As a fire chief or city official, you know that the safety of your firefighters depends on more than just the heroic actions they take on the front lines. Regularly and effectively cleaning their turnout gear is vital to removing the lingering carcinogens and hazardous residues from fires.
But when it comes to terms like "PPE washers" and "extractors," it can be confusing to determine the best way to equip your department. It's challenging to know where to start when facing options that sound similar on the surface.
Read on to learn more about turnout gear washers vs extractors.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING TURNOUT GEAR
Firefighter turnout gear isn't just a uniform – it's a critical line of defense. However, these protective suits and their equipment become contaminated with harmful materials on the job. Regular and thorough cleaning is essential to minimize firefighters' ongoing exposure to carcinogens and other dangerous substances.
That's why firefighter gear washers are vital equipment to safeguard your firefighters. Together, they provide the comprehensive cleaning power needed to protect the protective ensemble firefighters fully rely on.
The Importance of Following NFPA Standards
Regular and thorough cleaning is essential to minimize firefighters' ongoing exposure to carcinogens and other dangerous substances. Additionally, following the cleaning guidelines outlined in NFPA 1851 (Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting) helps ensure that turnout gear remains in peak condition and provides the intended level of protection.
WHAT IS A FIREFIGHTER PPE WASHER?
A PPE washer, like the Arnold Machine Gladiator 911, is a specialized cleaning machine built for the non-fabric parts of firefighter gear. It's designed to tackle helmets, boots, gloves, tools, and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) equipment.
The Gladiator 911 uses powerful spray nozzles to blast away dirt, soot, and harmful contaminants with water and specially formulated soap. Its high-pressure jets penetrate hard-to-reach areas of the equipment, ensuring that even the most stubborn contaminants are removed.
WHY CHOOSE A PPE WASHER?
PPE washers offer several advantages for maintaining the vital gear that your firefighters use:
- Powerful Cleaning: The high-pressure spray system reaches into the nooks and crannies of equipment. This ensures a thorough cleaning and helps to remove stubborn contaminants.
- Durability: PPE washers are built to handle the harsh environment of a firehouse.
- Efficient Cleaning Cycles: The Gladiator 911 features customizable cleaning cycles and automatic soap injection, optimizing efficiency and reducing manual effort.
WHAT IS A FIREFIGHTER EXTRACTOR?
An extractor is more like an industrial-strength version of a home washing machine. Extractors are built for washing the turnout suits themselves—the jackets, pants, and liners that form the fabric layer of protection. Using large basins, agitation, and tumbling, they mimic handwashing to dislodge contaminants and deeply clean the garment fibers.
WHY CHOOSE AN EXTRACTOR?
Here's why extractors are essential for cleaning firefighter clothing:
- Specialized for Fabrics: Extractors are designed with robust construction and wash programs to handle the weight and specific needs of turnout suits.
- Deep Cleaning: The agitation and tumbling process ensures thorough cleaning of fabric layers, reaching deep into the fibers to remove contaminants trapped within the garment.
- Industrial Capacity: These machines can often wash several sets of clothing at once, saving time and optimizing workflow in your fire station.
- Prolonging Gear Lifespan: Extractors feature wash cycles specifically calibrated for turnout gear, helping reduce fabric wear and tear and maximizing your department's investment.
HOW CONTAMINANTS AFFECT FIREFIGHTER TURNOUT GEAR
Contaminated turnout gear poses a significant health risk to firefighters due to lingering carcinogens. However, these contaminants can also negatively impact the gear's functionality and lifespan. Here's a brief overview:
- Corrosion: Certain contaminants, like acidic byproducts from combustion, can contribute to the corrosion of metal components on helmets, boots, and SCBA equipment. This corrosion can weaken these components, reducing their overall reliability.
- Material Breakdown: Soot and other contaminants can break down the fibers and materials in turnout gear over time. This can decrease the suit's ability to provide thermal protection, potentially compromising a firefighter's safety in a fire.
- Reduced Functionality: Contaminants can clog zippers, stiffen gloves, and impair the effectiveness of reflective materials. This can hinder a firefighter's ability to move freely and perform their duties safely.
EQUIPPING YOUR DEPARTMENT FOR MAXIMUM FIREFIGHTER PROTECTION
Ultimately, the best approach to keeping your firefighters' gear clean and safe involves a PPE washer like the Gladiator 911 and an extractor. They work together seamlessly!
The PPE washer tackles the helmets, gear, and equipment, while the extractor focuses on the fabric garments. This comprehensive cleaning system provides maximum protection for your firefighters.