Fire and Rescue Services’ (FRSs) budgets are tight, but cleaning PPE is a huge priority, with the benefits far outweighing the costs. Many FRSs use professional cleaning services but often wash helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) by hand, which is neither effective nor efficient. Hand washing is a difficult and unpleasant job and puts those doing it at further risk of exposure to harmful contaminants.
Buckinghamshire FRS has installed several Solo Rescue® PPE decontamination washers for its SCBA. Aaron Ridgley, Station Commander at Buckinghamshire FRS said: “We have around 400 operational members of staff and around 150 vital support staff operating out of 19 fire stations, serving over 800,000 people across the county. Our firefighters attend a diverse range of incidents every day, and it’s our job to ensure they are safe and always protected.”
“We decided to automate the breathing apparatus washing process and in 2023, invested in three Solo Rescue® decontamination washers from Rescue Intellitech. These compact machines decontaminate PPE equipment in just eight minutes and are really easy to use. We have since invested in three more machines, taking our total to six.”
Image: © Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
These compact machines decontaminate PPE equipment in just eight minutes and are really easy to use. We have since invested in three more machines, taking our total to six.
Many FRSs notice an immediate impact after switching from handwashing to Rescue Intellitech’s Solo Rescue® PPE decontamination washers. The entire cleaning process is quick and carried out inside the machine, minimising contaminant exposure. Gently rotating equipment also helps water to flow to areas that are hardest to reach and often missed when handwashing. To minimise the impact on the environment, the machines can be fitted with filters to remove harmful contaminants from waste water. Aaron continues:
“We have robust decontamination processes in place at the scene of an incident and back at the station. Contaminated PPE is bagged and sealed and only handled with a mask and gloves. By using Solo Rescue® it has continued to reduced risks, as firefighters now have minimal contact with contaminated equipment during washing.”
Image: © Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
“Firefighter feedback has been really positive. When they first used the machine, they were quite taken aback by how clean their PPE equipment is - it is really noticeable! They also note how straightforward it is to use, helped by the clear instructions on the front of the machine.”
Installation is straightforward and, in most cases, it’s a matter of simply connecting the machines to existing water and waste connections. If these don’t exist, they can easily be installed. Following installation, training and ongoing maintenance is crucial.
Firefighter feedback has been really positive. When they first used the machine, they were quite taken aback by how clean their PPE equipment is - it is really noticeable!
Aaron Ridgely continues “The team at Rescue Intellitech walked us through the whole process and are always at the end of the phone if we have any issues. They provided thorough training and service the machines annually to ensure they are continually fit for purpose.”
Rescue Intellitech’s Solo Rescue® PPE decontamination washers are transforming the way FRSs clean firefighter PPE, making the whole process more affordable, safe, and easy.
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