Gear Wash Blog

Combatting Contamination

This article first appeared in International Fire and Safety Journal.

Nick Magoteaux, Business Development & Military Contract Manager for Gear Wash, talks to IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey about firefighter PPE decontamination.

Can you explain the importance of properly maintaining and preserving PPE gear?

How To Properly Inspect Firefighting Gear for Care and Maintenance

This article first appeared in International Firefighter.

Gear preservation is an essential part of any firefighter’s job, andGear Wash understands the importance of managing a high-quality program of inspecting, cleaning and repairing firefighting gear – everything from turnouts to gloves,

The Effects of Improper Washing of PPE Over Time

Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and boots, all designed to protect them from the intense heat, smoke, and hazardous materials they encounter on the job. Properly maintained PPE is essential not only for the safety of the firefighter but also

Battling More than Flames: Breast Cancer in the Fire Service

The fire service is known for its brave and selfless firefighters who risk their lives to protect communities from the ravages of fire and other emergencies. However, there's a hidden danger that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of these heroes – breast cancer. Breast cancer

Unlock Safety and Convenience: Top 4 Reasons to Rent Firefighter Gear!

While many firefighters own their gear, there are several reasons to consider renting bunker gear. Explore the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and hassle-free maintenance that come with renting, ensuring you're equipped for every mission without compromising on safety or convenience.

Meet the #GearWashFamily: Nick Magoteaux

Get to Know Nick! 

Nick is our Business Development and Military Contract Manager. He is responsible for reaching out to new customers, ensuring current customer satisfaction, and working with our military customers and their contracts. Prior to joining Gear Wash, Nick served as a corrections

Signs your 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, Series 5680 Fire Coat Comfort Trim Needs Repair

Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities, facing various risks in their line of duty. To ensure your safety, it's crucial that your gear remains in top-notch condition. 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material, Series 5680 Fire Coat Comfort Trim, plays a significant role in

Understanding Contaminant Exposure Among Firefighters

Firefighters selflessly put themselves in harm's way to protect others, and as we've covered before, their noble actions come with significant risks, including exposure to a multitude of hazardous contaminants. Understanding the sources and pathways of exposure is crucial for developing effective

Meet the #GearWashFamily: Brian Marenco, Director of Business Development

Get to Know Brian! 

For the past 22 years, Brian has been in the fire service working with Independent Service Providers (ISPs), PPE manufacturers, organizations, and end users centered around NFPA 1851. His varied experience began with an ISP in 1995 providing cleaning & care services, working for

3 Signs of PTSD in the Fire Service

At Gear Wash, our main priority is keeping your department safe and healthy by keeping gear clean and ready for the next firefight. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to emphasize that supporting those who serve us is valuable and needed.

The first way to break down the stigma of

Meet the #GearWashFamily: Cory McGee, Quality and Safety Coordinator

Get to Know Cory! 

Before joining our team at Gear Wash, Cory served 22 years in the Air Force and retired as a Fire Emergency Services Assistant Chief at Whiteman AFB, Montana. After his retirement (or "transition" as he likes to call it), he worked for MES and Feld Fire. At Gear Wash, Cory does

Preliminary Exposure Reduction & Advanced Cleaning- What's the Difference?

One of the biggest topics within the fire industry in the last few years has been cancer prevention and awareness. We all know the importance of this, but what is something we can target immediately, to prevent preliminary exposure after being on scene? 

NFPA 1851 specifies the recommended

How to Mitigate PPE Damage Over Time

Where does your department keep PPE when not in service? Lockers in the bay, exposed to UV rays and exhaust emissions? If so, it’s time to reconsider how your gear is being stored. Making sure that your PPE is stowed correctly is a perfect example of how you can lessen the risk of damage in the
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