BY TIM TOMLINSON, ENGINEER/PARAMEDIC, ADDISON (TX) FIRE DEPARTMENT; CHAIR, NFPA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON STRUCTURAL AND PROXIMITY FIRE FIGHTING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
The care and maintenance of firefighting protective clothing, a critical aspect of firefighter safety, has become a growing focus under NFPA 1850. The role of independent service providers (ISPs) in ensuring the safe and efficient cleaning of turnout gear is more crucial than ever. However, ISPs face numerous challenges in keeping up with increasing demand, evolving regulations, and advancements in cleaning technologies. These obstacles not only impact the industry itself but also pose broader implications for firefighter safety and the sustainability of turnout gear.
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Some fire departments are increasingly having to find space and resources to provide advanced cleaning of their PPE. (Figure D courtesy of author.)
Increasing Awareness of Contamination Risks
Over the past decade, awareness of the risks associated with contaminated firefighter gear has surged. Studies have revealed the long-term health hazards posed by carcinogens and toxic particulates embedded in firefighting textiles. This growing understanding has fueled the demand for improved cleaning processes and faster turnaround times. ISPs must now rise to meet these expectations while ensuring that their cleaning methods are both thorough and compliant with updated standards.
However, many of the current commercial laundry technologies, while effective, have notable limitations. Deeply embedded contaminants in multilayered textiles can often evade even the most rigorous cleaning processes. This gap in cleaning efficiency has sparked interest in emerging technologies such as ultrasonic cleaning, advanced ozone systems, improvements in wet washer extractor processes, and liquid CO2 solutions, as well as others. While these innovations show promise, continued improvements and more sophisticated technologies come at a significant cost—both for ISPs investing in the equipment and for fire departments potentially absorbing higher cleaning fees.
The Cost of Emerging Technologies
The introduction of cutting-edge cleaning technologies poses a double-edged sword for ISPs. On the one hand, they offer the potential for higher efficiency and better removal of harmful contaminants. On the other hand, the high upfront investment and operational costs associated with some of these technologies raise critical questions: Can ISPs afford to make these capital investments? Will fire departments be willing to pay a premium for enhanced cleaning services?
The financial burden is further compounded by ongoing work on regulations that could require ISPs and fire departments to adopt additional precautions depending on your state or authority having jurisdiction, such as effluent filtration systems to prevent secondary contamination. These systems, while necessary to protect the environment and personnel, add another layer of complexity and cost. As regulations continue to evolve, ISPs must constantly adapt to remain compliant in meeting the demands of the regulations and the fire service, often with limited resources.
Balancing Expectations and Reality
Another challenge lies in aligning the fire service’s expectations with the practical capabilities of cleaning technologies. Firefighters understandably demand the highest level of safety, but is it realistic to expect that all contaminants can be removed from turnout gear? While advancements in textiles and coatings have continued, this could impact the durability and cleanability of firefighting gear. This will require the fire service to evaluate more than ever the trade-offs between expected performance requirements on purchasing gear and the impact of care and maintenance over the life of that gear and realistic contamination removal efficiencies. The industry must work toward setting realistic benchmarks that balance contamination removal with the inherent limitations of cleaning methods.
Moreover, increased cleaning frequency raises concerns about the long-term durability of turnout gear. Each cleaning cycle, no matter how advanced the technology, contributes to wear and tear. The introduction of new textiles, coatings, and treatments will impact this further. Although great improvements are being made, the performance over extended periods remains to be seen. ISPs and fire departments must work collaboratively to find a middle ground that ensures safety without compromising the longevity of the gear.
Improving Validation of Cleaning Efficiency Claims
As ISPs and manufacturers introduce new cleaning products and processes, there is an urgent need to validate their claims of cleaning efficiency. Firefighter safety depends on more testing and validation to ensure that cleaning technologies perform as advertised. Too often, products are brought to market with vague or overstated claims, leaving fire departments uncertain about their true effectiveness.
Standardized validation protocols are proposed to be developed to objectively measure how well cleaning products and processes remove harmful contaminants. Independent testing organizations and regulatory bodies must play a central role in establishing these protocols. Validation metrics should include not only contaminant removal but also the impact of cleaning on the durability and protective qualities of firefighting gear.
Without reliable validation, fire departments and ISPs risk investing in technologies that fail to meet their safety expectations. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the industry can build trust and ensure that every cleaning solution is backed by trusted evidence. This step is crucial for protecting firefighters from unnecessary exposure to contaminants while also safeguarding the significant financial investments made in turnout gear.
Looking Ahead
The turnout gear cleaning industry stands at a crossroads. ISPs face mounting pressure to adopt advanced cleaning technologies, meet stricter regulatory requirements, and satisfy the fire service’s ever-increasing demands—all while maintaining profitability. As the industry evolves, collaboration between ISPs, regulatory bodies, and fire departments will be critical. Open communication and realistic goal setting will ensure that advancements in cleaning processes benefit all stakeholders without creating unsustainable financial burdens.
Ultimately, the challenges faced by ISPs underscore a broader commitment to firefighter safety. By addressing these issues head-on, the industry can pave the way for a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable future for the men and women who risk their lives to protect others.
