My name is Kellen Gurniak, I have been working have been working at Ram Air Gear Dryer for the past 5 years. I have held several different roles within the company, with the consistent one being a part of our Sales team.
We offer advice based on first-hand experience to ensure each department gets an effective setup.
Key factors include loading extractors properly for washing, maintaining water temperature at NFPA guidelines throughout each phase of the cycle and ensuring detergent is added properly for each phase requiring detergent.
As washing efficacy comes under greater scrutiny, we expect detergents will soon need to prove their cleaning performance- not just meet PH-neutral requirements- to be approved for washing bunker gear.
Kellen Gurniak
Giving fire departments proven data on a detergent’s efficacy is a great next step in the direction of cleaner bunker gear.
Customer service is a vital component of our mission; we view it as more than just answering questions.
It begins with the initial conversation, understanding each fire department’s unique needs and operational processes.
As a firefighter-owned company, we have in-depth knowledge of the complexities involved in cleaning and maintaining bunker gear.
Kellen Gurniak
By understanding the specific challenges departments face, we can provide tailored advice and solutions.
This includes proper washing techniques, correct detergent selection and optimal loading procedures for both washing machines and dryers to ensure the best cleaning results.
We offer guidance on new construction projects and existing infrastructure to help fire departments select the most appropriate systems for their situation.
We are committed to promoting cancer awareness and ensuring safety is a top priority in all that we do.
Independent third-party testing is an excellent research tool for departments evaluating their options.
It confirms that the equipment performs as needed and that it provides valuable context; like the conditions the gear was tested under and design factors in their own bunker gear; thick knee pads or large reflective patches that can affect drying times.
This level of detail helps departments understand how the results translate to their own gear and operations and to consider how being able to dry bunker gear in about an hour could positively impact their overall laundering process.
To comply with the new NFPA standard, we have introduced an extractor that will heat the drum of the washer to maintain a consistent temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Relying solely on controlling the water temperature entering the machine is not sufficient, as heat is lost quickly, causing the garments to wash at temperatures lower than the desired temperature for ideal cleaning.
Kellen Gurniak
The most effective solution is to heat the drum, which helps us maintain the desired temperature throughout the first two washing phases.
By keeping the water temperature at 120 degrees during these phases, our aim is to enhance the removal of hydrocarbons and carcinogens from firefighter gear, making the cleaning process more effective.
We are currently in the process of providing a lab review that we are confident will back up our findings with a third-party evaluation.
