This is not a minor procedural gap. In high-silica environments, inadequate PAPR decontamination can mean workers are re-exposed to respirable crystalline silica every time they put their respirator back on. It can also mean your PAPR units are degrading faster than they should, increasing replacement costs and equipment downtime. 

In this article, we look at what the PAPR decontamination standard requires, why civil contractors in Australia are struggling to meet it, and what a compliant PAPR cleaning and maintenance program actually looks like. 

What Is a PAPR and Why Is It Used in Civil Construction? 

A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is a battery-powered device that draws contaminated air through a filter and delivers clean, filtered air to the wearer via a hood, helmet, or facepiece. PAPRs provide a higher level of respiratory protection than standard disposable respirators and are commonly used in environments with high concentrations of dust, silica, or other hazardous airborne particles. 

In civil construction settings- particularly tunnelling and earthworks involving rock cutting, drilling, or soil disturbance- PAPRs are critical for protecting workers from respirable crystalline silica, which is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Silicosis, the disease caused by silica dust inhalation, is irreversible and potentially fatal. 

Beyond their filtration role, PAPRs represent a significant equipment investment. Proper PPE lifecycle management– including correct decontamination between uses- is essential to maintaining their protective performance and extending their service life. 

The PAPR Decontamination Standard: What Does Compliance Actually Require? 

In Australia, the maintenance and decontamination of respiratory protective equipment including PAPRs is governed by AS/NZS 1716 (Respiratory Protective Devices) and supported by Safe Work Australia’s guidelines for managing the risks of hazardous chemicals. 

Under these standards, PAPR decontamination is not simply a matter of wiping down the exterior. A compliant decontamination process must: 

• Remove all contaminants from both the external surfaces and internal components of the PAPR unit 

• Preserve the filter integrity and not compromise its protection factor rating 

• Follow the manufacturer’s specific cleaning, disinfection, and drying protocols 

• Ensure the unit is fully dried before storage or reuse to prevent bacterial growth 

• Be documented, with a clear record of each unit’s service and maintenance history

The challenge is that many civil contracting businesses- particularly smaller operators or those without a dedicated WHS team- are not fully aware of what compliant PAPR maintenance looks like in practice. Many default to a surface clean between shifts, which does not meet the standard. 

Why Civil Contractors in Tunnelling and Earthworks Are at Higher Risk 

The decontamination challenge is particularly acute in tunnelling and earthworks environments for several reasons. 

High-Silica Dust Concentrations 

Rock drilling, shotcrete application, and soil cutting in confined spaces can generate extremely high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica. A PAPR used in these conditions will accumulate significant silica loading across all surfaces- not just the filter. Without thorough decontamination, this silica remains present on the unit and poses a secondary exposure risk. 

Shared Equipment in the Field 

On many civil construction sites, PAPR units are shared between shift workers rather than assigned to individuals. This increases the risk of cross-contamination and makes individual tracking and decontamination records more difficult to maintain. Shared equipment must be fully decontaminated between each user- a requirement that is frequently not met in practice. 

Limited On-Site Decontamination Capability 

Most civil construction sites do not have the facilities, chemicals, or trained personnel required to carry out thorough PAPR decontamination on-site. This means units are either cleaned inadequately in the field or transported to a facility that may not be equipped to decontaminate respiratory protective equipment to the required standard. 

Lack of AU-Specific Guidance 

While international guidelines exist for PAPR maintenance, there is a recognised lack of detailed, Australia-specific guidance on decontamination procedures for PAPRs used in high-silica civil construction environments. This gap leaves many contractors without a clear compliance benchmark. 

The Consequences of Non-Compliant PAPR Decontamination 

Failing to meet the PAPR decontamination standard carries serious consequences for both workers and businesses. 

