A06_National_Wildfire_Coordinating_Group_(NWCG)_and_Agency-specific_cleaning_standards.docx

The following items are identified as specialty pieces and must adhere to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) cleaning and Agency-specific standards. NWCGstandards can be found at https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms448. Items that are not listed in this attachment will require laundering/cleaning, sanitizing, drying, and folding.

Cleaning - DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

1. Follow the cleaning procedures described in the publication, Nomex®- Aramid Fiber -Laundering Guide (H71603) https://images.protectiontechnologies.dupont.com/Web/DuPontInternationalOperationsSarl/%7B85e0fc45-51f5-481d-80b5-481a060bc39b%7D_Nomex_Laundering_Guide_K-29759_02-18.pdf

2. Abbreviated washing procedures from above publication:

a. “Garments of NOMEX® should be washed separately from other articles to avoid contamination with lint of flammable fibers.”

b. “Tests show that formulations designed for use at a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) or less – such as high-surfactant, low-alkalinity products - adequately clean NOMEX® and provide the best fabric color retention.”

c. “For heavily stained and oily garments of NOMEX®, a higher temperature wash formula may be required for adequate cleaning.”

d. “Garments made of NOMEX® must be adequately rinsed to remove residual wash chemicals.”

e. “In some instances, tumble dry conditioning is the only finishing necessary for garments of NOMEX®.”

f. “…dry cleaning is an alternative method of removing heavy soil and may be preferable to repeated high-temperature washing.”

3. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both--the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

Multiple Nomex Shirts Cleaning

DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

1. Follow the cleaning procedures described in the publication, Nomex®- Aramid Fiber -Laundering Guide (H71603) https://images.protectiontechnologies.dupont.com/Web/DuPontInternationalOperationsSarl/%7B85e0fc45-51f5-481d-80b5-481a060bc39b%7D_Nomex_Laundering_Guide_K-29759_02-18.pdf

2. Abbreviated washing procedures from above publication:

a. “Garments of NOMEX® should be washed separately from other articles to avoid contamination with lint of flammable fibers.”

b. “Tests show that formulations designed for use at a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) or less – such as high-surfactant, low-alkalinity products - adequately clean NOMEX® and provide the best fabric color retention.”

c. “For heavily stained and oily garments of NOMEX®, a higher temperature wash formula may be required for adequate cleaning.”

d. “Garments made of NOMEX® must be adequately rinsed to remove residual wash chemicals.”

e. “In some instances, tumble dry conditioning is the only finishing necessary for garments of NOMEX®.”

f. “…dry cleaning is an alternative method of removing heavy soil and may be preferable to repeated high-temperature washing.”

3. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both--the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

Multiple Flight Suit Cleaning

1. Follow the cleaning procedures described in the publication, Nomex®- Aramid Fiber -Laundering Guide (H71603) https://images.protectiontechnologies.dupont.com/Web/DuPontInternationalOperationsSarl/%7B85e0fc45-51f5-481d-80b5-481a060bc39b%7D_Nomex_Laundering_Guide_K-29759_02-18.pdf

2. Abbreviated washing procedures from above publication:

a. “Garments of NOMEX® should be washed separately from other articles to avoid contamination with lint of flammable fibers.”

b. “Tests show that formulations designed for use at a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) or less – such as high-surfactant, low-alkalinity products – adequately clean NOMEX® and provide the best fabric color retention.”

c. “For heavily stained and oily garments of NOMEX®, a higher temperature wash formula may be required for adequate cleaning.”

d. “Garments made of NOMEX® must be adequately rinsed to remove residual wash chemicals.”

e. “In some instances, tumble dry conditioning is the only finishing necessary for garments of NOMEX®.”

f. “…dry cleaning is an alternative method of removing heavy soil and may be preferable to repeated high-temperature washing.”

3. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both – the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

0058 Bag, Sleeping, Cold Weather 35” X 88” Cleaning- CLASS 4 CORDURA - SLEEPING BAGS

1. Remove all contents not part of the bag and zip closed before laundering.

2. Launder bags in front-loading machine. Use mild soap in water of no more than 130 °F. Bags shall undergo three wash and rinse cycles, i.e. wash, rinse, wash, rinse, wash, rinse, sterilize with a bleach solution of 50 ppm in the last wash cycle.

3. With bag unzipped, dry in a tumble dryer with an average temperature not to exceed 130 °F. The dryer unit shall be of the reverse-action type. All bags shall be unfolded and shall tumble free. (To obtain the average temperature, test the temperature every 5 minutes and average the findings.)

4. After drying, zip bags closed.

0070 Fly, Plastic Tent, 16’ X 24’ W/10 Guide Ropes Cleaning Completely unfold tent fly on clean, dry floor or work area so that any defects (tears, burns, mildew, etc.) will be visible.

