Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies in Norwich & Norfolk

Hazards to the eyes include chemical or metal splashes, dust, projectiles, gas, vapour and radiation.  Appropriate eye protection can include:

• Safety spectacles, goggles and visors – choose the right combination of impact, dust, splash and molten‑metal protection.
   
• Face shields or screens – for full‑face protection during grinding, cutting or chemical handling.
   

All eye protection should be kept clean and free from scratches to avoid impaired vision.  Standards such as BS EN 166 (specification for eye protectors) and BS 7028 (guide to selection of eye protection) govern quality and performance.  We supply eye and face protection that meets these standards and can accommodate prescription lenses.

On construction sites and factory floors, head and neck protection prevents injuries from falling or flying objects, impacts and entanglement.  The HSE notes that hazards include falling objects, hair getting caught in machinery, and chemical splashes.  Our range includes:

• Industrial safety helmets and hard hats – compliant with BS EN 397 and BS EN 14052 (for high‑performance helmets).
   
• Bump caps and hairnets – for low‑impact environments and hygienic workplaces.
   
• Accessory‑compatible helmets – helmets that can be fitted with ear or eye protection.
   

Helmets must be replaced if damaged and should fit correctly to be effective.

Noise hazards depend on sound level and exposure duration.  We offer:

• Earplugs and earmuffs – including disposable foam plugs and reusable earmuffs.
   
• Canal caps or semi‑insert protectors – for intermittent use.
   

Choose hearing protectors that reduce noise to an acceptable level while allowing communication.  Standards such as BS EN 352 specify performance and attenuation requirements

Hands and arms can be exposed to abrasion, cuts, temperature extremes, chemicals, electric shock, radiation or prolonged immersion.  Our selection includes:

• Cut‑resistant and impact‑resistant gloves – suitable for construction, mechanical and utility work.
   
• Chemical‑resistant gloves and gauntlets – made from materials that resist penetration by specific chemicals.
   
• High‑dexterity gloves and sleeves – to protect against abrasion without sacrificing movement.
   

For jobs where gloves can catch in machinery (e.g., bench drills), alternative controls should be considered.  We also stock cotton inner gloves to prevent skin problems when gloves are worn for long periods.

Feet and legs may encounter impact, slipping, cuts, falling objects, heavy loads, metal and chemical splash, or being struck by vehicles.  Our footwear range includes:

• Steel‑ or composite‑toecap boots – protect toes from compression and impact.
   
• Penetration‑resistant soles – guard against nails and sharp objects.
   
• Slip‑resistant and oil‑resistant soles – reduce the risk of slips on wet, oily or chemical‑contaminated surfaces.
   
• Insulating and anti‑static footwear – for electrical work and extreme temperatures.
   

All safety footwear complies with standards such as EN ISO 20345, which specify protective toecaps and sole performance.

For tasks involving dusts, gases or vapours, workers may need respiratory protective equipment (RPE).  HSE states that respirators may be simple filtering facepieces, power‑assisted respirators or face‑fitted units.  Some RPE provides an independent supply of breathable air, such as self‑contained breathing apparatus.  Norfolk Trade Centre offers:

• Disposable FFP1/FFP2/FFP3 masks – for dust and particulate protection.
   
• Half‑mask and full‑face respirators – with replaceable filters for gases and vapours.
   
• Powered air‑purifying respirators and supplied‑air systems – for high‑hazard environments.
   

Our team can advise on face‑fitting and maintenance to ensure RPE works effectively.

Some tasks expose the entire body to hazards such as heat, chemical or metal splash, contamination, or impact.  We supply:

• Hi‑visibility jackets, trousers and coveralls – certified to EN ISO 20471, with fluorescent fabrics and retro‑reflective tapes for visibility in all light conditions.
   
• Disposable coveralls and aprons – ideal for messy tasks or visitors.
   
• Flame‑retardant, anti‑static and chemical‑resistant suits – for specialist industrial work.
   
• Safety harnesses and life‑jackets – for working at height or around water.
   

We also stock emergency escape kits and safety ropes for confined‑space entry.

Proper care is essential to keep PPE effective.  According to the HSE, PPE should be stored in a dry, clean cupboard, cleaned regularly and kept in good condition.  Hi‑vis garments must be cleaned to maintain reflective performance.  We help clients set up maintenance schedules and keep replacement items in stock.

Workers must know how to use PPE correctly and report defects.  We offer training on fitting, inspection and safe use, and can provide on‑site demonstrations.