A clean suite: Rescue Intellitech targets hidden toxins in firefighter PPE
Iain Hoey
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Rescue Intellitech describes the role of integrated washers, dryers and filtration units in reducing harmful residues on PPE and supporting safe, efficient routines within busy fire stations
Every time firefighters return from a call-out, they may be carrying more than their PPE and equipment.
Harmful toxins, carcinogens, and pathogens can remain on kit for hours after an incident, posing significant health risks.
It is vital that PPE is cleaned swiftly and effectively, and that protocols are followed to minimise exposure.
Many fire stations now have dedicated decontamination rooms, where worn PPE can be contained and cleaned.
Trusted by fire services across the world, Rescue Intellitech’s comprehensive suite of specialist washers and dryers has been developed specifically for these environments, offering a complete station-based solution for cleaning PPE efficiently and safely, ready for the next call-out.
Solo Rescue and DeconWashers
Cleaning firefighting PPE with a Solo Rescue machine is quick and easy.
After an incident, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), face masks, boots, gloves and helmets, can be thoroughly decontaminated within minutes.
At the heart of the Solo Rescue is an innovative rotating basket system.
As the basket turns, water flows to hard-to-reach areas where contaminants can accumulate, such as the intricate surfaces of SCBA breathing valves and regulators, as well as the fabric seams and crevices in the harness and backplate.
A selection of equipment holders allows different PPE combinations to be washed together.
Each wash cycle can swiftly clean two complete sets of SCBA, six stand-alone air cylinders, eight face masks, three helmets, three pairs of boots, eight pairs of gloves, or a combination of the above.
The control panel offers a simple choice between a rapid three-minute cycle for gloves and boots or an eight-minute cycle for SCBA, face masks, and helmets.
For smaller fire stations, the streamlined DeconWasher Pro S version delivers the same wash performance but is more compact in size.
The smart design uses rotating wash arms and high water flow to thoroughly clean and rinse dirty kit, removing harmful soot particles and residue.
Both washers can be fitted with the optional DeconFilter Pro S attachment, a multi-stage filtration unit with a lint filter, particle filters and an active carbon filter.
This prevents harmful substances from entering the wastewater system, supporting environmental compliance.
DE Series Washing Machines
Recently launched, Rescue Intellitech’s DE Series washing machines have been specifically designed to decontaminate firefighter clothing and specialist garments.
Offering a choice of 15 pre-programmed wash cycles suitable for everything from heavy-duty textiles to delicate technical fabrics, these gentle but effective machines help to preserve the integrity of valuable PPE, extending its lifespan and maintaining its protective capabilities.
Three sizes are available: DE180 (180l), DE240 (240l) and DE280 (280l), enabling fire services to scale to their operational needs.
Energy and water efficient, they ensure the washing process is both cost-effective and environmentally-friendly.
Low noise output helps to minimise disruption during busy station routines, and a clinch-mounted frame provides durability for continuous use, so that even in heavy-duty fire service environments, the washing performance is reliable.
Drying Cabinets
Following washing, PPE should be dried correctly and carefully to avoid moisture-related deterioration or damage.
Rescue Intellitech’s fast and efficient drying cabinets offer rapid but gentle drying without mechanical action, which helps protect the integrity of specialist materials, seams and reflective trims.
Both the interior and exterior of the PPE is dried at the same time, so kit is quickly ready for use.
Fire and rescue services can choose between two different sizes, the larger DC20 and the smaller DC8, to suit their requirements and space.
The dryers can be specifically configured to accommodate bulky kit and equipment, with specialised hanging rails designed to support firefighting jackets and clothing, boots, gloves, helmets and SCBA.
To ensure kit is ready to handle immediately after drying, programmes end with a ‘cool down’ phase.
A complete decontamination system
Reliable decontamination of firefighter PPE has become essential to safeguarding long-term health.
Rescue Intellitech’s suite of washers and dryers delivers safe and effective cleaning, with rapid turn-around times that help kit return to service quickly.
At the same time, the gentle, purpose-built technology preserves the performance and lifespan of valuable textiles and equipment.
Together, this equipment offers a scalable, all-encompassing, station-friendly solution that prioritises health, efficiency and cost-effective care of critical PPE.
Quickfire Q&A with Robert Malmsten, Sales Director EMEA and APAC
How is Rescue Intellitech helping reduce firefighter exposure to contaminants?
Research has highlighted how toxic residues on PPE contribute to long-term health risks and Rescue Intellitech supports services by providing Solo Rescue and DeconWasher Pro S systems that clean helmets, SCBA, boots and gloves alongside new clothing washers and drying cabinets that together form a complete station-based decontamination suite.
What is the value of on-site PPE care?
On-site washing and drying allows smaller services and training facilities to clean full PPE sets quickly while larger services can use the equipment to bridge gaps in managed service schedules, ensure crews have correctly sized clean kit and reduce reliance on multiple personal issue sets, with machines such as Solo Rescue also replacing manual helmet and SCBA washing.
How does the equipment protect PPE lifespan?
The systems deliver thorough yet gentle cleaning through controlled water flow and tailored wash cycles that suit different technical fabrics with dryers designed to remove moisture from inside and out without mechanical action to help maintain protective performance over time.
How has user feedback shaped development?
Input from fire services has driven features such as the narrower DeconWasher Pro S, specialised baskets for small components and the Decon as a Service subscription model.
What comes next for PPE management?
Services are adopting zoned station layouts and more frequent cleaning and Rescue Intellitech aims to support this shift with further development of station-based decontamination solutions.