PPE & Hand Sanitiser Buying Guide
Whatever the task, whatever the purpose, our extensive range of disposable gloves and PPE can give you the protection you need. Choose from a variety of different sizes and materials – all designed to the strictest UK standards and specifications.
Our Best Selling Disposable Gloves
So which gloves are right for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you make up your mind:
Latex Gloves
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Extremely durable, with robust barrier protection.
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Excellent flexibility, with a high degree of sensitivity.
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Very comfortable to wear.
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Superior to our other gloves in both elasticity and tensile strength.
Nitrile Gloves
- Made from synthetic rubber – ideal if you’re allergic to natural rubber proteins.
- Good resistance against oil, grease and a range of toxic chemicals and solvents.
- Good elasticity, with puncture and abrasion-resistant properties.
Vinyl Gloves
- A relaxed and comfortable fit that feels like a second skin.
- No natural rubber proteins, so perfect for those with allergies.
- Good resistance against oil, ozone, grease, acid and bases.
- Generally more affordable and cost-effective than latex and synthetic alternatives.
With vinyl, nitrile and latex, we’ve got gloves to suit everyone. Whether you’re looking to maintain hygiene standards, prevent the spread of illness, or guard against harmful chemicals, we can help.
Disposable Gloves Selection Guide
To make sure you get the right gloves and the best possible protection, we’ve compiled a useful guide:
Protein content - According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the powder in gloves can increase the rate of transfer of latex proteins to the skin, and may also result in latex protein particles becoming airborne, which can be an added concern for any workplace where latex allergies and deemed to be a risk.
Find your perfect fit
Once you’ve chosen your material, it’s time to measure up. To find your size, simply place the end of a tape measure in your palm and wrap it around your hand (excluding your thumb).
| Size (mm) | Size of glove |
| 76mm ± 3 | x-small |
| 84mm ± 3 | small |
| 94mm ± 3 | medium |
| 105mm ± 3 | large |
Face Masks Buying Guide
Face masks are a key element of PPE (personal protective equipment). When used correctly, they can help to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses, and create a safer learning environment.
Surgical Masks
A surgical mask is a disposable face covering, designed to prevent the spread of infectious disease. While it affords some protection to wearers, its main purpose is to safeguard those around them. Surgical masks come in different grades. For maximum effectiveness, choose medical-grade Type IIR.
Key facts
- Masks should be worn if you have a cough or you’re sneezing.
- Masks only work in conjunction with frequent and diligent hand hygiene.
- Disposable masks need to be changed regularly as they become far less effective when damp.
- Masks must be disposed of carefully to reduce the risk of spreading contaminants.
At Consortium, we stock a full range of face masks and PPE. All meet the strictest quality and safety standards required by the UK government.
Hand Sanitiser Buying Guide
There are 2 main types of hand sanitiser:
Alcohol Based
Should be 60 – 95% alcohol to effectively kill germs and viruses including Covid-19.
Alcohol Free
Contains compounds designed to kill bacteria and all enveloped viruses on contact and to leave a microscopic sanitising layer offering longer protection.
All Consortium Hand Sanitisers are over 60% alcohol.
Key facts:
- Hand sanitiser should not replace washing hands with soap and water as it is less effective at killing certain kinds of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile.
- Hand sanitiser should be left to dry on the skin to be most effective.
- Alcohol based sanitisers are flammable.
- Emollients are usually added to prevent drying of the skin.
- Foam doesn’t slide off hands as easily so is better for small children.
Useful Links
Visualiser Buying Guide
Our guide aims to break down these benefits to help you find your new classroom best friend.
Projector Buying Guide
Our comprehensive buying guide will help select the ideal projector for your school.
Paint Types & Stain Removal
There is the likelihood thats stains can never be completely eliminated, but the following information may be helpful. We recommend that you always use surface coverings and wear protective clothing when using any paints.