marketplace.
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BSI Kitemark

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is an organisation that creates guidelines to ensure products are safe and reliable. When a product meets these guidelines, it can carry the BSI Kitemark, which shows consumers that the item has been tested and is of good quality. This helps people feel confident that the products they buy are safe to use.

BSI Kitemark
The BSI Kitemark
uPVC door handle displaying the BSI kitemark
A BSI Kitemark on a product means it has been tested for quality
Quality and safetyBSI sets standards for products to ensure they are safe and work as expected. This means that when you see the BSI Kitemark on a product, you know it has been tested for quality.
Trustworthy productsThe Kitemark helps consumers trust that the products they buy meet high safety and quality standards. This is important for things like toys, electronics and food packaging.
Improving industry practicesBSI not only tests products but also helps businesses improve their processes and practices. This means companies can create better products that are safer for everyone.

The CE marking

The CE marking, or '', is a symbol on products sold in the European Economic Area, showing they meet health, safety and environmental standards. It ensures product safety and allows manufacturers to sell across Europe without extra testing, boosting consumer trust and simplifying trade.

The CE mark
The CE mark shows that a product meets EU safety, health or environmental standards.
The CE mark on this bulb shows it meets health, safety & environmental standards
Low energy light bulb with CE mark showing they meet health, safety & environmental standards
Safety assuranceThe CE marking shows that a product meets European safety and health standards. When you see this label, it means the product has been tested and is safe to use.
Wide range of productsThe CE mark can be found on various products, including electronics, toys and medical devices. It ensures that no matter what you buy, it complies with important regulations.
Free movement in europeThe CE marking allows products to be sold across all European countries without extra testing, making it easier for companies to trade and for consumers to access safe products throughout Europe.

International ISO

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) creates global standards to ensure quality, safety and efficiency in products and services. ISO standards help businesses improve their processes, boost customer satisfaction and facilitate international trade by ensuring products meet consistent quality levels worldwide.

The ISO symbol
The ISO sets worldwide standards for products and services
A ream of paper displaying ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification
ISO 9001 is an indication of quality standards and ISO 14001 certification indicates that a product meets environmental standards
Global standardsISO sets worldwide standards for products and services, ensuring they meet specific quality and safety requirements. This helps consumers know what to expect from products, no matter where they are made.
Quality and safetyBy following ISO standards, companies can improve their processes, making products safer and more reliable. This means fewer defects and better performance, which is good for consumers.
International tradeISO standards help businesses trade more easily across borders by ensuring that products meet consistent quality levels. This makes it easier for companies to sell their goods in different countries, boosting the economy.

BSI Kitemark
'British badge of quality, safe for all to see!'️

  • UK-based mark for tested, reliable products
  • found on toys, electronics and food packaging
  • helps companies keep improving safety and quality

CE Marking
'European entry to safety and trust!'

  • products with this mark meet European health and safety standards
  • applies to electronics, toys, medical devices
  • lets products move freely across Europe, no extra tests

ISO
'Internationally sound, standards all around!'

  • global rules for safety, quality and reliability
  • products perform better, with fewer defects
  • s easy trade between countries
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Try our short quiz on product safety

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