Occupational Safety and Health Administration Logs

osha regulations for cleaning firefighters ppe?

need to know guidelines for washing turnout gear at a laundromat or a home

Public Comments

1. contact the manufacturer - go by whatever they say. Most tell you to wash in the gentle cycle (cold water) with mild detergent and NO BLEACH. Also - don't dry it in the dryer - let it hang dry. There are professional cleaners for PPE - Trilex ( http://www.trilexcleanfiregear.com/ ) is one -they may be able to refer you or you can check with your chief to see if you have one in your area.
2. why?? i,m sure your station should have a heavy duty special washing machine for your ppe
3. osha probably uses the manufactuerers guidelines as far as upkeep of PPE.
4. I don't know if there are any OSHA guidelines in particular, but my hubby's department recommends using a regular detergent that doesn't have any additional perfumes, dyes, or bleach. This way the performance of the fire retardant is not affected by the washing. I use All Free & Clear, it comes in a white bottle. There's a concentrated version of this also, meaning you just use a lot less of it, but both varieties seem to work quite well. Depending on how soiled and smelly his gear has gotten, I use either the gentle cycle, or the regular cycle, but definitely DO NOT put these things in the dryer. Use a sturdy hanger and let them air dry somewhere out of the sunlight as direct UV over an extended period will damage the gear. Most of the manufacturers can give you recommendations also. For my husbands I'd contact Lion if I had any questions.