![]() CMC emphasizes the need to thoroughly rinse life safety rope of any fiber type as the final step in decontamination. Inspect equipment carefully and give strong consideration to replacement. Refer to department guidelines and regulatory guidance for best practices. In the event that materials come in contact with bodily fluids or other forms of contamination, be aware of the risks involved with disinfecting soft goods and sanitizing equipment. Decontaminating is intended to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.Cleaning is intended to remove dirt, grime, and minor oxidation transfer.If your goal is to remove dirt and grit, refer to our guidance on routine cleaning for more information. Before implementing these measures, be sure to understand the difference between cleaning and decontaminating. With the increasing concern for personal safety when dealing with pathogens, CMC has developed procedures for decontaminating life safety rope, webbing, and equipment. Avoid lubricating designated friction points along the rope path of devices like the MPD and CLUTCH, and wipe off any extra lubricant as it can become a dirt attractant.įor more information on washing rope and hardware maintenance, please see NFPA 1858 Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services.After washing and drying, periodically apply a dry or non-sticky lubricant to preserve the life and performance of our hardware (WD40, LPS1, or equal).An air hose or hair dryer can help dry hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to remove all dirt from moving parts (We use Q-Tips to clean the MPDs).Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove detergent.If necessary, wash in a solution of warm water and mild detergent (Woolite® or equal).Wipe the dirt off the outside surfaces using a clean, non-abrasive cloth.Hang sewn gear in a shaded place until completely dry.Rinse with clean water, taking extra care to completely remove detergent.Scrub with a stiff bristle brush to remove heavy dirt deposits.Soak this equipment in a tub of warm water and mild detergent (Woolite® or equal).D-Rings, buckles, and other hardware tend to damage washing machines.Hang webbing in a shaded place until completely dry.Wash webbing in a laundry bag in a front-loading washing machine on the gentle cycle using the warm water setting and a mild detergent that is safe for nylon and polyester (Woolite® or equal).Adding Downy® fabric softener during the rinse cycle helps restore these protective properties. Some of this lubricant is washed out of the rope in the cleaning process. Hang wet ropes in the shade until completely dry.Īt the time of manufacture, rope fibers are treated with a lubricant to minimize internal friction.Rinse and soak the rope for 15 – 20 minutes in a separate tub with clean water and Downy® fabric softener.Run the rope twice through a rope washer (Bokat or equal) – repeat more times if the rope is exceptionally dirty.Use the ratio indicated by the product manufacturer. Soak the rope for approximately 30 minutes in a tub of warm water and mild detergent that is safe for nylon and polyester (Woolite® or equal).Rinse off any excess dirt using clean water from a hose.CMC recommends the following washing procedures. After the equipment has been cleaned, remember to re-label it as necessary and enter the date, cleaning method, and inspection data into a log. CleaningĪll rope rescue and access equipment should be kept clean and free of dirt and grit to prevent wear that will reduce the strength, effectiveness, and service life. We define cleaning as removing dirt, grime, and minor oxidation transfer while decontaminating is intended to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.Īlways refer to department guidelines and regulatory guidance for best practices. CMC is issuing the following updated recommendations on how to clean and decontaminate life safety equipment.
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