Rescue Intellitech has installed a space saving, purpose-built decontamination room at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s (HIWFRS) headquarters in Eastleigh to clean firefighter PPE, enhance operational resilience and protect firefighters’ health.
HIWFRS is responsible for the health and safety of approximately 1000 firefighters across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The new facility supplied by Rescue Intellitech is equipped with three Solo Rescue® decontamination machines, two drying cabinets and a suite of stainless-steel work tops and sink unit.
Previously, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) were carefully cleaned by hand, but keen to reduce firefighters’ exposure to contaminants and mitigate the health risks as much as possible, HIWFRS has invested in Rescue Intellitech’s decontamination equipment for its new Drager AirBoss SCBA, which automates the process for a deeper and more standardised clean.
The decontamination facility is capable of washing and drying six self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with face masks at one time, which takes just eight minutes to wash and 45 minutes to dry. The introduction of the decontamination facility has enabled HIWFRS to clean and dry all its live SCBA sets on an 8-week rolling cycle.
Rescue Intellitech’s Solo Rescue® decontamination machines can also clean firefighter helmets, gloves and boots. Gentle, precision cleaning reaches even the most inaccessible areas and ensures contaminants are removed without compromising the integrity of equipment. Its gentle and energy-efficient drying cabinets operate without mechanical action to prevent damage and help prolong the life of the kit, drying both the interior and exterior of the PPE simultaneously, so kit is quickly ready for use.
Richard Pannell, Equipment Maintenance & Compliance Manager, Operational Assets at HIWFRS said:
“We set out to create an in-house decontamination facility to support firefighter health while operating within existing budgets and space constraints. We wanted a facility that was space efficient, cost effective, fully equipped and capable of cleaning and drying several SCBA sets concurrently. It was also important for us to keep care and maintenance centralised, controlled and close to our existing maintenance unit at our headquarters.
“We evaluated a range of available solutions but ultimately opted for Rescue Intellitech’s fully equipped and air-conditioned unit, specifically tailored to our unique brief. We worked with Nick to finalise the layout and design of the unit, which is slightly larger than a standard shipping container and provides additional working space for maintenance activities.
“We were able to trial Rescue Intellitech’s Solo Rescue® decontamination washer before committing, which enabled us to assess its usability and cleaning capabilities compared to handwashing.
“We have an equipment maintenance team responsible for the care and maintenance of SCBA. This decontamination unit has reduced the need for manual cleaning, which is known to expose firefighters to harmful contaminants. Automation has also simplified the decontamination process and resulted in a consistent and more streamlined maintenance process.
“Rescue Intellitech project managed and delivered a ready-to-install decontamination unit for connection by our properties and facilities team. It also provided comprehensive staff training and the facility was delivered on time and to budget.
“Our long-term goal is to build a permanent facility, but this interim solution meets all our current operational needs. We also plan to fully equip our in build fire station and fleet and equipment maintenance facility on the Isle of Wight.”
Nick Croad, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Rescue Intellitech said:
“Our fully-equipped, bespoke decontamination units are suitable for fire and rescue services that have limited space in their fire stations. Compact, standalone units can be installed in any suitable outdoor location.
“Fire and rescue services are placing greater emphasis on contamination control, routine decontamination and the reduction of firefighter exposure. Routine, in-house decontamination improves operational efficiency and resilience. PPE can be cleaned quickly after exposure, reducing PPE downtime and helping to keep vital kit available for operational use.
“If PPE is properly cleaned and maintained, it lasts longer, ultimately saving money. Clean PPE also helps lower the risk of serious long-term illnesses, meaning better health outcomes for firefighters during their working life and beyond.”
For further information visit www.rescueintellitech.com
About the Author
RESCUE Intellitech
At RESCUE Intellitech we are dedicated to develop and market innovative products for emergency services, fire services and HazMat organizations. Few people know the challenges that are facing first responders in their day to day work life. Our goal is to introduce innovations that makes their jobs easier by removing work related risks, both before and after each emergency call.
