Ian Mitchell

Bristol Uniforms will be unveiling a new provision for Fire & Rescue Services (FRSs) at this year’s Emergency Services Show, to specifically help with the swift and safe cleaning and decontamination of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). A global renowned designer and manufacturer of PPE for the emergency services, Bristol Uniforms will be supplying specialist decontamination machines to Fire & Rescue Services for use on-site at fire stations, as well as enhancing its managed services offering by installing the machines within its in-house UK Service Centers. Solo Rescue Decon Washer The Solo Rescue Decon Washer cleans SCBA in a self-contained, sealed compartment which minimizes manual contact with contaminated material. Developed in collaboration with the Swedish Rescue Services, it successfully removes residues of combustion gases, soot particles and toxins in just a few minutes, and fits in a compact space of less than 1 sq. m. Ian Mitchell, Joint Managing Director at Bristol Uniforms, comments, “While most Fire and Rescue Services in the UK now opt for managed services contracts for cleaning uniforms, many don’t send their SCBA for professional cleaning as there are not always sets to spare and equipment has to stay on site.” The Solo Rescue machines offer a quick and easy way for FRSs to clean their SCBA on site" Solo Rescue Machines He adds, “As a result, breathing apparatus is often cleaned by hand, which is a lengthy process and can expose the firefighter undertaking the cleaning to further risk of contamination. The Solo Rescue machines offer a quick and easy way for FRSs to clean their SCBA on site, or for those that prefer, we can now undertake this cleaning quickly and efficiently for them as part of a managed services program at one of our UK in-house service centers.” The durable stainless-steel machines have a swift cleaning cycle, meaning that up to 14 sets of SCBA can be decontaminated in just one hour, considerably improving the speed and efficiency of the cleaning process. The Solo Rescue Machines are also simple to operate, with minimal servicing required. SCBA decontamination procedure Because the Solo Rescue cleaning process has been laboratory tested for the removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), FRSs will have the benefit of a robust SCBA decontamination procedure. As the approved distributor, a Solo Rescue machine will be on display for visitors to view at the Bristol Uniforms stand A70 at the Emergency Services Show 2019. Ian Mitchell continues, “At Bristol Uniforms we are committed to providing our customers with robust PPE cleaning and maintenance services. These new machines will provide fire crews with an additional solution, to help clean SCBA quickly, efficiently and thoroughly.”