Procurement Written by CPL Group
Procuring personal protective equipment in a pandemic There is currently a wide range of varying information available from both official and unreliable channels in relation to PPE so it can be difficult to know what the best option is when procuring it. This article will guide you through what information to look out for and the best routes to market when securing PPE for your institution PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It typically includes items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic the definition of PPE has changed slightly to also include products which wouldn’t have traditionally been considered PPE such as face masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, antibacterial gel and other high demand items. Knowledge of PPE has grown rapidly as has the importance it now plays not only within a construction or medical setting but also in personal and everyday life. What PPE do I need? The PPE equipment required by educational establishments to operate safely can vary significantly. Government guidance is subject to revision, however equipment that may be needed includes masks, disposable gloves, disposable plastic aprons and eye protection. According to DEandS, the organisation that procures PPE for the NHS, these are among the highest demand items. Most staff in education, childcare and children’s social care settings will not require PPE beyond what they would normally need for their work. PPE is generally only needed in a very small number of cases such as when an individual child, young person or other learner becomes ill with coronavirus symptoms and only then if a distance of two metres cannot be maintained. The exception to the above is the use of face coverings. The government has advised that secondary schools in England have the discretion There to require pupils and staff h a s be to wear face coverings in a sharp en communal areas whilst the use of face coverings in supp rise is mandatory in regions lie diversif ying intrs where local lockdowns PPE ma o are in place. rket du the or other facilities that Welsh schools will rin the pan are available to the need to undertake a risk demic g general public which assessment and make their are in the government’s own decision if face coverings/ list of settings that require masks are needed in communal PPE and where guidelines state places and on school transport. that a face covering should be worn. It Secondary school students in Scotland and is paramount that all details are checked Northern Ireland will need to wear a face and that all PPE guidance is followed mask in corridors and communal areas. at all times to ensure the wellbeing of Additional PPE will be required if your staff, students and the general public. school or academy offers after school clubs
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Routes to market There are a number of different routes to market available when securing PPE, each dependant on your institution’s procurement regulations. One of the best that has been utilised during the pandemic for educational establishments and the wider public sector is the use of a framework agreement (also known as a deal). A framework is a safe way to purchase PPE as it consists of a set number of fully vetted suppliers
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