Introduction
Why is it so important to talk about PPE decontamination and disinfection? Let’s see it together in our article.
In 2020, a study published by the University of Central Lancashire [1] highlighted the dangers of the exposure to toxic products and to corrosive and carcinogenic substances emitted during fires for Firefighters.
The researchers, at 18 fire stations, have tested the air inside the building and took samples from equipment and clothing.
The result of these surveys clearly showed that Firefighters in the United Kingdom are continuously exposed to high levels of toxic contaminants pre and post-intervention, as the chemicals remain on clothing, equipment and vehicles.
In 2021, an article of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [2] compared the values of PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl Substances) present in the blood of 135 New Jersey Firefighters with those in the civil population; The results of this study have highlighted that contaminants are present, in dangerously high quantities, in the blood of Firefighters.
What to do
The need to implement prevention and awareness plans is more and more important to protect operators against diseases that can turn into serious diseases such as tumors.
According to this assumption, some main aspects must be followed:
- Fire and rescue operators must receive regular and updated training courses on the harmful health effects of exposure to toxic fire contaminants and how these exposures can be reduced, diminished or eliminated;
- Firefighters must always wear respiratory protection devices during fire extinguishing and even after, in order to avoid breathing the gases and toxic smokes emitted;
- PPE decontamination and disinfection must take place immediately after each intervention;
- During and after fire intervention, the cabins of each vehicle must be decontaminated and provided with constant air exchange;
- Operators must take shower within one hour after fire intervention;
- PPE must be cleaned and carefully decontaminated after each intervention to avoid the accumulation of toxic contaminants;
- Regular health checks and registration of attendance at each intervention are strongly recommended, which will be essential for the long-term monitoring and management of the health of each operator.
Solutions: our products for PPE decontamination and disinfection
A. SAFCO ITALIA recommends the use of the DECON/pak® portable decontamination system
Autonomous and portable dosing and rinsing system of the specific liquid agent for the coarse decontamination of personnel and fire-fighting equipment.
It can inject a variety of coarse decontamination agents for PPE and protective clothing, with 0.1% to 0.5% mixing.
Easy to put into operation: 1- Add the decontaminating agent to the tank; 2- Connect the supply pipe; 3- Adjust the desired degree of mixing using the wheel; 4- Wash, rub, rinse.
B. SAFCO ITALIA recommends installing CREWPROTECT™ decontamination system on each vehicle
Air decontamination cabin designed for installation on passenger transport vehicles, emergency vehicles, or for private use. Protects operators and their passengers from micro-dust, particulates, PFAS and VOCs.
The multi-layer cartridge system disinfect polluted air by filtering 99.95% of particles at 0.3 microns and removes a wide range of volatile pollutants.
CrewProtect can be easily installed on new production vehicles or on old vehicles already in operation: it works with a standard 12V DC/24V DC power supply and starts working when the vehicle is turned on.
C. SAFCO ITALIA suggests the post-intervention use of the AR120 HAP drying and decontamination cabinet
PPE container cabinet that incorporates drying, sanitization, disinfection and decontamination functions: an innovation that uses the power of ozone to disinfect PPE against viruses, bacterias, VOCs and PFAS and in particular allows PPE decontamination from PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).
The cabinet is designed for 8 complete outfits, including accessory supports for helmets, masks and other possible ones: it dries and disinfects in about 45 minutes.