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Dirty Gear Isn’t Cool, It’s Dangerous
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
after a fire, car accident or similar event, can be laden with
life-threatening chemicals, blood, body fluids or particulate matter.
NFPA Guidelines
The NFPA puts out a set of guidelines for properly washing 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.
The Best Way to Clean
Gear?
A Highly Programmable, Soft-mount Washer
& Air Drying
Industry experts agree a highly programmable washer-extractor is key to
washing gear correctly in order to avoid damage to the gear itself. Fire
departments should use washer-extractors 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.
Continental Pro-Series
Washer-Extractors
—a Firefighter’s Best Friend
Pro-Series Washer-Extractors effectively remove contamination from
protective apparel —keeping firefighters safe! Continental’s Pro-Series
washers are highly programmable, freestanding machines featuring water
extract speeds of up to 387 G-force. 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.
Why is Pro-Series’ Soft-Mount
Design Critical?
Because you may not have the budget, time or space to install a concrete
foundation and reinforcing rebar. With Continental’s soft-mount design,
fire departments can install their washer-extractors in truck bays,
utility rooms or storage areas — without bolts and new foundations. They
slide easily into place.
Extract Speeds up to 387G-force!
Most fire departments air-dry turnout gear, a method shown in studies to
be an effective decontamination method over tumble-drying, which wears
down and degrades protective fabrics. Air-drying, however, can take
precious time if garments are left heavy with moisture. Pro-Series
washers offer extract speeds of up to 387G-force — double the speed of
most hard-mount washers — to remove more moisture and expedite
air-drying. By programming extract speed, fire departments can select
speeds appropriate for each item, and often cut dry time in half. When a
department only has one set of gear per firefighter, cutting dry time is
critical.
Programmability is Key
Turnout gear is costly and should be washed carefully according to
manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent damage. That means water
temperatures and levels, extract speeds, baths and cycle times must be
programmable. Using different programs, a fire department can wash a
variety of items — turnout suit shells and linings, truck towels, EMS
jump suits and more. In use at laundries worldwide for more than 17
years, Pro-Series washers feature an easy-to-understand programming
system with 79 program selections, including 20 pre-programmed options
and 59 user-programmable options.
One-Touch Operation
Once programmed, operators simply choose a program number and the
machine automatically blends optimum water temperatures, water levels,
chemicals, extraction speeds and cycle time — ensuring quality
laundering results.
Does your Department
Qualify for the Firefighters 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 washer-extractors — 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
http://www.firegrantsupport.com.
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