07/01/2020
Installation of a Washer/Extractor and a new subpanel, for Firefighter Turnout Gear at The West Side Firehouse in Malden.
Thanks to Belectric for joining forces on this project.
Now all the stations in Malden will have this equipment.
Here is an article on why it is important for all Fire Departments to have these machines.
Benefits of Cleaning Firefighter Turnout Gear with a Washer Extractor
Fires in buildings today are not the same as they were in the past. In addition to wood, glass and metals, modern structures are now filled with plastics, electronics and endless materials made with flame retardants. This combination of burning materials creates a dangerous carcinogen concoction and we’re beginning to learn more about its damaging effects on firefighters. However, cleaning firefighter turnout gear properly is paramount in limiting the spread of these harmful carcinogens to firefighters and their families.
This deadly mix of carcinogens has been found to significantly increase all firefighters’ chances of being diagnosed with cancer, the leading line-of-duty deaths cause for firefighters. Firefighters have a 60 percent chance of dying from cancer compared to 20 percent for the rest of the population, according to the International Association of Firefighters.
Turnout gear is designed to protect firefighters against heat but the soot seeps into gaps around the face, neck, hands and legs. As body temperature increases five degrees your pores open and absorb up to 400 percent more than usual leaving firefighters extra vulnerable to the harmful soot. In a Fox 9 News investigation it was revealed that firefighters are twice as likely to develop cancer and have a greater risk of developing cancers due to over exposure to the deadly carcinogens.
The facts are extremely troubling but the best solution is to improve the process of cleaning firefighter turnout gear by using washer extractors. These innovative machines find the perfect balance between too easy of a wash (unable to lift and remove the carcinogens) and too harsh of a wash (damaging the protective materials used to make the equipment). Using these machines is easy too, offering several preset cycles firefighters can toss their equipment in the washer, set the cycle and go.