Shamrock Gear Restoration LLC

CHECK YOUR MOISTURE BARRIERS

The Moisture Barrier Component in a 3 Layer system is an integral part of keeping the user safe. If not in top shape, this component can fail, allowing water in. This failure can result in injuries such as scalds, steam burns, chemical burns, viral penetration, and even death. Each element in the ensemble is only as strong as it’s weakest part. Water passage through the moisture barrier definitely weakens the whole protective ensemble to the point it should be repaired, condemned, and/or replaced.

How can you tell if your fire gear moisture barrier is meeting the standard?

NFPA 1851 Appendix 4.3.2.1 describes testing the fire gear moisture barrier and how to tell if it passes. The “Puddle Test” or “Cup Test” is recommended for end user field test. A solution of tap water and Isopropyl Alcohol is used and placed on the garment to test the water shedding ability of the turnout gear moisture barrier. This test can be done in multiple areas of the fire gear garment in a short amount of time to ensure it’s protective properties.

At Shamrock, we use a Suter Hydrostatic tester. This equipment pressurizes water against the fire gear moisture barrier to test protective ability. Each testing area is complete in 15-20 seconds.

What happens if the fire gear moisture barrier leaks through?

If a turnout gear moisture barrier leaks through- it is out of service until it can be deemed repairable or condemned and need replaced. This item needs to be evaluated by a Care and Repair Center. All turnout gear moisture barriers are not the same. Different manufacturers use different seam seal tape at different temperatures and times. This does not mean your fire gear can’t be repaired, but don’t take matters into your own hands. Let a trained facility help you make a decision.

NEOPRENE & POLYURETHANE MOISTURE BARRIERS

Neoprene and polyurethane do a good job of keeping water out when they are new. The life span of these two materials in fire gear is very short. Some studies have shown less than 2 years to 100% of these items failing. Be careful. This is not to say you need to replace all of your ensembles, there may be other options. Contact your manufacturer rep or a repair facility.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 330-313-1220.  Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Diesel fuel on your fire gear?

You have responded to an MVA involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. As the truck is turning left in the narrow intersection, the saddle tank contacts the front of the vehicle that had edged into the intersection. The injuries to the drivers are minor if any, but the fuel tank is damaged. You arrive on scene to find a small “tear” in the corner of the saddle tank and diesel fuel leaking onto the roadway. Your crew is able to contain the fuel with booms, dykes, and maybe even “Dyke and Plug”. In the process, three members of your crew have saturated elements of their fire gear in the flammable liquid. What do you do? Can it be cleaned? Can you still use your fire gear? The answer is YES, your fire gear can be cleaned if handled properly. Call Shamrock Gear & Repair LLC when you are confronted with this or a similar situation.

Shamrock Gear- Safety for firefighters, by firefighters.  330-313-1220

Shamrock Gear and Repair is working with ohio grant writers Gatchell Grant Resources to secure grant money for departments to use for  firefighter turnout gear maintenance contracts.  The benefits to the fire department are that your fire gear will last longer with proper fire gear cleaning, fire gear inspection, and fire gear repair AND you get grant money to pay for the contract!  All of our fire gear cleanings, inspections, and repairs are done in compliance with NFPA 1851 2008 edition.

Contact Shamrock Gear and Repair to receive a quote for a maintenance contract for your department’s fire gear.  After you have your quote, contact Didi or Vera at Gatchell Grant Resources to apply for grant money to pay for your fire gear maintenance.

Shamrock Gear & Repair LLC is scheduling now for its 2009 Fire Gear Maintenance Program.

The Program can be tuned to the needs of any department, any size.

Our most popular Program includes cleanings, inspections, tracking, and repairs for 1 price per each set of fire gear.  This Program will ensure that your department’s fire fighting turnout gear meets the safety standards that your people, and those they protect, deserve.  We atShamrock Gear can assist you in keeping your gear compliant to the NFPA 1851- 2008 Standard.

The new Standard has added a mandatory 10 year retirement-

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GEAR!! 

As we come into the time to set budgets for next year, remember- 

We test our ladders,  we test our fire pumps, and we test our fire hose each year.  Do we test the items the most protect our most valuable resource?- the fire gear that goes on our people. 

We can help to set up a Program for any size department, or any size budget.

Details can be received by calling our shop at 330-313-1220 or Rob at 330-418-6879.