• Workers face ongoing silica exposure through re-contaminated equipment, increasing their lifetime risk of silicosis and lung cancer 

• PAPRs not cleaned to manufacturer specifications deteriorate faster, reducing their effective protection factor and shortening service life 

• Businesses face potential WHS regulatory action if PPE maintenance is found to be non-compliant during an audit or incident investigation 

• In the event of a worker compensation claim related to occupational dust disease, inadequate PPE maintenance records can significantly increase employer liability 

Safe Work Australia has significantly increased its focus on silica-related disease in recent years, and regulatory scrutiny of civil construction sites is intensifying. Now is not the time to have gaps in your PAPR maintenance program. 

What a Compliant PAPR Cleaning and Maintenance Program Looks Like 

A genuinely compliant PAPR decontamination program for civil construction goes well beyond a surface wipe. It includes the following elements. 

Individual Unit Tracking 

Each PAPR unit should be individually identified and tracked, with a documented record of every decontamination event, inspection, and component replacement. This creates an auditable compliance trail and ensures no unit is returned to service without being properly processed. 

Contaminant-Specific Treatment 

In high-silica environments, decontamination chemicals and methods must be selected specifically for their ability to remove silica particles from respiratory equipment without damaging filter media, seals, or electronic components. Generic cleaning products are not appropriate. 

Manufacturer-Compliant Cleaning and Drying 

All cleaning must be carried out within the temperature, chemical, and mechanical action limits specified by the PAPR manufacturer. Drying must be thorough- residual moisture inside a PAPR unit creates conditions for bacterial and mould growth, which introduces a secondary health risk. 

Regular Filter Assessment and Replacement 

PAPR filters must be assessed at each decontamination event and replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule or when loading indicates reduced airflow. Filter replacement records should form part of the unit’s maintenance history. 

How IDS Supports Civil Contractors with PAPR Decontamination 

Industrial Decontamination Services (IDS) has been providing specialist PPE decontamination services to Australian industries since 1998. Our process is specifically designed to meet the challenges of high-hazard environments like civil construction, tunnelling, and earthworks. 

We treat every PAPR unit individually, using contaminant-specific chemical treatments and cleaning methods that comply with both AS/NZS 1716 requirements and individual manufacturer specifications. Every unit that passes through our facility is documented, inspected, and returned to service only when it meets our compliance standard. 

Our Total Apparel Management Program can also take complete ownership of your PAPR fleet- managing collection, decontamination, inspection, filter replacement, and compliance reporting on your behalf, so your team can focus on the project. 

With facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Gladstone, IDS is positioned to support civil contractors across Australia’s major infrastructure corridors. 

Take the Next Step 

If you’re unsure whether your current PAPR maintenance program meets the decontamination standard, now is the right time to find out. A gap in your respiratory protection program is a gap in your duty of care. 

Contact IDS on 1300 834 245 or request a quote online to discuss your site’s PAPR decontamination requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What does PAPR stand for? 

PAPR stands for Powered Air Purifying Respirator. It is a battery-powered respiratory protection device that draws air through a filter and delivers clean air to the wearer. PAPRs are commonly used in high-dust environments including tunnelling, earthworks, mining, and manufacturing. 

What is the Australian standard for PAPR maintenance? 

PAPR maintenance and decontamination in Australia is governed by AS/NZS 1716 (Respiratory Protective Devices), which sets requirements for the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment. Manufacturers’ specific cleaning and maintenance protocols must also be followed to maintain the unit’s protection factor rating. 

How often should a PAPR be decontaminated? 

PAPRs used in high-silica environments such as tunnelling and earthworks should be decontaminated after every use, or at minimum after each shift. Where equipment is shared between workers, a full decontamination between users is mandatory. Your decontamination provider can help establish an appropriate schedule based on your site conditions. 

Can I decontaminate PAPRs on-site? 

On-site decontamination is possible but requires the right facilities, chemicals, and trained personnel. Most civil construction sites do not have the capability to carry out decontamination to the required standard. A specialist provider like IDS offers a managed service that ensures compliance without placing additional burden on your site team. 

What happens if PAPR decontamination is not done correctly? 

Inadequate PAPR decontamination can result in ongoing worker exposure to hazardous contaminants such as silica dust, premature equipment failure, voided manufacturer warranties, and WHS regulatory non-compliance. In the event of a worker illness or injury claim, inadequate maintenance records can increase employer liability significantly. 

