TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action on adding the purchase of a Rotodecon machine for the Maricopa Fire/ Medical Department to the City's Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $33,703.00, which will be funded by the one-time appropriation fund from Senate Bill 1735 in GL Account 35026161-67741-26261. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
Specialized Firefighter PPE boots, gloves, helmets, and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus cannot be safely or effectively machine-washed without a specialized system known as a Rotodecon. Unlike standard washers, the Rotodecon is specifically designed to clean helmets, gloves, boots, masks, and other protective gear while maintaining NFPA 1851 compliance. It is also a step in cancer mitigation and exposure reduction within the department. Currently, the Fire/Medical Department relies on manual cleaning for these items. This process is inconsistent, labor-intensive, and exposes both firefighters and logistics personnel to harmful contaminants and known carcinogens. Manual cleaning not only falls short of compliance standards but also increases the risk of long-term illness and accelerates PPE wear and tear-ultimately driving up replacement costs.
The Rotodecon system provides automated, standardized cleaning that improves firefighter health and safety, reduces liability, and ensures compliance with NFPA requirements. It also preserves the longevity of PPE, protecting the City’s investment in expensive gear. With growing call volume and staffing, the current manual approach is unsustainable and places both firefighters and the organization at greater risk.
This system is also a proactive measure that balances cost with long-term savings and safety. Outsourcing cleaning services is projected to cost $10,000-$25,000 annually, with expenses rising as the department expands. Over several years, outsourcing would surpass the one-time cost of purchasing the Rotodecon system. By budgeting ...
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