Fire Department Laundry

FIRE DEPARTMENT LAUNDRY

Dirty Gear Isn't Cool, It's Dangerous

CLEAN GEAR YOUR PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE, BIOHAZARDS AND CHEMICALS

Firefighters know dirty gear is dangerous. As more and more particles and chemicals attach to protective gear, it gradually loses its effectiveness — putting firefighters and those they come in contact with at risk. The apparel that’s designed to protect can be hazardous when dirty because it reflects less radiant heat, becomes flammable and can even conduct electricity

Contaminated protective gear exposes firefighters to potentially life-threatening chemicals, biological agents and particulate matter. If not dealt with properly, soiled protective gear can also pass on contaminants to the public at large. The key to limiting a firefighter's exposure to such hazards is proper decontamination of soiled gear which can be laden with life-threatening chemicals, blood, body fluids or particulate matter after a fire, car accident or similar event.

NFPA GUIDELINES

The NFPA puts out a set of guidelines for properly washing and drying protective apparel and not all methods and are created equal. A careful approach to cleaning gear is critical to proper decontamination and to maintaining the integrity of the protective fabric.
For a complete listing of guidelines, visit www.nfpa.org.

Grant Program

Each year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides hundreds of millions in grants to help fire departments better protect their firefighters and the greater public. Hundreds of fire departments each year receive funding for new laundry equipment – essential for decontaminating protective gear. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. Funds are used by the nation's firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs. To find out more about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, visit www.fema.gov.

The Best Way to Clean Gear? A Highly Programmable, Soft-mount Commercial Washer & Air Drying

Industry experts agree highly programmable commercial laundry equipment is key to washing fire department gear correctly in order to avoid damage to the gear itself. Fire departments should use washers offering programmable water temperatures and levels, extract speeds, multiple bath options, and automatic chemical (detergent) injection. They should also be able to program multiple wash actions, cylinder rotation options, and wash time. Commercial laundry equipment effectively removes contamination from protective apparel, which keeps firefighters safe! The front-load washers can automatically inject the right type and quantities of detergents at the appropriate water temperature and level, preventing inconsistent and damaging results.

E-Series Soft-Mount Washers

REM Series Hard-Mount Washers

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FIRE WASH Solid Automatic Timer

and Liquid Pump Starter Kit

G-Flex Hard-Mount Washers

gear laundering recommendations sheet.

Product Description

Automatic Solid / Liquid Timer
Dispenser
2 x 5 LB Fire Wash Solid
1 Gallon Fire Spot
5 Gallons Defensive Fabric Sanitizer
User Kit
Installation Kit

Product Info

Defensive Fabric Sanitizer is a concentrated, ready-to-use liquid fabric sanitizer.

Used during final rinse cycle, Fabric Sanitizer leaves behind a finish that is both self-sanitizing and bacteriostatic. Under conditions of contamination, Fabric Sanitizer continually eliminates 99.9% of infectious bacteria. Unlike bleach – which stops working after textiles are removed from the wash, Fabric Sanitizer remains active on the textile surface, continuing to aid in the prevention of cross contamination from both Gram Negative bacteria (i.e. Klebsiella pneumonia) and Gram Positive bacteria (i.e. Staph – a major cause of hospital acquired (nosocomial) and Community Acquired infections), providing protection throughout the use cycle of uniforms, linens and other textiles.

Product Info

Fire Wash™ is packaged in a unique solid or liquid formula and is used with the Fire Soaps dispenser and automatic timer. Fire Wash™ safely and effectively removes toxins, hydrocarbons, and other contaminants from your personal protective ensembles.

Fire Wash™ was specifically developed to effectively clean any PPE ensemble, i.e., Bunker and Turnout Gear (PPE’s). However, Fire Wash™ is gentle enough to also clean your station wear.
Fire Wash™ is industry tested and safe to use on all outer shell fabrics, reflective trims, hardware, knee pads, suede, leather, Arashield, Moisture Barriers, and Thermal Liners.
Fire Wash™ will not degrade the reflectivity of the reflective trim nor will it corrode your gear’s metal hardware, i.e., metal snaps, clasps and zippers.
Eco-Friendly – 100% Biodegradable.

Fire Spot™ is a specially formulated dual action pre-spot treatment for all Bunker, EMS and PPE Outer Shells and Thermal Liners.

Fire Spot™ provides superior stain removal, helping to remove all types of difficult stains i.e., grease, oil, soot, tar, petroleum, etc.
Fire Spot™ penetrates all types of stains.
Fire Spot™ is not recommended for use with Moisture Barriers since it can degrade the adhesive quality of the seam seal tape.
Eco-Friendly – 100% Biodegradable.
As a precaution it is recommended that safety glasses and protective gloves are worn when working with Fire Spot™.