SPECIFICS ON SCBA AND FACEMASKS CLEANING: 1 The cylinder needs to be removed from the backpack for proper cleaning. It should be washed with warm, soapy water and thoroughly rinsed, making sure to clean all components of the cylinder (i.e., cylinder valve, gauge and cylinder body). After cleaning, the cylinder valve should be cracked opened to blow out any moisture that has collected in the valve opening. 1 Masks can be cleaned in a commercial mask washer or ultrasonic cleaner designed specifically for SCBA masks, if allowed by the specific manufacturer; otherwise it can be cleaned inside and out to remove all contaminants and sanitized prior to being placed back in service. 1 The backpack (minus cylinder) should be thoroughly cleaned in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Warm soapy water, sponge and soft bristled brush should be used, with care taken to make sure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, including hard and soft surfaces (WAC 296-842). SPECIFICS ON HOSE CLEANING: 1 Contaminated fire hose should be cleaned per NFPA 1962 Standard for the Inspection, Care, and Use of Fire Hose, Couplings, and Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose. 1 It is recommended to “dry” brush the hose using a soft/medium bristle brush. However, if the dirt cannot be thoroughly brushed from the hose, or if the hose has come in contact with harmful materials, the hose should be washed. Covered (nitrile, rubber) hoses are can be wiped dry. 1 Unroll the hose and stretch it out in its entirety on a clean, level surface. Thoroughly rinse the fire hose with clean water. 1 Fill a large bucket with mild, soapy water. The water should be ambient temperature. Using a long-handled brush with soft to medium bristles, scrub the entire length of hose. 1 Turn the hose over to the opposite side and scrub. LOGISTICS 1 Using a garden hose, completely rinse the soap from the hose on both sides. 1 Dry the hose thoroughly using the method best suited for the weather conditions and facility equipment (hanging in hose tower, hose dryer, etc.). APPARATUS DECONTAMINATION, CLEANING AND DISINFECTING Proper apparatus decontamination, cleaning and disinfecting are vital in limiting fire fighter exposure to contaminants. 1 All apparatus cabs, compartments and equipment should be cleaned weekly and decontaminated after every incident or training that involved contaminants. 1 Parking upwind, keeping windows closed and heaters and air conditioners off during fireground operations will minimize airborne contaminants from entering the cab. 1 All cleaning can be done utilizing cleaning solutions, designated rags, mop buckets, brushes and disinfectants. HEPA vacuums are useful tools to pick up soot and other loose debris prior to cleaning with wet agents. 1 Apparatus cab cleaning should utilize a top-down cleaning method followed by disinfecting. Special attention should be paid to computers, radios, map books, seats, steering wheel, floorboards and headsets. Disinfecting is intended to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses such as C Diff, MRSA, staph, etc. 1 All cloth surfaces should be cleaned using a vacuum and/or steam extractor. 1 Remove all equipment and use the top-down method to clean apparatus compartments. All equipment should be cleaned prior to being placed back on the apparatus. Preliminary results presented in the Illinois Fire Service Institute's 2015 Cardiovascular & Chemical Exposure Risks in Modern Firefighting Interim Report indicate that “gross on-scene decon with water/detergent and scrubbing appears to be effective in bringing the PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) contamination to pre-fire levels.” 2 6