Does IDS service civil construction companies across Australia? 

Yes. IDS operates facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Gladstone, and works with civil contractors, mining companies, and industrial operators across Australia to manage PPE and PAPR decontamination to the required standard.

The post Are Civil Contractors Meeting the PAPR Decontamination Standard for Tunnelling and Earthworks? appeared first on Industrial Decontamination Services.

Yet PAPR filter replacement is one of the most inconsistently managed aspects of respiratory protection programs across Australian mining sites and factory floors. Many organisations rely on fixed replacement schedules that don’t account for actual exposure levels. Others wait until airflow drops noticeably before acting. Both approaches can leave workers dangerously underprotected. 

In this guide, we cover how PAPR filter replacement frequency should be determined, what factors affect filter service life in mining and manufacturing environments, and how a managed maintenance program can take the guesswork out of compliance. 

What Does a PAPR Filter Do? 

A PAPR filter is the barrier between hazardous airborne contaminants and the air your worker breathes. Depending on the type of filter fitted, a PAPR can protect against particulates (including respirable crystalline silica, coal dust, and fine metal particles), gases and vapours, or a combination of both. 

As the filter operates, it accumulates contaminant particles. Over time, this loading restricts airflow through the filter, which reduces the volume of clean air delivered to the wearer. When airflow drops below the minimum required for the PAPR to maintain a positive pressure seal, the protection factor of the unit is compromised. 

This is why PAPR filter replacement is not optional maintenance — it is a direct safety requirement. 

What the Standards Say About PAPR Filter Replacement 

In Australia, respiratory protective equipment including PAPRs must be maintained in accordance with AS/NZS 1716 (Respiratory Protective Devices). The standard requires that all components — including filters — be maintained in good working order and replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Manufacturer guidance on filter replacement typically specifies: 

• A maximum service life (e.g., six months or twelve months from first use) 

• An airflow threshold below which the filter must be replaced 

• Environmental conditions that may accelerate filter degradation (such as high humidity or chemical exposure) 

• Compatibility requirements between filter type and the specific hazards present 

 However, manufacturer schedules are often developed for average exposure conditions. In high-concentration environments like underground mining, hard rock drilling, or coal processing, actual filter loading can far exceed what a standard replacement schedule assumes. 

Factors That Affect PAPR Filter Life on Mining Sites and Factory Floors 

Several site-specific factors determine how quickly a PAPR filter reaches the end of its safe service life. 

Dust Concentration and Particle Size 

The higher the concentration of airborne particles and the finer the particle size, the faster a filter loads. Respirable crystalline silica — present in underground hard rock mining, tunnelling, quarrying, and some construction activities — is particularly fine and loads filters rapidly. In high-silica environments, filter service life can be dramatically shorter than the manufacturer’s standard recommendation. 

Shift Duration and Continuous Use 

A filter used for a standard eight-hour shift will load more slowly than one used in a twelve-hour or extended shift environment. Sites operating extended rosters should build this into their filter replacement calculations rather than applying a shift-based schedule designed for shorter working periods. 

Humidity and Temperature 

High humidity causes filter media to absorb moisture, which can reduce airflow and accelerate loading. Hot, humid environments — common in underground mining, tropical construction sites, and some manufacturing facilities — can significantly reduce the effective service life of PAPR filters. 

Type of Contaminant 

Certain contaminants, including oily aerosols and some chemical vapours, can degrade filter media more rapidly than dry particulates. If your workers are exposed to a combination of particulate and chemical hazards, combination filters must be used — and their replacement schedule must account for the loading of both hazard types. 

Filter Storage Conditions 

Filters stored incorrectly — in high humidity, at elevated temperatures, or near chemical storage — can degrade before they are even put into service. Proper storage between uses is part of a compliant PAPR maintenance program. 

How to Determine the Right PAPR Filter Replacement Frequency for Your Site 

Given the variables involved, a fixed calendar-based replacement schedule is rarely sufficient on its own. Best practice for determining PAPR filter replacement frequency includes the following steps. 

