PPE SafetyCare Services®

Your Safety. Our Commitment.

PPE Washing Instructions:   Click to Download Instructions File


· Do not use home or public washers to clean contaminated clothing. Doing so may contaminate other garments washed afterwards.
 
· Use a front-loading commercial washer. 
 
· Do not overload the machine.   Follow the manufacturer’s load capacity recommendations for PPE.
 
· Separate the liner system from the shell and wash separately.
 
· Pre–treat heavily soiled and/or spotted areas of the garment with Turnout Gear Wash diluted solution, if necessary.  For heavily soiled garments, soak the garments in a stainless steel tub or the Washer for 1 hour using Turnout Gear Wash. If using the washing machine, drain the soak water before starting your wash cycle.
 
· If necessary, scrub spotted areas gently using a soft bristle brush.  
 
· Fasten all closures, including pocket closures, all Velcro, snaps, zippers, hooks and dees, and any other closures on the garment.
 
· Turn the garment inside out before placing in the washer.
 
· Use Turnout Gear Wash or another approved low pH detergent (maximum pH of 10.5 in the pail). Liquid detergents are preferred. Do not use soap.
 
· Do not use any products containing Sodium Hypochlorite, such as chlorine bleach. They will weaken aramid fabrics.
 
· Wash in warm water setting – A maximum of 105 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended per the NFPA 1851 standard. 
 
· Run one complete cycle with rinsing at least twice.
 
· Washing machine extract speed should be set at a maximum of 100 g-force.
 
· Dry the garments per NFPA 1851 and the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not hang the garments in direct sunlight. 
 
· Inspect the garments. Re-wash if necessary.
 
Fire Station Laundry Resources:

*  2/2/2010 - Fire Chief - "Beneath The Surface":  How to choose laundry equipment.

*  2/28/2008 - Fire Rescue 1 - "Choosing Where to Clean Turnout Clothing Part 1: In-House Facilities"