New PPE decontamination cabinets introduced for UK fire services
Iain Hoey
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Decontamination systems enhanced with UK launch of drying cabinets
Rescue Intellitech has announced the launch of new PPE drying cabinets for the UK fire and rescue sector.
The Swedish manufacturer said the drying cabinets support decontamination efforts by safely and quickly drying protective gear after cleaning, reducing the risk of firefighters using damp equipment.
The company said the equipment is already in use across Europe and the US and will be shown in the UK at the Blue Light Show in London Olympia on 18 and 19 June 2025.
Rescue Intellitech reported that fire and rescue services including Buckinghamshire and Avon currently use its existing Solo Rescue and DeconWasher Pro S decontamination machines.
According to the company, the new cabinets complement these machines by completing the cleaning cycle with a purpose-built drying process.
Two sizes available to suit fire station needs
Rescue Intellitech stated that the drying cabinets are available in two sizes: the larger DC20 and the smaller DC8.
The company noted that both versions use non-mechanical, energy-efficient drying methods to prevent wear and extend the lifespan of PPE.
It added that the interior and exterior of equipment is dried simultaneously, meaning SCBA, gloves, helmets and boots are made operational faster.
According to the manufacturer, the cabinets are configurable for various types of kit and have both automatic and manual drying programmes.
It said each cycle ends with a cooling mode to allow PPE to be handled immediately after drying.
Drying cabinets support wider PPE decontamination strategy
Martin Valfridsson, CEO of Rescue Intellitech, said the launch reflects the company’s broader strategy to expand its decontamination offering in the UK.
Valfridsson said: “Our mission is to help improve the health, safety and wellbeing of firefighters, by providing effective decontamination and drying equipment for SCBA, boots, gloves, helmets and masks.
“With the introduction of drying cabinets to our product portfolio, we can now offer a suite of decontamination solutions for fire stations, demonstrating our commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.
“The newly launched drying cabinets help minimise the health risks associated with damp kit.
They are durable and efficient and make the PPE decontamination process quick and easy.”
Decontamination linked to long-term firefighter health
Rescue Intellitech stated that contaminated PPE carries health risks due to residual toxins and carcinogens.
The company said that its decontamination systems are designed to help fire and rescue services protect staff from long-term illnesses including cancer and respiratory conditions.
According to Rescue Intellitech, decontamination of kit remains an essential part of operational safety and health protocols.
It said that incorporating drying into this process helps ensure that firefighters are not exposed to risks from moisture retention or delayed equipment availability.
UK-specific benefits highlighted by local sales team
Nick Croad, Sales Manager for UK and Ireland at Rescue Intellitech, commented on the drying cabinets’ relevance for UK operations.
Croad said: “Air drying PPE equipment is not efficient and often results in equipment being out of service for too long or firefighters having to use damp PPE, which isn’t good for their health.
“The new drying cabinets are compact and very easy to install so can effortlessly be incorporated into existing fire and rescue services’ decontamination facilities.
“They dry PPE quickly and efficiently and are flexible to suit all drying needs – ideal for busy fire and rescue services striving to improve firefighter health and well-being.”
New PPE decontamination cabinets introduced for UK fire services: Summary
Rescue Intellitech has launched new PPE drying cabinets in the UK.
The equipment is designed to complete the PPE decontamination process by drying kit after washing.
The drying cabinets are available in two sizes: DC20 and DC8.
They operate using energy-efficient, non-mechanical drying technology.
The systems are intended to reduce health risks by preventing damp PPE use.
Buckinghamshire and Avon Fire and Rescue Services already use Rescue Intellitech’s cleaning systems.
The new cabinets will be displayed at the Blue Light Show on 18 and 19 June 2025.
Martin Valfridsson is CEO of Rescue Intellitech.
Nick Croad is Sales Manager for UK and Ireland.