PPE Equipment & Workwear
At work, your safety always comes first, and this starts with PPE. Personal protective equipment is essential for reducing exposure to hazards on site, in workshops, plant rooms, commercial premises and domestic installations. At BES, we supply a practical range of PPE and workwear for trade users, including safety glasses, goggles, ear defenders, ear plugs, FFP2 and FFP3 dust masks, half-mask respirators, safety helmets, knee pads and fall protection harnesses.
With over 50 years’ experience supplying the trade, BES makes it easy to order personal protection products alongside tools, heating, plumbing, gas and installation supplies.
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A Wide Choice Of PPE & Workwear
Our range of PPE and workwear is designed to help trade professionals stay protected while working across site, workshop and installation environments. From eye and ear protection to respiratory safety, helmets, knee pads and fall protection, BES stocks practical safety essentials from trusted brands including Irwin, McAlpine, Spartan, Di-LOG and JSP.
Eye Protection
We offer safety spectacles, goggles and clear or smoke lens safety glasses for everyday site and workshop use. Clear lenses are typically chosen for indoor tasks, low-light areas and general eye protection, while smoke lenses are useful in brighter conditions where glare reduction is required.
Ear Protectors & Ear Plugs
The BES hearing protection range includes ear defenders, PU foam ear plugs and corded ear plugs. These are suitable for work where noise exposure needs to be controlled, such as drilling, cutting, grinding, plant operation or work near loud mechanical equipment.
FFP2 & FFP3 Dust Masks
Our range includes FFP2 and FFP3 dust masks for respiratory protection against airborne particles. FFP2 masks are commonly selected for moderate particle hazards, while FFP3 masks provide a higher level of particle filtration where the risk assessment requires it.
Half Mask Respirators & A2P3 Filters
The Force8™ half-mask respirator with A2P3 filters is designed for tasks requiring a reusable respirator and replaceable filter cartridges. A2P3-style filters are commonly selected when protection is needed against certain vapours and particulates, but the correct filter must always be chosen according to the substance, concentration, exposure time and workplace risk assessment.
Safety Helmets
BES supplies white and yellow safety helmets for head protection on site, in maintenance and trade environments. Safety helmets are required where there is a risk of falling objects, overhead work, low-level impact hazards, or where site rules demand head protection.
Knee Pads & Kneeler Pads
Knee pads help reduce discomfort during frequent kneeling tasks, such as pipework installation, plumbing repairs, heating work, flooring access, cabinet work and under-sink maintenance. BES stocks options including Irwin® I-Gel knee pads, McAlpine pocket, strapped and kneeler kneepads, plus a general kneeler pad.
Harnesses For Work At Height
The Spartan™ 1-point harness is listed for fall protection applications where a harness is required as part of a suitable work-at-height system. A harness should only be used with compatible lanyards, connectors and anchor points, and users must be trained and competent.
Site Health Diagnostics
To support baseline health screenings and site safety checks on commercial projects, our selection features digital diagnostic equipment. This includes the non-contact Di-LOG Infrared Forehead Thermometer.
Why Buy PPE From BES?
With over five decades of experience supplying the trade, BES makes it simple to get the safety equipment and workwear you need, when you need it. Our wide range is stocked in our central warehouse and available to order alongside thousands of plumbing, heating, gas and installation essentials, helping you keep jobs moving without sourcing from multiple suppliers.
We offer fast delivery options, competitive trade pricing and a straightforward ordering experience, backed by a service trusted by installers across the UK. From everyday PPE to specialist safety equipment, BES is here to help you stay prepared, protected and ready for the job.
FAQs
What PPE is essential for UK construction and trade work?
Essential PPE depends on the site risk assessment. Common items include safety helmets, safety glasses or goggles, gloves, safety footwear, hearing protection, respiratory protection and high-visibility clothing.
Should I choose safety glasses or safety goggles?
Safety glasses are suitable for many general tasks involving low-level dust or impact risk. Safety goggles provide closer eye coverage and may be more suitable where dust, particles or splashes could reach the eyes from different angles. The final choice should follow the task risk assessment.
What is the difference between FFP2 and FFP3 dust masks?
FFP2 and FFP3 are filtering facepiece classes under BS EN 149. FFP3 offers a higher level of protection against particle hazards than FFP2, but the right mask depends on the substance, exposure level, fit, task duration and workplace controls.
Which respirator is best for painting or wood dust?
For wood dust, a suitable particle filter or an FFP-rated mask may be required, depending on the risk assessment. For painting, spraying or solvent vapour exposure, a particulate-only mask may not be suitable; a respirator with the appropriate vapour and particle filters may be needed.
How do I choose ear defenders or ear plugs?
Choose hearing protection based on the noise level, task duration, comfort, hygiene and compatibility with other PPE. HSE advises choosing protectors that reduce noise to an acceptable level without overprotecting the wearer, as overprotection can make communication and warning signals harder to hear.
Can I return PPE bought from BES?
BES offers hassle-free returns within 30 days of delivery, provided items meet the return conditions, including being in the same condition and in their original packaging. Some PPE may be subject to hygiene or packaging restrictions, so always check the live returns policy before sending items back.