Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get my equipment back?
2. How often should I clean my equipment?
3. How do you keep track of my equipment
4. Do I need an appointment?
5. What is the difference between SportsWash and Esporta?
6. Why should I clean my equipment?
7. What are the NFPA 1851 Standards?
8. What is this OZONE process I have heard about?

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How long does it take to get my equipment back?

The complete cleaning process normally takes twenty four hours, but can be completed in as little as four.

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How often should I clean my equipment?

That depends on you. Most people have their equipment washed 2 or 3 times a year. Some like the results so much they clean their gear every couple of months.

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How do you keep track of my equipment?

When you Drop Off your gear at SportsWash, or our authorized Drop Zone, your equipment is inspected and inventoried. We provide a printed receipt that represents our commitment to return your gear to you, clean and ready for your next big game.

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Do I need an appointment?

No, you can bring your equipment into our location anytime during business hours.  In addition, we offer several convenient drop zone locations (see drop zone page) . We also provide a pickup and delivery service for your convenience as well - call for details.

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What is the difference between SportsWash and Esporta ?

SportsWash is an independently owned business. Esporta is the company who designed, built and markets the wash system. We purchased their machine and provide the cleaning service.

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Why should I clean my equipment?

Because it stinks, but more importantly the smell is generated from bacteria, fungus and mold. These micro-organisms can cause skin rashes and infections. Also removing bacteria and fungus extends the life of your equipment. This can be a great savings over the lifetime of an athlete's career. Our cleaning process eliminates these concerns and leaves the player with clean, fresh smelling gear.

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What are the NFPA 1851 Standards ?

NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles--Presents requirements for the inspection, cleaning, decontamination, record keeping, and repair of structural fire fighting protective ensembles, including coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, and footwear.

2001 Edition

1- What is the effective date of NFPA 1851?

The date of publication—and hence the effective date—of the standard is February 9, 2001

2- For whom is the standard intended?

Unlike NFPA 1971, which is intended for the manufacturers of fire fighting protective gear, NFPA 1851 is intended for the organization providing the management and supervision of emergency response personnel using the protective gear.

3- Can the organization delegate or contract out the responsibility for complying with NFPA 1851?

The organization (e.g. fire department) may delegate or contract out all or part of the tasks of developing and executing the programs describe in NFPA 1851. However, it is the organization that is ultimately responsible for compliance to the standard.

4- What is the purpose of NFPA 1851?

The stated purpose of the standard is to “..establish a program for structural fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements to reduce the safety risks and potential health risks associated with poorly maintained, contaminated, or damaged structural fire fighting protective ensembles and ensemble elements.”

The standard also seeks to “..establish basic criteria for evaluating, selecting, and purchasing”.

5- What does NFPA 1851 do?

According to the standard, it “..specifies the minimum selection, care, and maintenance requirements for structural fire fighting protective ensemble elements that include coats, trousers, coveralls, helmets, gloves, footwear, and interface components that are compliant with NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting.”

6- Could you put the answers to FAQ 5 & 6 in plain English?

Sure. The standard tells an organization: How to select PPE; When and how to inspect the gear; When and how to clean the gear; How gear shall be repaired; and How to store gear.

7- Does NFPA 1851 cover only new fire fighting protective ensembles?

As well as applying to new protective ensembles, NFPA 1851 also applies to structural fire fighting protective clothing, helmets, gloves and footwear manufactured to previous editions of NFPA 1971, NFPA 1972, NFPA 1973 and NFPA 1974 respectively.

8- Does NFPA 1851 apply to other programs or equipment used by structural fire fighters?

No, this standard does not apply to equipment or procedures covered by other NFPA standards. In particular, it does not cover SCBA or PASS devices.

9- Does NFPA 1851 apply to other types of protective clothing such as proximity gear?

No, this standard does not apply to proximity gear, wildland gear, vapor-protective gear, liquid-splash suits, or EMS clothing.

However, the user organization may, if it so wishes, follow the procedures and guidelines detailed in the NFPA 1851 standard.

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What is this OZONE process I have heard about?

Ozone processing is done by placing equipment in a compartment surrounded by Ozone gas. It is ineffective on damp equipment & unable to penetrate thick padding. Ask yourself the following questions and then decide which method you would use.

Do you wash your clothes or spray them?
Do you wash your socks after each wearing or do you spray them?
Do you wash your underwear after each wearing or do you spray them?
Do we wash our hands or do we spray them? Only where no water is available do you use a hand spray or napkin disinfectant. In North America we use water.
If cat or dog urine has soaked into your equipment,is killing the smell enough for you? Or would a deep wash, rinse and disinfect be better?

SportsWash is the superior process to sanitize!

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