Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing firefighter safety and operational efficiency by installing a new PPE decontamination facility at its headquarters in Eastleigh. The facility, delivered by Rescue Intellitech, aims to improve contamination control and reduce firefighter exposure to harmful contaminants, as reported by the International Fire & Safety Journal.
Advanced Decontamination Technology
The new facility includes three Solo Rescue® decontamination machines, two drying cabinets, and stainless-steel worktops and sink facilities. This setup allows HIWFRS to automate the cleaning process of its Dräger AirBoss SCBA, providing a deeper and more consistent clean compared to the previous manual methods. The facility can wash and dry six SCBA sets with face masks simultaneously, with washing taking approximately eight minutes and drying taking 45 minutes.
Operational Efficiency and Safety
Richard Pannell, Equipment Maintenance & Compliance Manager at HIWFRS, highlighted the importance of establishing an in-house facility that supports firefighter health while operating within budget and space constraints. The facility reduces the need for manual SCBA cleaning, which is known to expose firefighters to harmful contaminants, and streamlines the maintenance process.
Benefits of the New Facility
The Solo Rescue® machines can also clean firefighter helmets, gloves, and boots, using precision cleaning to reach difficult-to-access areas while protecting the integrity of the equipment. The drying cabinets employ a low-impact, energy-efficient process, minimising potential damage and extending PPE service life. This allows equipment to be returned to service more quickly, improving operational resilience by reducing equipment downtime.
Future Plans and Considerations
The facility is intended as an interim solution ahead of the development of a permanent facility. HIWFRS also plans to equip its in-build fire station and fleet and equipment maintenance facility on the Isle of Wight. The service was able to trial the Solo Rescue® decontamination washer before committing to the installation, ensuring the system met its usability and cleaning performance requirements.
In the UK, fire safety regulations place a strong emphasis on the health and safety of firefighters, as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The installation of the new decontamination facility aligns with these regulations by reducing exposure to hazardous substances, thereby enhancing compliance with statutory safety obligations.
Impact on Firefighters and Operations
The new facility impacts approximately 1,000 firefighters across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by providing a safer and more efficient method of decontaminating PPE. This is crucial for maintaining the health and operational readiness of the firefighters, ensuring they are protected from contaminants that could affect their health in the long term.
Practical Takeaways
Automated decontamination reduces firefighter exposure to harmful contaminants.
Improves operational resilience by reducing equipment downtime.
Extends PPE service life through precision cleaning and low-impact drying.
Supports budget and space constraints with a tailored solution.
Ensures compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
