The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is appealing to builders’ merchants across the UK to provide much-needed personal protective (PPE) equipment for NHS staff amid the coronavirus crisis.
The move is part of a national initiative co-ordinated by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), comprising the major trade associations involved in the industry.
The BMF’s merchant members operate from more than 5,450 branches nationwide and the vast majority will stock PPE.
The BMF is asking merchants to donate items including FFP3 masks, full-face visors, safety goggles and glasses, hazmat/full body suits and hand sanitiser to tackle shortages.
BMF merchants have been asked to contact their BMF regional manager with details of the level of stocks they can offer.
John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF, said: “The unique nature of the BMF network puts them in pole position to support this initiative.
“At the moment we are assessing what stock levels are in place through our merchants. We will then work with the relevant supply chain, through the CLC initiative, to get any items we receive to healthcare professionals.”
