GCS is here to provide all NFPA 1851 compliant services required by your department, everyday. Our goal in this service oriented industry is to provide NFPA 1851 required services to departments from all communities, in the most responsible, efficient, professional and cost effective manner possible. You can rest assured that all updated compliance requirements to NFPA 1851 are implemented on a regular basis. We are firefighters here to help our fellow firefighters! |
Why Clean Firefighting Protective Clothing?
 • NFPA Specifications 1500, 1971, 1851.
• NFPA 1500 5-1.5 Structural firefighting protective clothing shall be periodically cleaned at least annually, or as soon as it has been soiled or contaminated as specified in Section 7.3.3 of NFPA 1851.
• Health Concerns - Absorption of harmful contaminants into body.
• Safety Concerns - Potential ignition of unburned fuels on outer shell during extreme heat situations.
• The growing concern for safety in the workplace and the recent revisions to NFPA 1500, 1971 and NFPA 1851 standards for protective clothing and equipment, along with the new OSHA Standards regarding infectious control programs has encouraged Gear Cleaning Solutions to develop this process for the protective garment industry.
• Recent medical studies have shown that firefighters exposed over a period of time to chemicals, toxins and carcinogens have a cancer rate twice that of the general population. This increased rate is due partly to these contaminants found in protective clothing being absorbed through the skin. As firemen and emergency personnel come into contact with the general public, the potential for biological contamination (HIV, Hepatitis B, etc.) is increasing each day. Proper disinfections and cleaning assures the gear is safe to wear and keeps them in service longer.
In addition to the health concerns, the safety of today's firefighter may also be in jeopardy if hydrocarbons (unburned fuels) are not removed and allowed to build up on the surface of the outer shell. Over the past few years, there have been several documented cases where firefighters have been injured during extreme heat situations when heavy hydrocarbon buildups have ignited on the surface of the protective garments.
• Primary Reasons for Cleaning Turnout Gear - Reduces health risk by removing hazardous contaminants and breathable particulate. - Reduces safety risk by removing burnable residues. - Improves breath ability of protective envelope. - Reduces heat absorption. - Improves fire retardant qualities. - Reduces wear on fibers due to abrasion from contaminants. - Kills biological hazards. - Prolongs useful life of the gear. |
Advanced cleanings must be performed by a verified ISP or trained personnel of the organization (Fire Department). The training of an organizations personnel shall be performed by the garment manufacturer or a verified ISP recognized by each garment manufacturer which training is being provided. Advanced cleanings of ensembles are required every 12 months at minimumaccording to the 2008 NFPA 1851 standard. Advanced cleanings shall also be done when routine cleaning fails to render the ensemble or ensemble elements sufficiently clean for service. GCS is recognized by most manufacturers for advanced cleaning of structural and proximity firefighting garments.
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The NFPA 1851 2008 edition standard calls for advanced inspections of elements at least once a year. The inspections need to be conducted by a person within the organization who is trained by the manufacturer or a verified ISP who is recognized by the manufacturer of the garment to be inspected. The findings of the advanced inspections need to be documented and records kept until the garment is retired. GCS is recognized by most manufacturers for providing advanced inspections on structural firefighting and proximity firefighting garments. |
Repairs Using OEM-Approved Methods
Repairs should be performed by the manufacturer, a manufacturer trained representative of the department (for basic repairs), or by a verified ISP. All repairs and alterations to garments must be performed according to the manufacturer's approved methods, meet manufacturer's specifications, and use the same materials as the manufacture's. GCS is a third party verified company, tested by ETL/Intertek Laboratories for performing advanced repairs on firefighting garments. Our repair methods have been evaluated for conformance to OEM standards of quality by most manufacturers.
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Cost Savings Tips for Cleaning of Turnout Gear.
Establish a Routine Cleaning Schedule
Remove contaminants and maintain gear performance integrity. Extends the useful life of your gear and delay scheduled purchases.
Develop Plan for
Heavy Contamination
or Hazardous Material Situations
Utilize the services of a full service professional cleaning and decontamination company. Improper decontamination and cleaning or neglect can cause both immediate and long-term damage to your gear, putting your Firefighters at an increased risk.
Develop Periodic Inspection
and Gear Evaluation Program
Record preventative maintenance on gear similar to track maintenance. Identify garments, which should be replaced or scheduled for maintenance. Replace only that gear which needs replacement and minimize your replacement costs.
Considerations for
Periodic Gear Replacement
Period should be a maximum of 10 years to keep up with technology. Evaluate older gear, clean and repair garments, which are cost effective.
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