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Policy/Procedure

1. Turnout gear used on a routine basis shall be cleaned:

1. After every fire working fire, car fire or any fire where exposed to products of combustion
   
   
2. When inspected in conjunction with the Fire Gear Inspection program (See Fire Gear Inspection B-23 for further information)
   
   
3. As soon as practical after contamination or exposure to excessive products of combustion, bodily fluids, blood, chemicals, or any other contaminating hazardous materials.
   
   
4. “Wash Your Hood Sunday”- every Sunday you work, wash your hood and replace it with a clean hood.

2. Routine cleaning on a day-to-day basis shall consist of the following:

1. Fire personnel shall brush off loose debris from their turnout gear
   
   
2. Fire personnel shall rinse gear with clear water, scrub with a brush, and repeat the rinsing step.
   
   
3. Fire personnel shall initiate cleaning after an incident at which they have become contaminated while on scene, if possible.
   
   

3. Advanced cleaning can be accomplished through the use of an extractor or other approved front load laundry machine, following gear manufacturer instructions.

4. Specialized cleaning may be needed for hazardous material or biological contamination. If needed, the Ohio EPA or City of Toledo’s Environmental Services Department may be referenced for guidelines and recommendations.

5. Drying shall be accomplished by hanging the garment to passively dry or use dedicated gear drivers if available. Dry gear with air circulation only, DO NOT USE HEAT. Members shall not use the hose dryer, which can contaminate fire gear or an automatic tumble dryer as the drying motion will degrade the gear’s vapor barrier.

6. Members shall refer to gear manufacturer guidelines for complete cleaning and drying instructions.

7. Company Commanders shall ensure that members under their command clean their PPE regularly.

See Also: