Press releases

Special 'Safety' washer: New systematic approach from Miele for air regulators and breathing masks

Gütersloh/Dresden, October 11, 2018 No. 099/2018

Fresh water in each programme phase makes for particularly hygienic reprocessing

Miele offers fire services a safe and simple method of reprocessing breathing apparatus in a special-purpose washer: The PG 8063 'Safety' washes breathing masks and air regulators hygienically using multiple intakes of fresh water and by providing all materials a secure hold in new special baskets. This machine-based approach saves breathing apparatus managers lots of time and effort. It also reduces the risk of physical contact with contaminants.

The entire system, including the new baskets, are the product of intensive collaboration with reputable manufacturers of breathing masks as well as members of municipal fire brigades and plant fire departments. The three programmes, specifically developed for breathing masks, are new: The chemo-thermal disinfection cycle washes at a maximum temperature of 60°C in order to give high-quality materials the care they deserve. To ensure maximum process security, programme modifications are only possible after entering a password. Fully-deionised water in the final rinse facilitates drying without any water stains whatsoever – whether items are hung up to dry or dried in a drying unit.

In each cycle, the new washer accommodates two baskets: Either one basket each with 6 breathing masks and 6 air regulators or two baskets, each containing 6 air regulators. The latter is the preferred solution where a washing machine is available for reprocessing breathing masks.

Before reprocessing, masks and air regulators are taken apart. Miele offers baskets with right-sized compartments and colour coding for the various small parts and components. The latter simplifies the job of reassembling air regulators and breathing masks and helps improve the safety of fire-fighters.

The baskets for air regulators are pressurised using compressed air from an on-board supply before a cycle commences. This prevents any ingress of wash liquor into the air regulators during reprocessing. A compressed air indicator informs technical staff at the end of the programme whether pressure was maintained at a constant level throughout the cycle and that no water entered the devices – as a sign of safe reprocessing.

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Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Professional Business Unit). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has eight production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2017/18 turnover amounted to approx.
EUR 4.1 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. The Miele company, now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of around 20,100, 11,200 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.

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Anke Schläger
+ 49 5241 89-1949
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There is space for two baskets in the new special-purpose washer, for example for 6 air regulators (above). On the lower level, breathing masks can also be washed and dried.

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Practical and safe method of reprocessing breathing masks: The new special-purpose ‘Safety’ washer from Miele.

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