1. Seating – Decontaminate and dry seats where contaminants reside after coming into contact with dirty PPE and personnel. Some manufacturers offer removable and washable seat cover options or coverings that have barriers to protect them from liquid absorption.
2. SCBA housing – Research has shown that SCBA can off-gas after a fire. SCBA should be decontaminated at fire scenes and, when possible, be stored in compartments outside the cab to be returned to the station for full decontamination. SCBA brackets and facepiece storage should also be cleaned.
3. Floor – Decontaminate the floor and surrounding crevices to remove any particulates that are carried into the cab from footwear or equipment and be sure to clean the gaps in materials. Manufacturers are working on finishes for materials to prevent liquids and gas contamination.
4. Tread plates – Like the floor, clean these areas the receive debris from foot traffic and storage of equipment post-incident. Manufacturers are looking at non-porous finishes that continue to be slip-resistant.
5. Doghouse – Decontaminate the doghouse/motor cover frequently due to possible contamination from PPE, firefighters and EMS equipment. Manufacturers are working on non-porous and easy-to-clean materials.
6. Grab rails – Often the first point of contact for the interior of the cab, be sure to clean grab rails and handles, along with windows. Manufacturers are working on non-porous and easy-to-clean materials.
7. Air filtration systems – Work with equipment manufacturers to see what is available, including HEPA filters and air scrubbers to remove airborne toxins.
8. Exterior compartments – As the clean cab process evolves, manufacturers and departments are opting for exterior cabinetry to carry soiled PPE and SCBA and remove them completely from the cab interior.
