|
 In an increasingly health-conscious and regulation-driven world, the adoption of global standards, robust in-house testing, and consistent product quality have emerged as critical pillars for the safety equipment industry. Mahesh Kudav, chairman and managing director, Venus Safety & Health Pvt Ltd, underscores that early adoption of ISO systems, investments in testing infrastructure, and alignment with international standards have been central to India’s emergence as a reliable player in personal protective equipment (PPE), respirators, and air filtration solutions.
Drawing from decades of experience, Kudav highlights how these elements not only ensured product reliability but also enabled rapid scaling and innovation, especially during the unprecedented demands of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kudav emphasizes that the company’s decision to adopt International Organization for Standardization frameworks early on was not driven by the need for certification alone, but by a deeper commitment to process consistency and quality assurance.
Exposure to international exhibitions early in his career revealed a crucial gap: while Indian manufacturers could produce high-quality products, consistency and repeatability remained challenging. ISO systems addressed this by standardizing processes, reducing dependency on individual skill variations, and ensuring uniform output.
“ISO is not just a certificate. It is a culture demonstrated by the organisation,” Kudav explains, noting that documented processes enable manufacturers to maintain quality even under changing conditions, such as workforce fluctuations or scaling pressures.
A defining milestone in Venus Safety’s journey was the establishment of an in-house testing facility in Navi Mumbai in 1995. Initially driven by the requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for product certification, the facility soon became a strategic asset.
According to Kudav, in-house testing transformed the company’s capabilities by enabling continuous research and development (R&D), real-time quality checks, and product customization. Crucially, testing helped adapt international designs to Indian conditions, addressing differences in facial structures, climate, and usage patterns. This localization led to innovations and even patentable technologies, strengthening the company’s competitive edge.
The pandemic served as a defining moment, validating the strength of ISO-driven systems and testing infrastructure. Venus Safety scaled its workforce from around 1,000 to over 4,500 employees within days to meet surging demand for respirators. Despite the rapid expansion and reliance on newly trained, largely unskilled workers, product quality and consistency were maintained.
Kudav attributes this success to well-documented ISO processes, which enabled uniform training, controlled production parameters, and standardized testing. “The system rescued us,” he notes, highlighting how structured workflows ensured reliability even under extreme operational pressure.
A significant shift in recent years has been the harmonisation of Indian standards with global benchmarks. Kudav points out that earlier, standards varied widely across regions, creating complexity and limiting global competitiveness.
Today, efforts led by BIS and global bodies such as the Global Harmonization Task Force have aligned standards with ISO frameworks. This harmonisation simplifies classification systems, for instance, moving from multiple particle-size-based categories to standardized filtration efficiency classes based on respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM).
India’s progress has been particularly notable. Where only a handful of standards were updated over a decade in the past, BIS now introduces hundreds annually, enabling Indian manufacturers to compete in international markets and participate in global tenders.
Building on expertise in respirator technology, Venus Safety has developed innovative air filtration systems designed for indoor environments, including hospitals, homes, and commercial spaces.
The inspiration emerged during Covid-19, when data indicated that certified respirators significantly reduced fatalities, while poorly ventilated indoor environments, especially ICUs, posed higher risks due to inadequate filtration systems.
Kudav explains that many facilities lacked proper HVAC filtration, relying only on air conditioning without effective particle removal. This gap led to the development of advanced electrostatic and fibroelectric filters that combine high filtration efficiency with low pressure drop, ensuring both clean air and optimal airflow.
These filters, which can be integrated into existing air conditioning systems, are capable of significantly improving indoor air quality, addressing the growing challenge of airborne particulate pollution.
While global standards and high-quality materials enhance performance, they also impact costs. Kudav notes that key raw materials. particularly fine filtration fibers are still largely imported from the US and Europe, making the industry vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. Despite these challenges, he stresses that compromising on quality is not an option, especially in safety-critical products like respirators and PPE kits.
Kudav also highlights the disparity between organized and unorganized players in the PPE and filtration market. While established manufacturers adhere to stringent standards and testing protocols, the absence of strong entry barriers allows substandard products to enter the market.
He advocates for stricter enforcement through mechanisms like Quality Control Orders (QCOs), ensuring that only certified, high-performance products reach consumers, particularly in healthcare settings where risks are highest. From ISO adoption and in-house testing to global harmonisation and product innovation, Kudav’s insights present a clear roadmap for the industry. His experience underscores that sustainable growth in the safety sector hinges on process-driven manufacturing, continuous testing and R&D, alignment with global standards and investment in innovation tailored to local needs.
“As air quality concerns and health risks continue to rise globally, such integrated approaches are set to define the next phase of growth in PPE and air filtration technologies, positioning India as a key player in the global safety ecosystem,” Kudav concludes.
|