Ausg. Nr._04/2023 11 Hygiene to hygienically discard and pack contaminated protective equipment. UVEX also offers a Decon Kit to help with the handling of contaminated PPE at the scene of the incident or in the equipment room. UVEX's AGT changeover coverall is designed so that firefighters can continue to be deployed at the scene after respiratory protection operations and packaging of contaminated turnout gear as recognized as belonging, for example, to deconstruct turnout gear such as rolling hoses. And Isotemp supplies decontamination showers and tents that make it possible to change clothes and shower while still at the deployment site. Once the contaminated protective equipment (clothing and PPE such as respirators), masks, etc.) has been properly stripped and discarded after extinguishing at the scene, it must be packed airtight. Transport to the laundry or respiratory protection workshop should be carried out separately from the emergency personnel so that no one comes into contact with the toxic substances and gases. This is the only way to prevent contamination from spreading. The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) advises using PPE with light-colored outer fabric, because this makes contamination and cleaning successes more visible. Separate clothing should be available to emergency personnel for the return trip to the station. If possible, hands, face and arms should be washed at the scene of the incident. No hazardous materials should be allowed to enter the crew cabins. Cleaning: Hand out or handle in-house? Cleaning and reprocessing of PPE is also becoming an increasing focus for fire departments. "After all, if cleaned and cared for incorrectly or improperly, even the safest protective clothing can become unsafe," says Tobias Thoren of Isotemp, which is why PPE manufacturers provide their products with labels that include references to cleaning and care instructions. Instructions for use can also be found on company websites. Those who do their own laundry must ensure that flame protective clothing is cared for separately from other clothing. Heat protective suits, including vision panels, can be brushed or rubbed down. Chemical protective suits can be hand or machine washed and disinfected. During machine cleaning and disinfection, viewing windows must be particularly protected against damage. Appropriate accessories are also provided by the manufacturers. Contamination protection must be separated and maintained in such a way that the flame-retardant and antistatic properties are retained. It must be re-impregnated after each wash. A visual inspection should be performed after each wash to check materials, seams, zippers and sealing sleeves. If damage is detected, repairs can be implemented by certified partners or directly by the manufacturer, as in the case of Isotemp. As a rule, this does not take 14 days. Certified service partners, repairs and spare parts The chemical protective suit (CSA) manufacturer Tesimax recommends using specially developed washing and disinfecting agents for coarse decontamination and cleaning, and only having the CSA done by the manufacturer or certified service partners after customer training/instruction has been completed. Only then can the optimum cleaning effect take place while protecting the equipment, and reprocessing can be carried out properly, according to the company. "As a specialist in chemical protective suits, we offer the system nationwide," says Sven Altinger of Tesimax. Working together for greater sustainability In addition, ways to reprocess PPE easily and hygienically are developed together with the customer. For example, in the case of protective eyewear, there is the option of complete disinfection thanks to special coatings. In addition, Uvex, for example, offers spare parts for various models, such as lenses or headbands. Finally, it is a question of the reusability of the equipment. Highquality clothing can withstand up to 50 industrial washes without changing function or appearance. This is in the interest of firefighters and nature. Because protective equipment that is worn for a long time is also a contribution to sustainability. Text & Pictures: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH Stockumer Kirchstraße 61 40474 Düsseldorf The Dräger MFC 7000 is the fully automatic solution for reprocessing respiratory protection equipment and chemical protective suits after use. They are cleaned, disinfected and dried in a single operation. Photo Dräger
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