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Turnout Gear
Maintenance Economics

Developing a Turnout Gear Maintenance Program

What is your department's most expensive and valuable asset? Wrong! It's not your truck; it's your personnel! You can replace your truck with insurance or a loan.

How long and how much does it take to train an experienced firefighter?

Statistical data indicates today's firefighter's health and safety are at a much higher risk due to exposure and the buildup of contaminants found in day to day fire situations.

In the latest revisions to NFPA Specifications 1500, 1851 and 1971, the fire service has addressed the health and safety risks associated with contaminated turnout gear by requiring that protective clothing be cleaned at least once every six (6) months, or as soon as it has been soiled or contaminated.

With these new requirements put into place by the NFPA, and similar changes being made by OSHA, fire departments across the country are scrambling to find inexpensive ways to effectively comply with new standards. As with any new requirement, funding can be a problem.

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NFPA 1971

NFPA 1851

NFPA 1977

TCFP

We clean Firefighter and Public Safety equipment!

Why Clean Firefighting Protective Clothing?

  • NFPA Specifications 1500, 1971, 1851
  • NFPA 1500 5-1.5 Structural firefighting protective clothing shall be periodically cleaned at least annually, or as soon as it has been soiled or contaminated as specified in Section 7.3.3 of NFPA 1851
  • Health Concerns - Absorption of harmful contaminants into body.
  • Safety Concerns - Potential ignition of unburned fuels on outer shell during extreme heat situations.
  • The growing concern for safety in the workplace and the recent revisions to NFPA 1500, 1971 and NFPA 1851 standards for protective clothing and equipment, along with the new OSHA Standards regarding infectious control programs has encouraged Gear Cleaning Solutions to develop this process for the protective garment industry.
  • Recent medical studies have shown that firefighters exposed over a period of time to chemicals, toxins and carcinogens have a cancer rate twice that of the general population. This increased rate is due partly to these contaminants found in protective clothing being absorbed through the skin. As firemen and emergency personnel come into contact with the general public, the potential for biological contamination (HIV, Hepatitis B, etc.) is increasing each day. Proper disinfection and cleaning assures the gear is safe to wear and keeps them in service longer.

    In addition to the health concerns, the safety of today's firefighter may also be in jeopardy if hydrocarbons (unburned fuels) are not removed and allowed to build up on the surface of the outer shell. Over the past few years, there have been several documented cases where firefighters have been injured during extreme heat situations when heavy hydrocarbon buildups have ignited on the surface of the protective garments.
  • Primary Reasons for Cleaning Turnout Gear - Reduces health risk by removing hazardous contaminants and breathable particulate. - Reduces safety risk by removing burnable residues. - Improves breath ability of protective envelope. - Reduces heat absorption. - Improves fire retardant qualities. - Reduces wear on fibers due to abrasion from contaminants. - Kills biological hazards. - Prolongs useful life of the gear.

Why use Gear Cleaning Solutions Professional Cleaning Service?

  • Meets and Exceeds NFPA Specifications
  • Capable of handling ALL Cleaning SITUATIONS
  • Advanced Cleaning
  • Specialty Cleaning (Diesel Fuel, Motor Oil, Grease, Tar, etc.)
  • Biological Disinfection
  • Recommended by fiber and gear manufacturers
  • Cleaning Process WILL NOT VOID manufacturer's WARRANTY
  • Do Not Use Chlorine or any other Chlorinated Solvent
  • Temperatures DO NOT EXCEED 105 Degrees F
  • All garments are air dried away from UV rays or sun light
  • All garments are inspected prior to cleaning, any garment deemed to have excessive costs or is un-repairable is recommended for replacement and is returned at no cost

Cost Savings Tips for Cleaning of Turnout Gear

Establish a Routine Cleaning Schedule
Remove contaminants and maintain gear performance integrity. Extends the useful life of your gear and delay scheduled purchases.

Develop Plan for Heavy Contamination or Hazardous Material Situations
Utilize the services of a full service professional cleaning and decontamination company. Improper decontamination and cleaning or neglect can cause both immediate and long-term damage to your gear, putting your Firefighters at an increased risk.

Develop Periodic Inspection and Gear Evaluation Program
Record preventative maintenance on gear similar to track maintenance. Identify garments, which should be replaced or scheduled for maintenance. Replace only that gear which needs replacement and minimize your replacement costs.

Considerations for Periodic Gear Replacement
Period should be a maximum of 10 years to keep up with technology. Evaluate older gear, clean and repair garments, which are cost effective.

Items Cleaned

• Turnout Coats & Pants • Wildland Brush Gear • Vests
• Aluminized Coats & Pants • Station wear (shirts & pants) • Gloves
• Military One Piece Ensembles (FFE) • Boots (Rubber & Leather) • Hoods
• Coveralls • Helmets See Our Pricing...
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