Stedfast understands and values the importance of a well-maintained set of bunker gear. It is important that each fire department and care and repair facility also contribute to the longevity of each component of the suit. There is a long list of simple actions that can be taken directly by the fire department to help maintain the gear. Avoiding UV exposure, storing the gear properly, and cleaning it are a few of the many preventive actions.
NFPA 1851-2026: Care and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Firefighting:
General Cleaning Information
For Structural Outer Shells / Liners/Proximity Outer Shells / Liners / DRDs, Soiled and improperly maintained turnout gear may be contaminated with carcinogenic hydrocarbons, diesel fuel, tars, and or toxic chemicals that become embedded in the protective fabrics…reducing thermal protection, breathability, useful life, and protective qualities of your gear. These noxious chemicals can easily be transferred onto the skin and eventually absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is extremely important to properly remove, clean, and maintain your Turnout Gear/PPE while preserving the protective quality of these fabrics used in the construction of turnout gear.
Stedfast recommends that each organization assess the suitability of all cleaning products based on the requirements outlined in NFPA 1851 – 2026 Edition.
