It is extremely important that garments are sanitized according to the procedure contained in your manual, ensuring that the garment is always clean and decontaminated before use. During firefighting work, the user is exposed to many substances that, in contact with the skin, can cause allergies or serious diseases to the user.
Many substances present in a fire situation, such as hydrocarbons, acids, soot, and some metals, are harmful to the wearer when there is contact. These substances can penetrate the inner layers of clothing and be ingested or inhaled by the wearer. In addition, contact with these materials can also damage the fiber characteristics of the fabrics used in the garment, reducing its ability to protect. To avoid this type of situation it is important that your garment is sanitized in the correct way, as often as necessary to ensure the personal protection of the wearer and the properties of the garment.
Protective garments should be sanitized at least once a year, or as soon as possible after contamination or exposure to blood or body fluids, fuels, grease, oils, acids, or any other hazardous material.
Never wash your garments together with other clothes or in conventional uniform laundries, thus preventing toxic substances from coming into contact with other clothes.