Start with the Manufacturer’s Recommendation 

The manufacturer’s specified service life is the baseline. No filter should remain in service beyond this period, regardless of apparent condition. If the manufacturer specifies six months from first use, that is a hard limit — not a target to be extended. 

Assess Your Site’s Actual Exposure Levels 

Conduct or commission air monitoring to establish the actual concentration of airborne contaminants at your site. If concentrations are significantly above standard levels — as is common in underground mining and high-activity earthworks — your replacement frequency should be shortened accordingly. 

Monitor Airflow at Each Use 

Many PAPR units include an airflow indicator or alarm. Workers should be trained to check airflow before each use and to remove a PAPR from service immediately if airflow is below the required level, regardless of when the filter was last replaced. 

Implement a Tracked Replacement Program 

Each filter replacement should be recorded against the individual PAPR unit’s service history. This creates an auditable compliance trail and allows patterns — such as filters consistently requiring early replacement on a particular task or in a specific work area — to be identified and acted on. 

The Cost of Getting PAPR Filter Replacement Wrong 

Under-replacing PAPR filters is not just a compliance risk — it has real consequences for workers and businesses. 

• Workers breathing through overloaded filters receive reduced respiratory protection, increasing their exposure to hazardous dusts and the long-term risk of occupational lung disease 

• PAPR units with degraded filters may not deliver the minimum airflow required to maintain a positive pressure seal, compromising the unit’s certified protection factor 

• If a worker develops silicosis or another occupational lung disease and maintenance records show filters were not replaced appropriately, employer liability in compensation claims is significantly increased 

• WHS regulators are increasing their focus on respiratory protection compliance in mining and construction. Non-compliant programs are an audit risk 

How IDS Supports Mining Sites and Factories with PAPR Filter Management 

Industrial Decontamination Services (IDS) provides specialist PPE decontamination and servicing for PAPR units used across Australia’s mining, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Our service includes filter inspection and replacement as part of every decontamination event, with each unit assessed against both manufacturer specifications and the actual exposure conditions of your site. 

Through our Total Apparel Management Program, we can take complete responsibility for your PAPR fleet — including collection, decontamination, filter assessment and replacement, airflow testing, and full documentation of every service event. This removes the compliance burden from your safety team and ensures your workers are always protected by correctly maintained equipment. 

IDS operates from facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Gladstone, providing nationwide coverage for Australia’s key mining and industrial regions. 

Take the Next Step 

If you’re not confident that your PAPR filter replacement schedule reflects the actual exposure levels on your site, now is the right time to review your program. A conversation with IDS can help you identify gaps and put a compliant, documented maintenance program in place. 

Call us on 1300 834 245 or request a quote online to discuss your site’s PAPR maintenance requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How often should PAPR filters be replaced? 

PAPR filter replacement frequency depends on the manufacturer’s specifications, your site’s airborne contaminant concentrations, shift duration, and environmental conditions. In high-dust environments such as underground mining or hard rock drilling, filters may need to be replaced more frequently than the manufacturer’s standard schedule recommends. Airflow should also be checked at every use, and any filter that fails to deliver adequate airflow must be replaced immediately. 

What happens if a PAPR filter is not replaced often enough? 

An overloaded PAPR filter restricts airflow, which reduces the volume of clean air delivered to the wearer and can compromise the unit’s positive pressure seal. This significantly reduces the level of respiratory protection provided. Workers using overloaded filters in silica-dust environments face an increased risk of silicosis and other occupational lung diseases. 

Can you clean a PAPR filter to extend its life? 

No. PAPR filters should never be cleaned or washed. Attempting to clean a filter will damage the filter media and permanently compromise its protective efficiency. When a filter has reached the end of its service life or its airflow performance is below specification, it must be replaced — not cleaned. 

What type of PAPR filter is required for silica dust? 

For protection against respirable crystalline silica, a P2 or P3 particulate filter is required. In environments where both silica and chemical hazards are present, a combination particulate and gas/vapour filter may be needed. Filter selection should be based on a hazard assessment of the specific contaminants present at your site. 

