Continental Girbau Says Firefighters Should Use Grants for Gear Cleaning Equipment

Sept. 26, 2018

Each year, many U.S. fire departments receive AFG funding to purchase new Continental ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers.

Related To: Continental Girbau, Inc.

Oshkosh, WI --The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program’s open application period extends until 5 p.m. EST, Friday, Oct. 26. AFG funds are used by fire departments across the country to purchase equipment needed to enhance firefighter and public safety. Each year, many U.S. fire departments receive AFG funding to purchase new Continental ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers.

By using Continental ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers, fire departments can properly clean and dry soiled turnout gear and reduce firefighter exposure to cancer-causing contaminents. Continental gear washers and dryers properly clean and dry gear according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.

Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths among firefighters today, according to the Firefighter Cancer Alliance. Cancer prevention is one of the reasons the NFPA recommends properly washing protective gear according to an established set of guidelines (NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting).

Continental ExpressWash Washers and ExpressDry Gear Dryers properly clean and dry soiled turnout gear according to NFPA guidelines – returning it to service sooner. Operators simply select a program number, press start and the washer automatically blends optimum water temperatures, water levels, chemicals, extraction speeds, mechanical action and cycle times. ExpressWash Washers are freestanding and can be installed in truck bays, utility rooms, over heated floors, or anywhere there is extra space. They properly clean gear, and in doing so, help protect firefighters from the carcinogens and biohazards found in dirty gear.

ExpressDry Gear Dryers use a 110-volt fan to push ambient air through hanging garments – returning gear to service in hours, rather than days. Quick and easy to use, the ExpressDry Gear Dryer adapts to specific types and sizes of gear without turning them inside out. The dryer can simultaneously accommodate up to six suits, along with helmets, gloves, boots, facemasks and SCBAs.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and first responders obtain equipment needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Because dirty gear can be hazadous to firefighter health, fire departments across the nation purchase ExpressWash and ExpressDry equipment with AFG grants every year.

To find out more about Continental products, visit www.cgilaundry.com or call 800-256-1073. Get the latest AFG news at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.

Continental Girbau Inc. is the largest of 15 subsidiaries of Girbau Global Laundry Solutions (Girbau), based in Vic, Spain. Girbau laundry products – marketed throughout 100 countries worldwide – meet rigorous environmental and safety standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Girbau holds both ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications. Ever focused on laundry efficiency, Continental Girbau is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.