Firefighters have an extremely dangerous job. They are faced with burning structures that need to be extinguished. In some of the most dangerous cases, firefighters must run into burning buildings to save people who have been trapped by flames.
During their time fighting fires, they become extremely dirty with smoke, soot, drywall and other debris that is all part of the job.
Equipment becomes extremely dirty, stained and faded overtime. However, though some discoloration and staining is expected it is not normal for some types of stains to persist. Sometimes, these can mean your gear is suffering from more than just wear and tear.
We talked about the various layers of turnout gear in a previous blog post. The outer layer is the one that is most exposed and should get the brunt of the wear and tear. The shells are often brown, tan, yellow or black in color, depending on the department's choice. Over time, no matter what color is chosen, the equipment will fade if is properly cleaned each and every time it's used. Especially for the lighter colors, fading should not be an indication that there is something wrong with the clothing.
However, darkening of a lighter colored shell could be a sign of improper cleaning. This can also happen with black or darker colors, as well.
Interior layers are ones that will be most stained. We mentioned in a previous blog post, these are also the most vulnerable layers, as well. Eventually, stains will become noticeable, even after they've been properly cleaned. At this point it might be time to consider new equipment. Just like normal uniforms, extended use and normal wear and tear will result in worn out attire.
Remember, fading of turnout gear will happen, no matter what color your department chooses to use. Over time, proper cleaning will cause discoloration. However, if stains have been processed and do not clean well, it could be a sign that it is time to retire your gear. Because bacteria and harmful diseases can live within the fibers of the equipment, stains that persist after proper cleaning may become a problem.
We hope this information helps you keep your firefighters' turnout gear free and clear of persistent stains and help you decide when it's time to replace turnout gear. If you missed our previous blog posts, be sure to visit back with those, as well. You will find more info about dirty firefighting turnout gear.
Continental Girbau Dealers NC | T & L Laundry Equipment
T & L has been in operation for 40 years. Within that time, we've worked hard to offer the best machines for the best prices. We believe in our products and are excited to share them with you. The benefits you’ll gain from trusting our washers and dryers are incomparable. Our products offer the following advantages:
- Easy to install and use
- Saves washing and drying time
- Saves money
- Saves energy
- Easy to clean
- Comes in a variety of sizes and capacities
If you’re ready to talk with T & L about purchasing washers or dryers, contact us. We are here to help you with all your fire department's equipment needs. Don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns you might have about our products. We hope to work with you soon, to help you start saving time, money and energy with the best equipment on the market! When you're searching for affordable Continental Girbau dealers NC has to offer, call T & L.
