Turnout Gear Maintenance

By: Hayden Hughes, Senior Sales Manager

Firefighting turnout gear serves as the first line of defense against the many hazards encountered during fire emergencies. Ensuring the proper maintenance of turnout gear is not just a matter of extending its lifespan but is critical to the overall health and safety of firefighters. 

Turnout gear is exposed to various hazardous substances, including carcinogens and toxins, during firefighting operations. Smoke, soot, and toxic chemicals can cling to the fabric and surfaces of the gear, posing significant health risks if not adequately cleaned. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer. Keeping turnout gear clean helps minimize these risks and ensures that the protective qualities of the gear are not compromised.

Why is Turnout Gear Maintenance Important?

Maintaining turnout gear is crucial for the health and safety of those who wear it. Regular cleaning and inspection remove harmful substances and ensure that the gear provides adequate protection. Properly maintained gear performs better under the extreme conditions firefighters face and regular maintenance extends the life of the gear, ensuring that it remains effective for a longer period. In addition, following maintenance guidelines helps fire departments comply with safety regulations and standards.

Routine Inspection

Routine inspections are essential for identifying any immediate issues with turnout gear. This process should be performed by firefighters before and after each use. Key steps include:

• Visual Check: Look for any visible damage such as tears, burns, or worn areas.
• Touch Test: Feel for any stiffness or abnormalities in the fabric that might indicate damage.
• Component Check: Ensure all closures, straps, and buckles are functional.
• Label Check: Verify that labels and certification tags are intact and legible.

Advanced Inspection

Advanced inspections should be conducted by trained personnel at least once a year or as specified by the manufacturer. This detailed examination includes:

• Detailed Fabric Inspection: Checking for deeper damage that might not be visible during routine inspections.
• Thermal Liner and Moisture Barrier: Assessing the integrity of the thermal liner and moisture barrier.
• Seam and Stitching Check: Ensuring all seams and stitching are intact and not fraying.
• Reflective Trim: Checking the condition and functionality of reflective trims and other visibility aids.

Routine Cleaning*

Routine cleaning helps remove surface dirt and contaminants after each use. This includes:

• Removing Loose Debris: Brush off any loose debris from the gear.
• Spot Clean: Use mild detergent and water to spot clean areas with visible stains.
• Machine Wash: If allowed, use a front-loading washing machine with mild detergent, setting it to a gentle cycle with cold or warm water.
• Rinse: Ensure all detergent is rinsed out thoroughly to avoid skin irritation.
• Air Dry: Hang the gear to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Advanced Cleaning

Advanced cleaning is necessary for more thorough decontamination and should be done periodically or after exposure to hazardous substances. This involves:

• Pre-Treat Stains: Apply a pre-treatment solution to heavily soiled areas.
• Machine Wash: Use specialized washing machines designed for turnout gear with approved cleaning agents.
• Rinse Multiple Times: Ensure multiple rinse cycles to completely remove cleaning agents.
• Drying: Use a gear dryer specifically designed for turnout gear or hang to air dry in a controlled environment.

Repair

Turnout gear repair should be performed by certified professionals to maintain its protective qualities. Types of repairs include patch repairs to fix small tears or holes with appropriate patches, restitching or reinforcing seams that are coming apart, and potentially replacing damaged closures, straps, or reflective trims.

Storage

Proper storage of turnout gear is essential to maintain its condition and functionality. Always store gear clean and completely dry to prevent mold and mildew. The area should be well-ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Each piece of gear should be stored separately to avoid any potential cross-contamination and damage.

Retirement

Turnout gear should be retired when it no longer provides adequate protection, even after repairs. Reasons for retirement include excessive wear and tear when the gear shows significant signs of wear that compromise its integrity or if the gear fails routine or advanced inspections. According to NFPA 1851, all gear should be retired 10 years after the manufacturer’s date.

Consistent turnout gear maintenance is essential for firefighter safety, helping to mitigate exposure to harmful substances and ensuring that gear performs when it’s needed most. By following these maintenance practices, departments can extend the lifespan and effectiveness of their equipment. At ETD, we recommend using Liquid CO2 to clean all turnout gear, which is the only way to ensure 99.9% of toxins are removed from gear. 

Learn more about best practices in turnout gear care with ETD and take a proactive step in enhancing safety for your crew on every call.

*Using only water to clean turnout gear may seem simple, but it fails to remove the hazardous toxins and carcinogens that build up during firefighting. Water alone cannot break down the smoke, soot, and toxic chemicals that cling to gear fabric, which means that harmful contaminants remain embedded, posing long-term health risks to firefighters.