How should PAPR filters be stored between uses? 

PAPR filters should be stored in a clean, dry environment away from chemicals, high humidity, and elevated temperatures. Filters should be kept in their original packaging or a clean sealed container until use. Incorrect storage can degrade filter media before the filter is even put into service. 

Does IDS replace PAPR filters as part of its decontamination service? 

Yes. IDS assesses and replaces PAPR filters as part of every decontamination event. Each unit is inspected against manufacturer specifications and your site’s exposure data, and filter replacement is documented as part of the unit’s individual service record. 

The post How Often Should PAPR Filters Be Replaced on Mining Sites and Factory Floors? appeared first on Industrial Decontamination Services.

These are not the same thing. And confusing the two could be putting your workers at serious risk – even when you believe you’re doing everything right. 

In this article, we break down the key differences between PPE laundry and PPE decontamination, explain why traditional cleaning techniques often fall short, and show you what a professional decontamination process actually looks like. 

What Is PPE Cleaning (Laundering)? 

PPE cleaning – commonly referred to as PPE laundering – is broadly understood as the process of washing protective garments and equipment to remove visible dirt, grime, and surface contaminants. It typically involves: 

• Commercial washing machines running large batches 

• High-temperature cycles to kill surface bacteria 

• Standard laundry detergents and drying techniques 

• A one-size-fits-all approach to mixed PPE types 

At first glance, this seems reasonable. The gear looks clean when it comes back. But appearances are deceiving – especially when you’re dealing with hazardous contaminants like silica dust, heavy metals, asbestos, chemical residue, or biological agents. 

What Is PPE Decontamination? 

PPE decontamination is a fundamentally different process. Rather than focusing on surface-level cleanliness, true decontamination addresses the complete removal or neutralisation of harmful contaminants – including those that have penetrated fibres, seams, filters, and structural components of the equipment. 

A proper decontamination process recognises that: 

• Different contaminants require different chemical treatments 

• PPE items must be treated individually, not in bulk batches 

• The integrity and protective rating of the garment must be preserved throughout 

• Compliance with manufacturer specifications and Australian safety standards is non-negotiable 

In short: laundering cleans what you can see. Decontamination addresses what you can’t. 

The Hidden Dangers of Standard PPE Laundering 

Here’s where the stakes get very real. Relying on traditional laundering techniques for your PPE cleaning program creates several serious risks that are frequently overlooked. 

1. Contaminants Get Embedded, Not Removed

Aggressive agitation in commercial washing machines doesn’t always strip hazardous particles from PPE fibres – in many cases, it actually drives them deeper into the fabric. A garment that looks clean may still carry silica, lead, or other toxic substances that your worker is re-exposed to every time they suit up. 

2. High Temperatures Damage PPE Performance Ratings

Australian laundry standards recommend a minimum wash temperature of 74°C for sanitisation. However, most PPE and PPC manufacturers specify maximum wash temperatures well below 48°C to avoid degrading protective properties. Washing above this threshold can void the garment’s safety rating – meaning your worker is wearing gear that looks intact but no longer performs to its certified standard. 

3. High pH Detergents Degrade Protective Materials

The high pH detergents used in commercial laundries are effective at removing general soiling – but they’re highly damaging to specialised protective garments. They cause oxidisation of key components, degrading flame resistance, chemical resistance, and other critical protective properties over time. 

4. Cross-Contamination Between Workers 

When PPE from multiple workers – potentially exposed to different hazards – is washed together in large batches, cross-contamination becomes a genuine risk. Contaminants from one worker’s gear can transfer directly to another’s. 

5. Premature Equipment Failure and Increased Costs

The combination of high temperatures, aggressive mechanical action, and harsh chemicals causes PPE to deteriorate far faster than it should. Seams weaken, protective layers degrade, and filter efficiency drops – creating both safety risks and significantly inflated replacement costs. 

How to Clean PPE the Right Way: What Professional Decontamination Looks Like 

Understanding how to clean PPE properly requires a complete rethink of the process. Professional decontamination services treat every item individually, using a methodology built around the specific contaminants present and the requirements of each piece of equipment. 

