Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has enhanced the way it cleans and maintains its Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), introducing a more efficient and consistent approach to decontamination.
With approximately 1,000 firefighters across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the Service wanted a facility capable of processing multiple SCBA sets efficiently, while working within the existing space and budget at its headquarters in Eastleigh.
It has invested in a purpose-built decontamination facility supplied by Rescue Intellitech. The compact, fully equipped unit reduces the need for manual cleaning and helps minimise firefighter exposure to contaminants while maintaining operational resilience.
Image: Nick Croad, Rescue Intellitech
The challenge
Previously, SCBA were carefully cleaned by hand, but keen to reduce firefighters’ exposure to contaminants and mitigate the health risks as much as possible, HIWFRS looked for alternative ways to automate the process for a deeper and more standardised clean.
“We set out to create an in-house decontamination facility to support firefighter health while operating within existing budgets and space constraints”, explains Richard Pannell, Equipment Maintenance & Compliance Manager, Operational Assets at HIWFRS.
We wanted a facility that was space efficient, cost effective, fully equipped and capable of cleaning and drying several SCBA sets concurrently. It was also important for us to keep care and maintenance centralised, controlled and close to our existing maintenance unit at our headquarters.
Image: Nick Croad, Rescue Intellitech
A bespoke solution
In response, Rescue Intellitech installed a space saving, purpose-built decontamination room, equipped with three Solo Rescue® decontamination machines, two drying cabinets and a suite of stainless-steel work tops and sink unit for cleaning its new Drager AirBoss SCBA.
Richard continues: “We evaluated a range of available solutions but ultimately opted for Rescue Intellitech’s fully equipped and air-conditioned unit, specifically tailored to our unique brief. We worked with Nick Croad to finalise the layout and design of the unit, which is slightly larger than a standard shipping container and provides additional working space for maintenance activities.
“We were able to trial Rescue Intellitech’s Solo Rescue® decontamination washer before committing, which enabled us to assess its usability and cleaning capabilities compared to handwashing.”
Six SCBA sets cleaned and dried at once
The decontamination facility is capable of washing and drying six self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with face masks at one time, which takes just eight minutes to wash and 45 minutes to dry. The introduction of the decontamination facility has enabled HIWFRS to clean and dry all its live SCBA sets on an 8-week rolling cycle, creating a more structured and consistent approach to routine equipment decontamination.
Rescue Intellitech’s Solo Rescue® decontamination machines can also clean firefighter helmets, gloves and boots. Gentle, precision cleaning reaches even the most inaccessible areas and ensures contaminants are removed without compromising the integrity of equipment. Its gentle and energy-efficient drying cabinets operate without mechanical action to prevent damage and help prolong the life of the kit, drying both the interior and exterior of the PPE simultaneously, so kit is quickly ready for use.
Reducing manual cleaning and improving consistency
For HIWFRS, the most important benefits have been reducing the need for manual cleaning and being able to clean equipment routinely as part of its existing maintenance operation, which helps reduce PPE downtime and ensures essential equipment can be returned to operational use quickly.
“We have an equipment maintenance team responsible for the care and maintenance of SCBA. This decontamination unit has reduced the need for manual cleaning, which is known to expose firefighters to harmful contaminants.”, says Richard.
“Automation has also simplified the decontamination process and resulted in a consistent and more streamlined maintenance process.”
Delivered ready to install
“Rescue Intellitech project managed and delivered a ready-to-install decontamination unit for connection by our properties and facilities team. It also provided comprehensive staff training and the facility was delivered on time and to budget”, Richard continues.
For HIWFRS, the solution provided an immediate answer to its current space and operational requirements while supporting its longer-term plans.
“Our long-term goal is to build a permanent facility, but this interim solution meets all our current operational needs. We also plan to fully equip our in build fire station and fleet and equipment maintenance facility on the Isle of Wight.”
A practical solution for space-constrained fire services
The HIWFRS project demonstrates how a dedicated decontamination facility can be introduced without the need for a large-scale permanent building project but can also be a practical way to introduce automated PPE cleaning while longer-term facilities are developed.
Fire and rescue services are placing greater emphasis on contamination control, routine decontamination and the reduction of firefighter exposure.
“Our fully equipped, bespoke decontamination units are suitable for fire and rescue services that have limited space in their fire stations. Compact, standalone units can be installed in any suitable outdoor location.”
For HIWFRS, it has delivered a dedicated, centralised facility that increases cleaning capacity, reduces manual intervention and supports a more consistent approach to the care and maintenance of vital firefighter equipment.
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