CIOB urges construction industry to share PPE with healthcare providers
On 25th March 2020, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) urged the construction industry to donate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to their local healthcare communities amid international shortages for healthcare professionals in the fight against coronavirus.
For healthcare workers providing treatment to COVID-19 patients, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a medical mask, gown, gloves and eye protection, but there is an international shortage of PPE, particularly masks and respirators.
The UK government has already appealed to the automotive industry to divert resources and begin manufacturing respirators, while in Europe, luxury goods firms have begun producing surgical masks. In the US, contractors are starting to donate respiratory masks, with professions such as dentistry also donating supplies.
Caroline Gumble, CEO of the CIOB, said:
“As some construction sites temporarily close their doors around the world and adapt the way that they’re working, many items of personal protective equipment are becoming available. With healthcare providers experiencing an international shortage in such crucial times, this is an opportunity for the industry to step up and do their part. I know that many CIOB members are already doing this and that, as a community, they are always willing to collaborate, act responsibility and support their wider communities.”
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Budget 2020.
- CIOB articles
- CIOB.
- Coronavirus and force majeure.
- Coronavirus impact survey.
- Coronavirus job retention scheme.
- Coronavirus.
- Designing HVAC to resist harmful pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria and viruses such as influenza and 2019-nCov).
- Face coverings and a shifting policy background.
- Hospital isolation rooms.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Social distancing compliance marshal.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.