A best-practice PPE decontamination process includes: 

• Individual item inspection and contaminant identification before any treatment begins 

• Low pH, surfactant-based cleaners that lift soils through surface tension without oxidising protective fibres 

• Specialised sanitisers safe for protective garment materials – applied with precision to specific contaminant types 

• Wash temperatures maintained within manufacturer specifications (typically below 48°C) 

• Modified washing machines with controlled mechanical action to protect seams, joints, and structural components 

• Dehumidification drying below 40°C – eliminating the heat damage caused by tumble or tunnel drying 

The result is PPE that is genuinely safe to reuse, with its protective properties fully intact and its service life maximised. 

Why This Distinction Matters for Safety Managers and Operations Teams 

As a Safety Manager or Operations Manager, your responsibility doesn’t end when PPE is issued. You’re accountable for the entire lifecycle of that equipment – including how it’s maintained, cleaned, and returned to service. 

Sending PPE to a standard laundry might feel like due diligence. But if those garments are coming back with residual contaminants, degraded protective properties, or voided manufacturer ratings, you’re creating significant liability – and more importantly, putting people at risk. 

The key questions to ask about your current PPE cleaning equipment program: 

• Is each item being inspected individually before and after cleaning? 

• Are washing temperatures maintained within manufacturer specifications? 

• Is your provider using chemicals that are safe for protective garment materials? 

• Is there a documented chain of custody for every item? 

• Are your workers’ PPE assets being tracked across their full lifecycle? 

If you can’t confidently answer yes to all of these, it may be time to reconsider your approach. 

The IDS Difference: Australia’s Specialist in PPE Decontamination 

Industrial Decontamination Services (IDS) was founded precisely because the Australian market lacked a true PPE decontamination solution. After eight years of research and development, IDS built a proprietary process specifically designed for the unique demands of Australian industries – from mining and oil and gas to emergency services and heavy manufacturing. 

Our PPE decontamination and servicing process treats every garment and piece of equipment as an individual asset. We identify the specific contaminants present, select the appropriate chemical treatment, and process each item within its manufacturer specifications – protecting both your workers and your investment. 

We also offer a comprehensive Total Apparel Management Program – an end-to-end solution that takes PPE asset management completely off your plate, from collection and decontamination through to compliance tracking and lifecycle reporting. 

With facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Gladstone, IDS provides decontamination services across Australia’s key industrial regions. 

Take the Next Step 

If you’ve been asking what the real difference between PPE cleaning and decontamination is, and whether your current program is actually protecting your people, the answer starts with a conversation. Speak with the team at IDS to discuss your specific hazards, workforce size, and PPE requirements. 

Call us on 1300 834 245 or request a quote online – and let us show you what genuine PPE decontamination looks like. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between PPE cleaning and PPE decontamination? 

PPE cleaning (or laundering) refers to the general washing of protective equipment to remove visible dirt and surface soiling. PPE decontamination goes further – it is a specialised process designed to completely remove or neutralise hazardous contaminants, including those embedded in fibres and structural components. Decontamination preserves the protective performance of the equipment, while standard cleaning may not. 

Can I use a standard laundry service for my company’s PPE? 

Standard laundry services are not designed to handle PPE safely or effectively. They typically use high wash temperatures and aggressive detergents that can void manufacturer safety ratings, embed rather than remove contaminants, and cause premature wear. For PPE used in hazardous environments, a specialist decontamination service is strongly recommended. 

What temperature should PPE be washed at? 

Most PPE and PPC manufacturers specify a maximum wash temperature of under 48°C to avoid damaging the protective properties of the garment. Standard commercial laundries often operate at 74°C or higher, which can degrade or void the safety certification of your PPE. Always check the manufacturer’s care label and use a service provider that adheres to those specifications. 

How often should PPE be decontaminated? 

The frequency depends on the level and type of hazard exposure. PPE used in environments with high-silica dust, chemical agents, biological hazards, or heavy metals should be decontaminated after every use or according to a scheduled programme. A specialist provider like IDS can assess your specific workplace hazards and recommend an appropriate decontamination frequency. 