1. Sweep off entire fly with stiff-bristle broom.

2. Wash with water and mild degreaser detergent.

3. Rinse to remove all soap residues.

4. Air dry.

5. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both--the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

0077 Tent, 2 Person Cleaning

1. Set up tent, sweep and remove dirt and debris.

2. Wash with water and mild soap, rinse, and air dry.

3. Remove dirt from tent stakes with a wire brush or water and mild soap.

4. Use non staining non bleach products if sanitizing the inside of the tent.

5. Allow tent, tent bag, and fly to air dry.

0084 Tent, Wall 14X16 Cleaning

· Sweep with stiff brush. Wash with warm water and mild detergent and rinse. If necessary, clean stubborn stains with hot water pressure washer using a stiff bristle brush for scrubbing. Ensure tent is dried completely before storage.

0347 Case, Chainsaw Tool Roll (Non NWCG Standard)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

0675 Case, Canteen, Fireline Pack Blue Cleaning

· CLASS 1 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

0678 Pack, Fireline Blue Cleaning

· CLASS 1 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

0744 Packsack, Waterproof, W/Straps Cleaning

· CLASS 1 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

1071 Bag, Duffle (Non NWCG Standard)

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· Machine Wash using cold water and mild detergents

· Tumble dry on low until dry

1162 Case, Pump Tool Roll (Non NWCG Standard)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

1167 Case, Lightweight, Tool Roll (Non NWCG Standard)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

1274 Shroud, Face and Neck, Wildland Firefighters Cleaning - DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

1. Follow the cleaning procedures described in the publication, Nomex®- Aramid Fiber -Laundering Guide (H71603). Additional information can be obtained by calling DuPont at 1–800–453–8527 or by writing:

DuPont Advanced Fibers Systems Chestnut Run Plaza Laurel Run Building Wilmington, DE 19880-0705

2. Abbreviated washing procedures from above publication:

a. “Garments of NOMEX® should be washed separately from other articles to avoid contamination with lint of flammable fibers.”

b. “Tests show that formulations designed for use at a temperature of l40 °F (60 °C) or less – such as high-surfactant, low-alkalinity products - adequately clean NOMEX® and provide the best fabric color retention.”

c. “For heavily stained and oily garments of NOMEX®, a higher temperature wash formula may be required for adequate cleaning.”

d. “Garments made of NOMEX® must be adequately rinsed to remove residual wash chemicals.”

e. “In some instances, tumble dry conditioning is the only finishing necessary for garments of NOMEX®.”

f. “…dry cleaning is an alternative method of removing heavy soil and may be preferable to repeated high-temperature washing.”

3. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both--the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

1521 Fly, Tent, Type II, 9’ X 10’ Cleaning

1. Unfold and look for defects.

2. Sweep or brush off with stiff broom or brush.

3. Wash with water and mild degreaser detergent.

4. Rinse to remove all soap residues.

5. Air dry.

6. If items are taken to vendor laundry facilities for refurbishment; ensure that they receive a copy of this refurbishment standard. The laundry facility must satisfy both--the requirements as set by the manufacturer specification and the agreement made with the local agency.

1855 Pack, Personal Gear, Red Cleaning

· CLASS 1 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH TO CLEAN FABRIC.

7383 Net, Head, Mosquito(Non NWCG Standard)

· Machine Wash using cold water and mild detergents

· Tumble dry on low until dry

7384 Net, Mosquito (Non NWCG Standard)

· Machine Wash using cold water and mild detergents

· Tumble dry on low until dry

7748 Bag, Hose (Orange) (Non NWCG Standard)

· Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry then remove using a stiff-bristle brush. Wash as recommended below.

· Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.

· For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

· If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.

· Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric.

9229 Vest, Life, PFD (Non NWCG Standard)

· Place the life jackets, with all straps and hardware, unfastened, on the tarp, and scrub all surfaces of the jacket using the detergent solution and a soft brush. For tough stains like red mud or food, apply a dab of the detergent (not bleach) directly onto the stain. Work it in with the brush and allow the jacket to sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.

· If the jacket has mold or mildew, move to an outside area and brush away any visible spores before wetting the fabric. Scrub as suggested but add 1/4 cup of oxygen-based bleach to the cleaning solution. This will help remove dark stains.

· Rinse well using a hose or plenty of clean water, smoothing the fabric to ensure you rinse all the crevices.

· Hang the jacket to drip dry, preferably out of direct sunlight.

· After the life jackets are dry to the touch, check for any puckering or shrinkage. Be sure no water is caught in the interior foam and that there is no mildew odor.

· Do not use chlorine bleach directly on a jacket as it can break down fabrics and interior foam.