The importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) has never been clearer than at this time of combating the pandemic. The shortage of certain items, whose domestic production is scarce, tends to intensify discussions about changes in the sector – some of which were underway even before the outbreak of the new coronavirus. This backdrop increases expectations surrounding the 23rd edition of FISP – International Safety and Protection Fair, to take place from October 20 to 22 at São Paulo Expo.
Promoted by Cipa Fiera Milano, FISP is the leading trade fair of its kind in Latin America and the second largest in the world, trailing only Germany's A+A. It is organized by Animaseg (National Association of the Safety and Work Protection Equipment Industry), Abraseg (Brazilian Association of Distributors and Importers of Safety and Work Protection Equipment and Products), and Sindiseg (Union of the Safety Material Industry), taking place simultaneously with the 14th Fire Show – International Fire Fair. Together, the fairs are expected to attract an audience of over 50,000 visitors and 700 exhibiting companies.
“As many people know, much of the PPE that is in short supply in hospitals is imported. It could be manufactured here if there had been a policy supporting domestic production for years,” notes Raul Casanova Junior, executive director of Animaseg and Abraseg. Of the nearly 1,300 companies that make up the sector’s elite, only 5% manufactures respiratory protective equipment. Another 5% supply hospital gloves. “The sector is willing to listen, propose solutions, and take action to align with strategic changes,” says the spokesperson.
Openness to debate has guided the conduct of the occupational health and safety industry regarding Provisional Measure 905, issued in November 2019. Among other actions, the MP aims to establish a new certification model for PPE, replacing the Certificate of Approval (CA)—an instrument used for over 40 years in Brazil.
Animaseg, for example, created the RA, a voluntary registry to centralize PPE information such as test reports, certificates, instructions for use, restrictions, and validity attested by laboratories or Product Certification Bodies (OCPs). “The RA provides more data and guarantees than the CA, assuring the consumer that the product purchased is identical to the one tested,” states Casanova Junior.
The conversion of MP 905 into law is ongoing. The text was approved by Congress on April 14 and now depends on the Senate's endorsement. The deadline for the completion of the entire process is April 20. “The trend is toward approval. Therefore, we are attentive and also keeping the government informed of our initiatives,” says the executive of Animaseg and Abraseg.
The organizers and producers of FISP rely on measures to improve labor protection in Brazil. According to the Digital Observatory for Occupational Safety and Health, from 2012 to 2018 the country recorded 4.7 million workplace accidents, or one every 49 seconds. In the same period, there were 17.2 thousand deaths due to incidents or illnesses related to the job (one death every 3 hours and 40 minutes).
Like many industries, the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry had been recovering after a downturn during the turbulent 2015–2016 period. Animaseg plans to release its 2019 financial results during the 23rd FISP, but anticipates that last year continued the recovery trend. In 2018, the association’s members—who account for 85% of the domestic market—generated R$ 4.36 billion in revenue, with the workwear and safety gloves segments standing out.
“FISP will once again showcase the most modern and innovative special suits, face protection, gloves, footwear, and harnesses, among other safety items,” states Rimantas Sipas, commercial director of Cipa Fiera Milano. “And, as in previous editions, the event will also promote training for those working in the sector. At Techshow, for example, the public will be able to attend free lectures by exhibitors, updating themselves on information and technologies.”.
Sipas points out that, although it has established itself as the largest gathering of professionals in the occupational health and safety sector (engineers, occupational physicians, risk inspectors, technicians, members of the internal commission on occupational safety and health, and firefighters), FISP also represents an important opportunity for business owners and buyers in general. “Statistics show that more than 98% of Brazilian companies are small and do not have someone dedicated to prevention. Understanding this issue is important for everyone.”
SERVICE:
FISP and Fire Show
October 20 to 22, 2020
Hours: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: São Paulo Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Imigrantes Highway, km 1.5 – São Paulo (SP)
SOURCE:
IPESI
