We've heard that a new rule has come out that says after every fire where bunker gear is used the gear must be washed, and that we must document the washing. However, both statutory and rule language requires clothing to be maintained to meet the standard under which it was purchased. Protective clothing was not purchased dirty and should not be maintained in that condition. A fire fighter's safety is jeopardized when clothing is contaminated by blood-borne pathogens, flammable substances or products of combustion. Its longevity is reduced by the abrasive effects of dirt and debris, and by reaction to several common chemicals and ultraviolet light.
Protective clothing is both tuff and tender.
It needs to be kept clean, air dried and stored out of direct sunlight. Be careful what you use in the way of soap and always follow your manufacturer's recommendations. A proposed change to Chapter 435 specifically addresses the replacement of defective moisture barriers. The proposed change does not address the washing of bunker gear. Texas Commission on Fire Protection, PO Box 2286, Austin, TX 78768-2286.