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
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.