Standard Operating Procedures for Cleaning Fire Gear

Firefighting turnout gear, mainly your suit, will accumulate dirt, soot and smoke particles over time. Lack of careful maintenance reflects poorly upon you professionally and can limit your ability to perform your job effectively. Clean your fire gear as soon as possible after every fire, and on a regular basis during your downtime; and inspect it for physical damage. Wear and tear on fire gear can reduce its ability to protect you from harmful conditions.

Dangers of Unclean Gear

• According to Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners, dirty turnout gear will conduct heat more easily and will likely catch fire. Fires can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees -- easily enough to kill you without the insulation your gear normally provides. Smoke particles can also penetrate your breathing apparatus, leaving you vulnerable to harmful or toxic chemicals. Thus, proper cleaning and maintenance of turnout gear is essential to doing your job safely and effectively.

Types of Cleaning

• The Fire Rescue 1 website states that you should perform two types of cleaning on your gear: routine and advanced. Perform a standard cleaning after each use to get rid of solid debris, dust or soot. If you notice any difficult stains, use a scrub brush to remove them. Continue cleaning until stains have been completely removed.

  For advanced cleaning, you'll need to put the fire gear in a utility sink or a front-loading washer. Avoid using chlorine solutions, as they can break down stitches. Every year or whenever you find a problem during routine inspection, look for broken seals, stitches or loose liners.

  When you dry your gear, avoid placing it in high temperatures -- keep it below 105 degrees Fahrenheit; use a no-heat drying cycle if possible. Avoid exposure to UV rays as well, as they break down the weave that gives your turnout gear its heatproof properties. To prevent exposure to UV rays, do not leave your gear in direct sunlight, even for drying.

  Specialized cleaning should occur once a year. Your fire department will send your turnout gear to an established company with experience and equipment for cleaning, usually the original manufacturer or another company. This company will also determine when the gear has reached its service limit.