Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) has become a household term since the pandemic, emphasizing its critical role for first responders and healthcare professionals. However, for firefighters facing extreme conditions, ensuring PPE is not only functional but also thoroughly cleaned is paramount to safeguarding their health. This need rises above the standard cleaning methods, as firefighting gear often harbors hazardous residues that can pose significant health risks, including cancer, if not adequately addressed.
Ensuring Thoroughly Cleaned and Safe Equipment
The cleaning requirements for firefighter PPE go beyond simple cleaning processes, demanding adherence to NFPA 1851 care standards to ensure gear is safe for reuse. Recognizing the limitations of traditional hand-scrubbing methods, MARKEN® PPE Restoration has collaborated with Omegasonics to revolutionize PPE cleaning, ensuring gear meets safety standards efficiently.
Since its inception in 2010, MARKEN has integrated Omegasonics’ advanced ultrasonic technology into its cleaning protocols. This partnership has dramatically reduced PPE cleaning times by approximately 75% and slashed employee training time by 85%, marking a significant enhancement in operational efficiency and employee engagement.
A Breakthrough in Cleaning Technology
The collaboration took a significant leap forward when Gentex sought to enhance the cleaning process for aluminized proximity suits using Omegasonics technology. This initiative aimed to find a more effective, less labor-intensive cleaning solution, showcasing the potential of ultrasonic cleaning in maintaining critical safety equipment.
Broadening the Impact
MARKEN isn’t the only entity benefiting from ultrasonic cleaning technology. Northwest Safety Clean has also adopted Omegasonics solutions, realizing cost reductions in helmet cleaning by $10 per unit. Considering the frequency of cleaning required and the number of firefighters per city, this translates into substantial savings, especially for smaller cities and towns that may not have a large budget.
Steve Lakey, CEO of Northwest Safety Clean, shared, “Honestly, initially I was interested in ultrasonic because I like new gadgets and electronics, and it just sounded cool. But it turned out to be a positive tool for my business. Also, I’ve been able to pass along the savings I’ve experienced on helmet cleaning to my customers. Fire departments need a lot of bang for their buck these days. Now they are more likely to send in their helmets for cleaning and inspection.”
Explore Omegasonics for PPE Cleaning
Omegasonics stands at the forefront of PPE cleaning technology, offering solutions that significantly benefit the safety and operational efficiency of first responders. For those interested in using this technology, Omegasonics has a team of professionals available to discuss your needs and to explain to you how our ultrasonic cleaners and cleaning solutions can help improve this aspect of your department.
To discover how Omegasonics can transform your PPE cleaning process, contact us at 888-989-5560. Our team of experts is ready to assist with selecting the perfect ultrasonic cleaning solution to meet your needs and ensure your equipment is not just clean, but also thoroughly sanitized and safe for use.
