The National Fire Protection Agency is an organization with a mission to help minimize the risk of fires and the effects of fire worldwide. The NFPA develops codes and standards to help achieve safety. Standard 1851 details the care of firemen's turnout gear. This includes methods for record keeping, cleaning, and decontaminating gear. It also specifies how regularly inspections of each set of turnout gear should be done. The 1851 standard is not a rule or law, but it is a set of recommendations that most fire stations follow strictly.
Because there are strict recommendations for cleaning fire turnout gear, it's important to understand that certain laundry equipment can be more beneficial in cleaning and decontaminating when washing and drying gear. If you're searching for affordable fire station laundromat equipment in Charlotte, NC, be sure to call T & L help and savings.
Commercial Washing Equipment
Installing suitable dedicated laundry equipment correctly in the fire station provides an easy and direct solution for handling contaminated gear. Unfortunately, there are no washers specifically designed to wash turnout gear. However, with a few special requirements, most commercial washers can be used for this purpose.
- Machines should be large enough to handle the bulk and weight of at least one set of gear. Ability to handle two to three sets is preferred if the fire station is able to accommodate a machine that large.
- A large capacity washer-extractor has a larger door that makes careful loading and unloading of bulky turnout gear much easier.
- To avoid damage to the moisture barrier and the seams of the garment, a controllable or limited spin speed within 100 G-force is required.
- With other details like optional automatic soap dispensing, the utility requirements, and the space needed for installation, it is easiest for you to have an equipment representative visit your site to help you get started.
Commercial Drying Equipment
Drying turnout gear requires superior care since typical methods used for drying other laundry cannot be used. Some fire stations simply air dry their turnout gear. They do so by hanging it up (out of direct sunlight) and waiting for it to dry. This takes time and may cause mildew and an unpleasant odor from the slow process. This can be lengthened by seasonal humidity, as well.
- Drying cabinets work much faster. They do so by circulating regulated warm air around and through the garments without mechanical action or using gas to heat the air.
- 4 to 6 sets of turnout gear, boots, and gloves can be dried together in a couple of hours.
- Because of the large size and other advantages of using this equipment, it is most helpful to have an equipment representative to consult with when planning.
Some fire stations choose to use small washers and dryers for their gear. These are either small commercial or sometimes residential units. These machines are typically unacceptable for laundering turnout gear. They’re incapable of getting gear cleaned and sanitized for safety reasons. Fire stations built recently often do, however, have small machines like these for personal laundry and a washer-extractor dedicated for their turnout gear.
Pros of commercial washers in fire stations: Common characteristics include low maintenance design, long service life and ease of use. Simply load, select cycle and press start.
Pros of commercial drying cabinets in fire stations: Low maintenance, purpose-built commercial equipment for the quick and safe drying of turnout gear.
The washer extractor will be bolted to the floor as a semi-permanent installation and has a 15 to 20 year expected service life. While no one can claim to manufacture a washer that is certified or approved by the NFPA, a more flexible programmable model may be better suited to meet your needs, now and later. If you are thinking about adding or replacing a washer extractor for washing turnout gear, be sure to ask about today’s programmable washer extractors.
In the end, no equipment manufacturer or soap company can specify instructions on how to properly clean your particular type, model, or brand of turnout gear. It is best to start with the instructions or recommendations provided with the turnout gear. This will ensure you're doing what you can to lengthen the life of your gear and care for it properly.
Affordable Fire Station Laundromat Equipment in Charlotte, NC
T & L is a proud distributor and parts and service provider of commercial laundry equipment. We have decades of experience working with fire stations where commercial laundry and dry cleaning equipment and related services are needed. In addition, we can help with design layouts, sizing, and financing of equipment for new facilities and machines. Please call us today to learn more about our fire station laundromat equipment in Charlotte, NC.
