Firefighters face incredible dangers with every call. Carcinogens, harmful chemicals, and biohazards lurk at the scene of a fire. Protecting your team from these invisible threats requires meticulous attention to detail – a task with potentially lethal consequences if not done properly.

A high-quality PPE washer offers a powerful solution to minimize the health risks of contaminated gear. It safeguards your department's most valuable asset: its people. Investing in this technology is a proactive step towards mitigating your firefighters' long-term hazards.

Read on to learn how to prevent turnout gear cross-contamination and protect your firefighters.

CROSS-CONTAMINATION: AN UNSEEN DANGER 

Cross-contamination of turnout gear can occur through various scenarios in the firehouse. One common way is when firefighters store their gear close to each other. Helmets, boots, and other equipment may inadvertently touch, allowing contaminants to transfer between sets of gear.

Another risk arises during the doffing process. As firefighters remove their gear, harmful substances can spread from one piece of equipment to another. Gloves that have contacted hazardous materials may contaminate helmets or boots as they are taken off.

Shared spaces in the firehouse can also contribute to cross-contamination. Gear stored in a common area or transported in the same vehicle can lead to the spread of contaminants. Even the simple act of moving gear from one location to another can cause harmful substances to migrate between sets of equipment.

Inadequate cleaning and decontamination protocols further exacerbate the risk. If gear is not thoroughly cleaned after each use, harmful substances can accumulate over time. This not only poses a risk to the individual firefighter but also increases the likelihood of cross-contamination within the department.

PROTECTING FIREFIGHTERS’ PHYSICAL & MENTAL WELL-BEING 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights the alarmingly high cancer rates among firefighters. This underscores the urgent need for proactive protection measures like PPE washers.

Knowing their gear could harbor hazardous materials creates a heavy mental burden for firefighters. Concerns about their health—and that of their family members who live under the same roof—can create lingering anxiety that follows them, even off-duty.

A PPE washer helps alleviate this stress. It offers a tangible solution to mitigate risks and demonstrates the department's commitment to firefighter well-being. Thorough gear cleaning protects firefighters' physical health and helps to reduce anxiety.

WHY TRADITIONAL CLEANING METHODS FALL SHORT 

While hand-washing turnout gear might seem like a solution, it has several drawbacks. Manual cleaning methods often fail to remove all harmful substances from the gear. Depending on the level of attention and cleaning proficiency, individuals may overlook some contaminants during the cleaning process.  Carcinogens and toxins can remain on the equipment even after hand-washing. 

Prolonged contact with contaminated gear during the cleaning process increases the risk of exposure for the firefighters tasked with this responsibility. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established the NFPA 1851 Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting. This comprehensive standard details proper methods for cleaning, inspecting, and repairing turnout gear.

The Gladiator 911 is engineered with NFPA 1851 in mind. Its cleaning cycles and processes are specifically designed to target the contaminants firefighters encounter on the job. The Gladiator 911 helps departments adhere to the guidelines set forth by NFPA 1851. This, in turn, promotes a safer working environment for their firefighters.

REVOLUTIONIZING FIREFIGHTER SAFETY: SPECIALIZED PPE WASHERS 

The Gladiator 911 from Arnold Machine tackles the unique challenges of cleaning contaminated firefighter gear. These powerful machines use specialized cleaning processes and detergents calibrated for the hazards present in firefighting environments. This ensures thorough equipment cleaning, from boots and SCBAs to helmets and gloves.