The topic of operational hygiene is omnipresent and is becoming increasingly important every day. An important first step here is the removal of PPE without spreading contamination. In the following, we will show you a variant of how you can realise consistent incident site hygiene with simple means & in the shortest possible time with minimal personnel costs. Each of the steps shown is possible without auxiliary personnel & can be realised by the squad alone. In order to carry out the steps calmly and with the necessary care, the team needs approx. 50 bar residual pressure – if the pressure is lower, the system can be changed. Depending on the situation & contamination, this can be realised using a filter or an FFP 2 or FFP 3 mask.
Step 1
After leaving the danger zone, tap or lightly brush off the PPE. Do not use compressed air for this!
Important: The PPE remains complete and the regulator is still connected!
Step 2
Wet contaminated PPE with water to wash off or bind fire residues.
The boots can be cleaned with a brush – all textile parts are simply wetted. Important: A further internal attack with this PPE is not permitted – risk of scalding!
Step 3
Locate an area with a clean & dry surface.
Important: This must be outside the danger zone and smoke-free! The regulator remains connected!
Step 4
Remove the helmet & pack it safely!
There are several reasons why we recommend removing the helmet as soon as possible:
- usually among the most contaminated
- regulating body temperature via the head
- „more comfortable“ feeling without a helmet
The regulator is still connected!
Step 5
Open and loosen the shoulder and waist straps of the breathing apparatus.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 6
Remove the breathing apparatus and place it in front of the person wearing it.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 7
Remove additional equipment such as handheld radio, thermal imaging camera & other equipment.
This also includes all personal items carried in the pockets of the PPE – e.g. slings.
Your own equipment is discarded separately – the explanation follows.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 8
Open the Velcro fastener and zip of the jacket.
Make sure that the jacket with the contaminated gloves is only touched from the outside.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 9
Remove gloves & put on disposable gloves.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 10
Take the jacket off backwards over the left side & leave it in place. Only touch the inside of the jacket.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 11
Place the flame protection bonnet over the mask from behind and allow it to slide down via the medium pressure line.
The regulator is still connected!
Step 12
Loosen the mask strap and remove the mask forwards.
For pressurised breathing apparatus, make sure to lock the regulator.
Step 13
Clean face, neck & forearms with suitable agents.
Put on a suitable particle-filtering half mask (FFP 2 or FFP 3) & remove the rest of the PPE following a similar procedure.
Step 14
Fold up contaminated, discarded PPE & pack in a suitable airtight container.
Label the container with an attachment card to provide information for subsequent reprocessing areas.
Pack and clean personal items such as rescue knives etc. independently. Freezer bags, ZIP bags or similar can be used for this purpose.
