Who is Portwest and what does it make?
Portwest is an Irish manufacturer of clothing and protective equipment for industrial workers, with a portfolio of over 2,400 models. The range covers flame-resistant clothing (IFR, multi-norm), high-visibility clothing, protective footwear and equipment for hand, head, respiratory and hearing protection. For the Romanian market we can quote from the range of personal protective equipment used on construction sites, in industry and in activities with fire risk or low visibility.
What sets Portwest apart is the breadth of the portfolio and the series dedicated to specific requirements, such as Fortrex for sturdy work footwear, i4 for protective footwear with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) properties, Kaptiv for work footwear and BizTex for microporous protective coveralls. In protective equipment, Portwest emphasises the large number of models available and complete coverage of an equipment list, not just a few specialised items.
In Romania, the Portwest range makes sense for construction companies, industrial maintenance crews and activities with fire risk or low visibility, where complete equipping of personnel with certified equipment is required, from helmet to footwear.
What do we supply from the Portwest range?
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Flame-Resistant Clothing (IFR) | Multi-norm protective clothing, designed for environments with fire or electric arc risk — petrochemicals, energy, industrial welding. The level of protection varies with the standard met and the material used. For a quotation we need the type of risk (thermal, chemical, electrical), the sizes needed and the quantity. |
| High-Visibility Clothing | Vests, jackets and overalls with reflective bands, mandatory on construction sites, on road works and in warehouses with machinery traffic. The visibility class required depends on the type of activity and the standard applicable on site. |
| Fortrex Series Protective Footwear | Protective boots and shoes with toe cap and anti-perforation midsole, designed for construction sites and harsh industrial environments. To be specified: sizes, the protection class required (S1, S3 etc.) and the sole type (anti-slip, chemical-resistant). |
| Kaptiv Protective Footwear | Portwest collection of protective footwear (for example Kaptiv RXT). For a quotation we need the sizes required, the protection class required (S1, S3 etc.) and the sole type. |
Why Portwest?
- A portfolio of over 2,400 models of protective equipment
- Dedicated series: Fortrex for sturdy footwear, i4 for ESD protective footwear
- A range of flame-resistant clothing (IFR) for environments with fire risk
- High-visibility clothing for work on construction sites and roads
- EcoVadis sustainability rating mentioned by the manufacturer
Which Portwest codes and series are requested most often?
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| A653 | Glove with sandy nitrile coating, ANSI cut resistance level A4 |
| A746 | Goatskin glove, cut resistance level A5 |
| A652 | High cut resistance nitrile glove, level A5 |
| A637 | Polyurethane glove, cut resistance level A3 |
| A636 | Nitrile glove, cut resistance level A3 |
| A638 | Glove with polyurethane coating, ANSI cut resistance level A3, 15 gauge liner |
| A644 | Nitrile glove, cut resistance level A4 |
| A642 | Polyurethane glove, cut resistance level A4 |
| A647 | Glove with polyurethane coating, ANSI cut resistance level A4, 15 gauge liner |
| A649 | Glove with polyurethane coating, ANSI cut resistance level A4, 21 gauge liner for dexterity |
| A651 | Polyurethane glove, cut resistance level A5 |
| A648 | Glove with foam nitrile coating, ANSI cut resistance level A4, 21 gauge liner |
Where is Portwest equipment used?
- Construction — complete equipment from helmet to footwear
- Oil and gas — flame-resistant clothing for environments with fire risk
- Energy — protective clothing for maintenance crews; arc flash protection is checked on the datasheet of each item
- Transport and logistics — high-visibility clothing
- Manufacturing industry — respiratory and hand protection
How do we supply Portwest in Romania?
For Portwest we rely on the manufacturer's technical documentation; we check availability on every request. We source protective clothing and footwear to order through EU supply channels, usually within 1–4 weeks for the quantities and sizes requested. The customer must send us the type of risk for which personnel are being equipped, the sizes needed for each item and the total quantity. For large orders or rarer sizes we cannot promise permanent availability, and we recommend confirming the lead time before tying it to a site deadline.
The equivalence of a Portwest item to a specific protection standard is checked on the product datasheet, at the time of ordering.
Frequently asked questions about Portwest
What do cut levels A3, A4 and A5 mean on Portwest gloves?
Levels A3, A4 and A5 show the glove's cut resistance according to the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard (levels A1–A9; the EN 388 marking uses a separate scale, with letters from A to F), each level meaning a higher protection threshold than the previous one. Portwest codes such as A636 or A637 correspond to level A3, suitable for general handling, while A651 or A652 reach level A5, recommended for handling sheet metal or glass. The choice depends on the real cutting risk of the activity and the thickness of the material handled.
What is the difference between nitrile and polyurethane gloves at Portwest?
Nitrile gloves, such as A636 or A644, offer good grip in dry and wet environments, according to the manufacturer's description. Polyurethane variants, such as A637 or A642, have superior tactile sensitivity and are preferred for handling small parts or precision assembly. Both families keep the cut protection level marked on the label, the difference being mainly in feel when worn and resistance to light chemicals.
What should I specify for an order of Portwest protective gloves?
The hand size is needed, along with the cut resistance level required by the workplace safety sheet and the type of handling, dry or with traces of oil. The exact product code, for example A649 or A653, helps avoid confusion between close variants within the same glove family. Mentioning the estimated quantity helps in preparing a delivery proposal quickly.
Do you supply Portwest protective equipment in Romania?
Yes, we source gloves, clothing and protective footwear from the Portwest portfolio to order, starting from the exact code of the product desired. We order these items specifically, without keeping them on the shelf, and the delivery time is usually 1–4 weeks. We recommend sending the full code from the label or the datasheet to avoid choosing the wrong variant.
How do I request a Portwest quotation?
Send the Portwest code from the nameplate and the quantity; we reply in English with availability and the lead time written in the quotation.
Request a quoteUpdated: 12 November 2026 · Sources: Portwest (manufacturer documentation)