Basic Operations Firefighter Certification Practice Exam

What is the recommended method for cleaning personal protective equipment (PPE)?

1. Using a garden hose

2. Washing in a station washer and dryer

3. Dry cleaning only

4. Hand washing with cold water

The correct answer is: Washing in a station washer and dryer

The recommended method for cleaning personal protective equipment (PPE) is washing in a station washer and dryer. This approach is effective because specialized station washers are designed to properly clean fire gear by using appropriate settings, detergents, and water temperatures that can help eliminate hazardous substances, such as chemicals and soot, without damaging the integrity of the gear. Using a station washer also ensures that PPE is adequately sanitized, which is crucial for the safety of the firefighter wearing it. Many fire departments have specific protocols regarding PPE maintenance, including the use of these washing machines to ensure compliance with safety standards and to extend the life of the equipment. Other methods, such as using a garden hose or hand washing with cold water, may not provide sufficient cleaning power or may not follow the specific requirements of the gear, putting firefighters at risk of exposure. Dry cleaning also typically uses chemicals that can harm the materials used in PPE, compromising their protective qualities. Therefore, the station washer and dryer method is recognized as the most effective and safest way to maintain personal protective equipment.