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BS 30417 and alsico UK
Fit matters – Safety depends on it.
BS 30417 gives organisations the guidance they need to make PPE inclusive for everyone. Alsico is here to help you turn that guidance into action.
what is BS 30417?
BS 30417 is a new British Standard that provides practical guidance to make personal protective equipment (PPE) more inclusive. It sets out clear recommendations to help employers and manufacturers design, select and supply PPE that meets the needs of every worker — regardless of body shape, size, gender, pregnancy, religion, or cultural background.
In simple terms, it’s about making sure everyone is protected, comfortable and able to do their job safely. However, it also helps organisations meet their legal duty to provide suitable PPE under the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations – filling a long-recognised gap in practical, user-centred guidance, especially around fit, comfort, and equitable access.
"Practical guidance designed to ensure employers across all sectors provide staff with personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits, regardless of gender, ethnicity, body shape, age, or disability, has been issued in a long-awaited move designed to help struggling sectors retained skilled workers and ultimately enhance people’s safety at work."
British Standards Institute press release
key areas of BS 30417
read the full BSI standard
test your PPE against the BS 30417 checklist
interactive checklist
printable checklist
alsico are leading the standard in inclusive PPE
From extended fit ranges and maternity designs to religious and cultural adaptions and stretch garments, inclusivity has long been part of our design DNA. BS 30417 reflects what we’ve been practising for years — ensuring everyone feels protected, comfortable and respected at work.
extensive fit & size ranges
maternity garments
religious & cultural designs
adaptive & flexible options
menopause-friendly workwear
Safety starts with the right fit
Designing garments that fit and protect every body type is central to true inclusivity in workwear and PPE. As workforce diversity continues to evolve, so must the science behind fit, ensuring that every wearer experiences the same level of comfort, movement, and safety — regardless of shape, size, or gender.
data-driven fit insight
At alsico, we’ve built one of the most comprehensive fit databases in the industry — analysing over two million body measurements across regions, genders, and ethnic groups. This data enables us to define multiple body blocks that truly represent the diversity of the modern workforce.
advanced design testing
Using 3D simulation fitting, wearer trials, and real-world feedback, we study how variations in body shape affect garment performance — from mobility to pressure points and overall comfort. These insights directly inform our design standards, leading to more adaptive fits and refined garment architecture.
innovative construction features
Strategically placed elastication, ergonomic shaping, and adjustable design details ensure garments move with the wearer — maintaining protection, mobility, and comfort across a wide range of body proportions.
FREEDOM MATTERS
Welcome to the world of stretch with alsico, where your freedom matters.
Freedom to move. Freedom to work.
Powered by our innovative ‘ALSIFLEX’ and ‘ALSIPRO’ technologies and our pioneering performance fabrics Monviso, Makalu and Kibo. Delivering comfort, flexibility and safety into the most demanding working environments.
need something bespoke?
Along with our stocked garments, we also offer a custom-made design service – the ideal option for companies looking for personalised, inclusive workwear that keeps their teams safe and comfortable.
frequently asked questions
The standard is relevant to anyone responsible for PPE — from manufacturers and designers to procurement teams, health and safety professionals, and employers. It supports better decision-making across the entire PPE lifecycle.
No, BS 30417 is a voluntary standard. However, it complements existing legal duties under UK health and safety law and following it can help organisations demonstrate best practice and compliance with equality and safety principles.
Alsico has long championed inclusive design. Our garments are informed by one of the most comprehensive fit databases in the industry and tested through 3D simulation, wearer trials, and real-world feedback. We offer a range of inclusive options — from maternity wear to modest designs and adaptive fits.
Yes. Our experts can assess your current PPE against BS 30417 guidance, identify gaps, and recommend practical improvements. We also provide wearer trials, fit assessments, and custom design support to help you meet inclusivity goals.
contact us today to find the best fit for every member of your team
learn more about the environments we supply into
Environments
wearer protection
Protection is weaved into every part of alsico, we build it into everything we do and it drives our every decision. Our protective workwear range covers all high-safety sectors.
Environments
healthcare
We are one of the largest healthcare uniform suppliers in the UK, and are the majority supplier for the new NHS National Healthcare Uniform project.
Environments
workwear
At alsico, we have shown excellence in a wide range of work uniforms, ranging from warehousing to global travel companies and from transportation to construction.
Environments
electrification
Our passion for creating innovative fabrics has positioned us as a key supplier in the exciting new sector of electrical safety clothing, from battery companies to aerospace, to all anti-static environments.
Environments
contamination control
We have developed a specialism in cleanroom clothing and uniforms, delivering exceptional performance in highly controlled environments.
Environments
emergency response
We are always honored to be asked to provide workwear for our emergency services teams. We put our trust in them to help to look after us, and we do our very best in return, delivering performance when it matters.
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