PPE Storage Solutions for Fire Services. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is designed to protect fire-fighters from serious injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical or other hazards. It covers a variety of devices and garments such as respirators, turnout gear, gloves, blankets and gas masks.
PPE in the fire fighting industry has had an incredible evolution through the years to the standards we see today. Considering PPE wasn’t developed until after WW2, today’s PPE protects fire-fighters from heat, flame and biological agents.
When not in use, keeping PPE in tip top condition is essential to ensure its optimum performance. Aside from Fire Stations needing storage options that best fit within the space available, consideration needs to be given to how the PPE’s life can be prolonged through selecting the right storage solutions.
Currently, fire stations in the UK and Europe have different methods and methodology of how to store their PPE, with this sometimes seeming to be a bit of an afterthought. These methods can range from pegs on the wall to makeshift wooden lockers to galvanised steel storage units that are probably not designed for the application it is intended for. These have been made by the fire fighters themselves. There is a mend and make-do mentality in many fire & rescue services, sadly due to a number of them making huge cuts this becomes the norm. However, there are specific and affordable products out there designed specifically to store PPE in a fire station, including lockers, workbenches and storage trolleys.
Why is it beneficial to use storage equipment for PPE?
Looking after PPE with the correct storage and care can extend the life of cycle of the garment. Some equipment has been designed to promote air movement within the locker which minimises the potential of moisture retention within the apparel, therefore reducing odour build up allowing the PPE to dry, and stay dry.
Image: Image: PPE Storage Solutions for Fire Services from Geargrid.
Consideration also needs to be given to water rescue. Some stations have to put in additional resilience for flooding and swift-water rescue, and therefore require dry suit storage equipment. The type of storage for this range of PPE requires proper consideration to ensure the equipment can be stored and cared for correctly and to the manufacturer’s specification.
Image: PPE Storage Solutions for Fire Services from Geargrid
In addition to the storage of PPE, some solutions can provide storage for other equipment such as rescue tools. Some suppliers have systems so versatile that a multitude of applications can be accommodated very easily by adding shelves or changing a couple of parts; equipment such as water rescue kits, kit bags, extrication equipment can be accommodated.
What about regulations or guidelines for storing PPE
The challenge of PPE is that it’s a piece of technical equipment designed to care for a fire-fighter. There are no specific regulations on the storage of PPE, but the manufacturers guidelines should be followed to prevent parts deteriorating by exposure to dirt, oil, UV rays, sunlight etc. If you are hanging it on a hook on the wall you aren’t necessarily giving it the best environment to stay dry. Things can be damaged when hung on hooks, the inside of the jacket can get torn quite easily, and that is quite a common problem where pegs are used to store this equipment.
Manufacturers give some advisories, for example if you have 2 jackets draped on top of each other it won’t allow for air to circulate through the multi-layered fabrics. If you have any moisture within those 2 garments you have potentially 8 layers of fabric for moisture to build up and that is potentially dangerous to fire fighters. It has even been known for mould to appear on garments that aren’t used that often.
In short, correct PPE storage should be a high priority for every Fire Station to ensure the equipment, when required, can perform the function it was designed for.
Image: PPE Storage Solutions for Fire Services from Geargrid
The information in this article specific to PPE storage was provided by Geargrid UK, providers of storage equipment for the emergency services. Every GearGrid system is engineered to stand up to the toughest daily demands. Heavy-duty steel construction and durable powder coat finishing ensure long life, while the open design promotes maximum air movement for faster drying. Above floor mounting as well as mobile locker options are available. GearGrid’s design means it can be utilised throughout a facility and adjusted to suit the requirement over time.
Visit https://www.geargrid.co.uk/ for more information on PPE Storage Solutions for Fire Services.