What types of PPE does IDS decontaminate? 

IDS decontaminates a wide range of PPE and Personal Protective Clothing (PPC), including respirators, chemical suits, high-visibility garments, flame-resistant clothing, heat-protective gear, and more. Each item is assessed and treated individually based on the contaminants present and the manufacturer’s specifications. 

What does PPE lifecycle management mean? 

PPE lifecycle management refers to the end-to-end management of your protective equipment assets – from initial issue through to maintenance, decontamination, compliance tracking, and eventual replacement. IDS offers a Total Apparel Management Program that handles all of this on your behalf, removing the administrative burden from your Safety and Operations teams. 

Does IDS operate across Australia? 

Yes. IDS has decontamination facilities in Brisbane (Head Office), Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Gladstone, providing specialist PPE decontamination services across Australia’s key industrial regions.

The post PPE Laundry vs PPE Decontamination: What’s the Real Difference – and Why It Matters for Worker Safety appeared first on Industrial Decontamination Services.

Both private and public organisations have never been under more scrutiny when it comes to:

• Responsible workplace health and safety
• Financial accountability to stakeholders

For organisations that utilise Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the implications of this are:

• An increased need to ensure that PPE is effectively decontaminated and maintained in good condition
• At the same time, ensuring these assets are managed as efficiently as possible.

In order to meet their obligations to their employees and stakeholders, organisations need to transition to an EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT complete lifecycle management system for their PPE assets.

How Previous Processes Have Become Outdated

1. Cleaning, Maintenance & Decontamination

To the casual observer, it would probably seem that effective decontamination of PPE after exposure would be a given. However, various studies in recent years, have revealed that existing processes within some industries are largely inadequate.

For example, since around 2002 many governments have been introducing ‘presumptive legislation’ for firefighters who contract chronic and terminal illnesses to access compensation. The presumption being that they contracted the condition as the result of exposure while performing their duties. This has stemmed from studies that show inadequate decontamination and insufficient laundering of firefighting PPE using existing processes.

2. Procurement and Management

In the past, many supply contracts have been subject to a traditional tender process with the outcome being that the organisation has been locked into an inflexible situation for up to 10 years in some cases.

The implications of this have included:

• Inflated lead times for new stock or repairs to existing stock
• Inability to adapt to the latest innovations and product developments
• Having to carry more stock on hand than necessary
• Inability to source suitable products from a range of suppliers
• Inability to respond to changing circumstances such as with the legislation changes mentioned previously

A System for the Current Day…and the Future

One solution that is helping many organisations manage their PPE as effectively and economically as possible, is the IDS Asset Lifecycle Management System (ALMS).

A key part of the IDS ALMS is the Asset Lifecycle Database. Over two years in development, and utilising a massive collective knowledge of the PPE industry, the database allows clients full control over their PPE assets.

Booking a Service

When you have PPE that needs to be serviced, everything from pick-up, handling, and delivery back to you, is handled by the system.

Ordering More PPE

You will have access to your own customised online catalogue made up of pre-determined products at set prices. IDS warehouses these for you so you only need to purchase (using your online catalogue) as required.

Tracking of Items

A vital feature of the system, each item is tracked (using a variety of identification methods), so you know exactly what condition it is in, its history, and where it is in its lifecycle. The flexibility and power of this knowledge when it comes to managing your assets and ensuring that PPE is in good condition cannot be overstated.

Responding to Changing Needs

IDS works with a range of suppliers. You can get quotes on new equipment that meets your required standards.

Financial Reports

You can generate a number of useful reports that you will soon find indispensable when it comes to planning and budgeting.

For advice on using a PPE management system that meets the current day (and future) needs of organisations, please feel welcome to get in touch with IDS for a consultation with one of our experienced staff. 

The post The New Way Of Managing Your PPE Assets appeared first on Industrial Decontamination Services.

The growing trend of governments around the world introducing presumptive legislation to provide compensation to chronically ill firefighters is a welcome development for those needing treatment and their families.

