Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) FAQs

We have created a series of FAQs to support CPC members with the procurement of PPE.

1. What PPE products are CPC suppliers able to provide?

   The suppliers on CPC’s PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework are able to provide a wide range of high demand items. This includes Antibacterial Gel, Gloves, 3ply Masks and Aprons as well as other PPE items. Other items like Thermal Scan Thermometers and Protective Screens can be purchased through other frameworks we offer such as our Building Materials, Tools and Hardware Supplies and Stationery and Education Supplies.

   CPC has created a framework identifier which can be used by members to find the most suitable framework for key PPE items. Click here to download the framework identifier spreadsheet (last updated 18/12/2020).

2. How fast can suppliers deliver items on the framework?

   CPC has been liaising with suppliers to find out what the lead times and stock levels are for high demand items and this information can be seen in the table below. Please be advised that the data included within the table is for guidance only. Supplier lead time and stock level data was collated at 3pm 22/02/2021 and members should be aware that these figures are subject to change. CPC are talking to suppliers on a weekly basis to update this information and will share this when we have updates.

   Supplier	LA Clothing		Arden Winch		Direct Corporate Clothing		LA Safety Supplies		Hardedge		Trinity		CMT		Arco
   Item	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level	Lead Time	Stock Level
   Antibacterial Gel 500ml	1 day	5000	TBC	TBC	1 day	>10K	1 day	5000	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	100000+	Next Day	150,000	TBC	TBC
   Antibacterial Gel 5l	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	3-5 days	On Request (in stock with supplier)	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	100000+	Next Day	25000	TBC	TBC
   Antiviral Wipes and Dispensers	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	1 day	>40K	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	100000+	Next Day	1500	TBC	TBC
   Mobile Sanitiser Stations	TBC	Unable to Supply	TBC	TBC	3-5 days	On request (in stock with supplier)	Unable to Supply	Unable to Supply	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	1000+	Next Day	15000	TBC	TBC
   FFP2 Mask	1 day	750	TBC	TBC	1 day	>400K	1 day	750	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	10000+	Next Day	135000	TBC	TBC
   3 Ply Mask	1 day	10,000	TBC	TBC	1 day	>500K	1 day	10,000	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	100000+	Next Day	3,000,000	TBC	TBC
   Reusable Mask	1 day	5000	TBC	TBC	3-5 days	On request	1 day	5000	TBC	TBC	2 – 3 days	100000+	Next Day	5000	TBC	TBC
   Protective Goggles	1 day	1500	TBC	TBC	1 day	>40K	1 day	1500	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	10000+	Next Day	50000	TBC	TBC
   Face Shields/Visor	1 day	2500	TBC	TBC	2 days	On request (in stock with supplier)	1 day	2500	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	10000+	Next Day	25000	TBC	TBC
   Nitrile Gloves	1 day	12,500	TBC	TBC	3-5 days	On request (in stock with supplier)	1 day	12,500	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	100000+	7 Days	50000	TBC	TBC
   Latex Gloves	Unable to Supply	Unable to Supply	TBC	TBC	3-5 days	On request	Unable to Supply	Unable to Supply	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	100000+	7 Days	50,000	TBC	TBC
   Aprons	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	1 day	>5K	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	10000+	Next Day	130000	TBC	TBC
   Disposable Overalls	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	1 day	>20K	1 day	1000	TBC	TBC	2 - 3 days	10000+	Next Day	15000	TBC	TBC
   Thermal Scan Thermometers	1 day	50	TBC	TBC	2 days	On request (in stock with supplier)	1 day	50	TBC	TBC	2- 3 days	1000+	Next Day	750	TBC	TBC
   COVID 19 Test Kits	3 days	24	TBC	TBC	Unable to Supply	Unable to Supply (in stock with supplier)	3 days	24	TBC	TBC	Approx 1 – 2 weeks	TBC	Next Day	11000	TBC	TBC

3. Is Direct Award Available on the new PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework?

   Direct award is available on the CPC’s new PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework. Direct award may be used where the members requirements are well defined and the cost of required items can be determined from the provided price lists within the User Guide, without the need for amendment or supplementary conditions or if there is an urgent need. The User Guide can be found on the PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework webpage.

4. Are CPC doing anything about price forecasting?

   CPC have been discussing cost forecasting for PPE in an ever changing market environment with the approved framework suppliers. This is updated from the information that was provided 2 weeks ago and was influenced by the spike in cases from the US and other Countries. The suppliers have provided the following comments on short and long term pricing on high demand items and this is detailed in the bullet points below.

   • 3 PLY Masks: Prices are reducing and expected to bottom out in September.
   • Disposable gloves: Prices continue to rise and availability is getting worse. Not expected to improve until 2021.
   • FFP2 masks: Prices are dropping but only slightly expected to stay as they are now until the end of 2020.
   • Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser: Prices are stable and suppliers have good sight of stock for small quantities.
   • Hand soap and sanitiser in sealed cartridges: These are in very short supply and for the next 2-3 months people should consider changing to bulk fill.
   • Face Visors and Goggles: Prices have dropped slightly but expected to stay as they are now until the end of this year.
   • Disposable coveralls: None of the cheaper SMS garments are being manufactured because the material is being used for masks. The alternative higher priced products are not coming down in price.  Expect price reductions towards the end of 2020.

5. Are Mobile Hand Wash Stations available via the PPE framework?

   There are two different types of mobile hand wash stations available; one is a mobile sink with water provided by a tank that does not need to be plumbed into the main water supply. The other variation is a hand sanitiser dispenser attached to a stand where the sanitiser can be dispensed either by moving your hands under the sensor or via a foot pedal. These are available through the PPE framework and the suppliers will be able to best advise the most suitable product to meet your requirement.

6. Do I need a Face mask?

   Further guidance on what PPE is required and when it should be used has been advised by government and can be viewed at the following link Government Guidance, members attention is drawn to point 10, Face Coverings as this is an area of high concern.

   The Government have released guidance on implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings, read the Government guidance here.

7. Do you have any additional guidance on the PPE framework?

   We have created a brand new PPE webinar which has been designed for CPC members.

Should you have any further questions please contact the PPE, Clothing and Uniforms framework contract manager Myles Woodman at [email protected] or 0161 974 0945.