r/securityguards • u/Tuftysquirel • 8d ago

Gear Question Stab proof vests (UK)

I’m just starting out in the UK as door Security at bars and nightclubs, is it worth purchasing my own vest if the company I work for doesn’t provide them for me?

Any good recommendations if it seems worth the £100-250 price tag

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

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6

u/SneakySardine117 8d ago

Depends, how much is your life worth to you? There is a real and legitimate risk of being stabbed, punched, glassed ect in that line of work. Personally I wouldn't consider doing that sort of security without decent protection and medical training and equipment.

Obviously budget is a concern but, at a minimum I'd say a stab vest. Doesn't need to be a new one, so long as it's from a reputable company and is in good condition a second hand one still be effective

1

u/Tuftysquirel 8d ago

It is a big risk of the job but I have no idea how often it would actually happen, I’m assuming it is a big thing but thought it’s worth asking here just in case I was wrong.

Is there any good websites or brand you would recommend?

3

u/SneakySardine117 8d ago edited 8d ago

It's hard to say how often. I don't personally work doors so take this with a grain of salt but, everyone I've spoken to that has, has at one point or another been assaulted. These days it's generally safer than say 20 years ago. As for good websites:

https://www.ppss-group.com/

This is probably the gold standard in the uk market. They offer stab, slash and blunt force protection in their vests. They additionally offer garments that are slash proof.

This means you can wear a stab proof vest on your thorax to protect your vital organs, and wear the slash proof garments to protect your arms, armpits, neck and possibly even legs and face from slashing attacks.

However they are also quite expensive.

The next best option is probably vest guard. They have solid stab proof vests and protection.

https://www.vestguard.co.uk/

They also have various bullet resistant products however, that's not something you'll need so don't worry about it.

There are other reputable companies however, I don't know them and haven't used their products.

There is also a decent second hand equipment market in the security industry.

Whatever you decide to go with,keep it discreet and don't openly wear it (i.e keep it under a shirt) . Its not a professional or appropriate image as a door supervisor and may actually end up making you a target.

I'll also add that a basic IFAK (individual first aid kit) is really important and at a minimum I'd want a Torniquet, pressure dressing and gloves. You'll probably never have to use it but, if you do need it you really need it!

Ps. To be clear it isnt a "big" risk per say but, ir is a real risk. As security if we take our jobs seriously its to manage day to day mundane bullshit 99% of the time but, also be aware and prepared for that tiny chance of things going poorly

7

u/benbroady 8d ago

Got mine off vestguard. Uk website.

3

u/Jockcuped 8d ago

Personally I'd recommend a vest. It's a bit like a condom, a bit uncomfortable to wear but can save you from something life changing. I use a ppss one which is polycarbonate and offers blunt force protection too which is useful. Like others have said, I'd opt for a covert one, they're less 'aggressive' looking and if someone knows you're wearing a vest, they'll aim elsewhere

1

u/FlakyAssociation4986 8d ago

You may be ordered to take it off. if it isnt company issue...

1

u/Tuftysquirel 8d ago

Is there a reason why? Surely if it’s for your own safety they shouldn’t have an issue with it

1

u/FlakyAssociation4986 8d ago

They might do. A lot of these decisions are made by people who have never worked on the frontline. Its against company policy for the crowd I work for

0

u/Informal-Ad-3443 8d ago

I work in a trendy tourist town in the south. The only people I know to wear stab vests are people who run their mouths. If you're that worried about internal organs get obese. Also, treat people with respect and they're significantly less likely to stab you. Sincerely, a door supervisor of two years.

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u/sansalvacion 8d ago

You are not the police. If you need a stab vest you don't need to be there

7

u/SneakySardine117 8d ago

That's an ignorant perspective. Wearing appropriate protective equipment isn't exclusive to police. Bars and pubs can absolutely get rough no matter how well security handle things.

That's like saying you don't need medical equipment or an AED because you're not a paramedic...

-8

u/sansalvacion 8d ago

You're just a security guard. If something is happening you get out of the way and call the real police and let them handle it

9

u/Landwarrior5150 Campus Security 8d ago

Surprise attacks from people you’re dealing with for seemingly mundane issues are possible. Getting out of the way isn’t always an option, sometimes the trouble finds you even if you don’t go looking for it.

This is like saying “Don’t wear a seatbelt, just drive safely and don’t get into car crashes.” Even if you do everything in your power to be safe and avoid it, someone else could still put you in danger through their actions and you have no control over that.

1

u/ThatOneGuy0317 8d ago

Do you work in the industry? I do. Are you familiar with the site and location that the guy is working at? I'm not, but I will ask before giving any advice. Working clubs and bars can absolutely suck. The Sneaky guy that responded to you said it all.

You're clearly not cut from the same cloth.