Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification (ISI mark), Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.

 

Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification (ISI mark), Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.

 

BIS Chennai Branch Office organized Manak Manthan on “ Draft Indian Standard : Guide for Selection of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for Waste Handling” at Auditorium, Amma Maligai, Ripon Building, Second Floor, Chennai- 600 003 on Today, 30.05.25

 

Dr. Meenakshi Ganesan, Scientist-G & Head, BIS Southern Regional Laboratory delivered the Inaugural address to the gathering. She informed that that this programme will address the usage of PPE in the handling of wastes include Municipal (solid/liquid/sewage), biodegradable, chemical, biomedical, domestic, construction, food, e-waste, gaseous, and hazardous/toxic wastes. She said more awareness should be there on waste segregation.

 

 

Smt.G Bhavani, Scientist-F/Sr.Director & Head (Chennai Branch Office) welcomed the participants and explained the Programme Objectives. In her speech, she informed that The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a vital role in shaping India’s safety and quality ecosystem by developing national standards for products used in daily life and across industries. From everyday appliances to essential safety gear, BIS ensures products meet well-researched, performance-backed benchmarks.

 

 

She also added that in line with this mission, the document titled "Guide for Selection of PPE for Waste Handling" a draft Indian Standard, has been issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It provides guidelines for selecting personal protective equipment (PPE) specifically for workers involved in various types of waste handling.

She also said Key PPE Categories to be covered will include the following

1. Eye Protection – e.g., safety goggles, face shields based on waste type.
2. Respiratory Protection – e.g., filtering masks, full/half face masks, SCBA, based on exposure level.
3. Hand Protection – e.g., chemical protective gloves, cut-resistant gloves.
4. Body Protection – e.g., coveralls, CBRN suits depending on chemical, biological, or physical hazards.
5. Foot Protection – e.g., safety shoes, chemical-resistant boots, CBRN shoes.

 

S R Balasubramaniam, EE , Solid Waste Management Dept (Hqrs), GCC was the Chief Guest for the Programme. During his Special Address, he appreciated the efforts taken by BIS in organizing series of discussion-programmes titled “Manak Manthan” for the benefit of industry which is scheduled on every month, and is envisaged to launch new standards and share important revisions / amendments and wide circulation drafts to local manufacturers, Industrial and Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, PSU’s or organizations who use such products, Government departments, Regulatory bodies, Laboratories, Civil society groups and Academia.

 

He also added that Government departments shall give prime importance to Indian Standard in their tendering process.

 

Shri. Sushanth, Scientist – D, BIS, New Delhi handled the Technical Discussion and explained the participants about this standard that this document aligns with various Indian Standards (IS) such as IS 8521 (eye protection), IS 9473 (masks), IS 6994 (gloves), IS 4501 & IS 6153 (body wear), and IS 10667 (footwear). He also explained how this standard ensures the PPE in waste handling is appropriate to the risks involved and complies with the most recent safety specifications.

 

Earlier Shri Muni Narayana, Scientist-E explained the participants about the activities of about BIS and E-BIS.

More than 125 Stakeholders on the subject matter attended the Programme.

 

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AD/SMB/RR/SG


 

(Release ID: 2132766)