ZIEGLER, the firefighting vehicle manufacturer, has delivered a new GW-Hygiene unit to the fire department of Lünen in Germany for decontamination after firefighting operations.
Firefighters are often exposed to hazardous substances released by smoke and soot during and after operations. They can absorb these substances through the respiratory tract, food or skin and are carcinogenic in the long term. Effective decontamination is essential to minimise the risk for firefighters. The ZIEGLER GW-Hygiene is a solution that ensures effective decontamination at the scene. The Lünen vehicle is equipped with many features, including separate interior compartments in the black-and-white area for clean and contaminated materials, enabling effective decontamination and cleaning. The loading area offers space for up to six roll containers to transport a wide range of equipment safely.
Under the Lünen Fire Department’s ‘Hygiene in Fire Service Operations’ concept, the vehicle is an integral part of operations where commanders cannot rule out exposure to smoke. The strategic orientation of the concept stipulates that the emergency services must remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible after their work, carry out a rough cleaning of exposed areas and receive fresh emergency clothing. Contaminated material is collected directly at the scene, and decontaminated equipment, such as breathing apparatus and hoses, is issued and loaded back onto the emergency vehicles.
The vehicle also serves as a service point at the scene of an incident and offers the emergency services a place to recover after physically demanding activities.
Built on a MAN TGM 12.250 chassis, the entire truck has dimensions of 8,600 × 2,550 × 3,400 mm and a payload of 12 tonnes. Due to the requirements for drinking water, a wash water tank has been installed, which supplies water directly via a connection hose to a hydrant. A UV filter installed in the vehicle’s internal water supply line provides additional fresh water disinfection. The equipment trailer also has an awning on the side, which provides extra protection when working outdoors and a removal flap, which enables the safe handling of contaminated clothing. Side doors in the load compartment facilitate access to the RC load parts and ensure the unit is quickly ready for use. An integrated fresh wastewater system with a wash basin and boot washer in the traverse box ensures that the emergency crews are always provided with clean and hygienic conditions.
‘We are proud to be able to hand over this advanced vehicle to the fire department of Lünen. With the GW-Hygiene, we are ensuring that our brand promise “We provide security” also applies to the emergency services who use our products,’ says Timm StruckWinkler, Head of Sales North at ZIEGLER.