However, presumptive legislation only deals with the problem after it’s too late. It does not address the core issue of better managing preventative maintenance and decontamination of PPE/PPC to reduce, or even eliminate exposure.

Background

There is an increasing level of recognition around the world that firefighters are being exposed to particulate and other contaminants with a clear direct link to a number of chronic illnesses, including some cancers.

Various studies have shown a high level of probability that particulate can collect on firefighting PPE causing the user repeated exposure to harmful contaminants.

Further Reading

Firefighter research shows PPE exposure risk, Stull, Jeffery & Stull, Grace.

QFES Firefighter Exposure Study, QFES Research & Scientific Branch

Cardiovascular & Chemical Exposure Risks in Modern Firefighting, Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois

What is Presumptive Legislation?

The presumptive legislation that has been introduced in the majority of states and territories of Australia (as well as parts of the USA, Canada, and Europe), reverses the onus of proof so that firefighters who have been diagnosed with certain conditions no longer have to demonstrate that they contracted the condition during the course of their work to access compensation. As long as they meet certain criteria, such as length of service, it is presumed that they developed the condition due to exposure while performing their duties.

The Key Issue: Reducing Exposure Without An Explosion of Expenses

Presumptive legislation is certainly helpful to those who have developed a condition, however, the preferable course of action is to work towards reducing exposure in the first place.

The studies that have identified the problem of repeated exposure, mostly recommend changes to fire ground management of contaminated PPE and more frequent laundering. It is the latter that presents a challenge for organisations managing their PPE stock.

More frequent laundering not only creates an increase in laundering costs, it dramatically reduces the effective lifespan of PPE creating an increase in replacement costs. While you can’t put a price on the health and well-being of workers, it is necessary for organisations to start looking beyond traditional laundering and look far more closely at ways to more efficiently decontaminate and manage their PPE/PPC stock.

Here is an excerpt from an IDS presentation to a state fire authority that effectively describes the dilemma:

“IDS has been working with various fire services for 10 years. In that time, the average number of washes per garment in circulation has increased from .8 times per annum in 2010, to 1.8 times per annum in 2013 to around 3.2 times per annum currently. While this increase is helpful in addressing the contamination issue, at 3.2 times per annum fire fighters are still only laundering their PPE after every 10-15 fire exposures (based on indicative numbers of fires fought on average per annum).

In other words, if we were to launder after every fire exposure, fire services’ laundry frequency would increase tenfold or more.

An additional factor is the determination of the expected life of a garment. How long should a structural ensemble last?

Most manufacturers are providing around 5-year warranties which is based upon the garments being washed 5 times per annum for a total of 25 washes. Many manufacturers are also advocating having a maximum number of wash cycles before a garment should be replaced. This thinking is all based around the laundry results of existing commercial laundry processes. Our own laundry trials have clearly shown that structural fire garments can be damaged to the point that they no longer provide protection in a live fire situation after only 12 washes in a commercial laundry. The best commercial process we have identified can launder a garment around 27 washes before it is damaged.

On this basis if we wash garments after every fire using a commercial wash process, then garments will need to be replaced every 6-8 months.”

There are also a couple of further complications presented by going down the path of simply ‘washing more often’ using traditional commercial laundering techniques:

• In Australia, standards suggest that laundries use a minimum wash temperature of 74°C for sanitisation. However, most manufacturers of PPE/PPC specify maximum wash temperatures that are generally under 48°C to avoid damaging the item (this is consistent with testing we have done here at IDS).
• More frequently laundering logically means that more PPE will be in transit or at the laundry at any given time meaning a necessity to carry higher stock levels to ensure availability.

Summary

Over the last twenty years, there has been a growing recognition that the hazards faced by firefighters are not always immediate and clearly visible.

Many are microscopic and insidious.

This in turn has created a greater awareness that PPE Is not 100% impervious and much more attention is required when it comes to effective decontamination and maintenance of PPE.

However, at IDS we believe the answer is not simply more frequent laundering. Much smarter thinking is required around decontamination processes and managing stock to prevent exorbitant cost blowouts while still effectively protecting our firefighters.

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