What should be done when cleaning and caring for personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Decontaminating personal protective equipment (PPE) after each use is essential for maintaining its functionality and ensuring the safety of the firefighter or emergency personnel wearing it. This practice helps remove contaminants such as soot, chemicals, and biological agents that may adhere to the gear during an incident. By thoroughly cleaning the PPE, it not only ensures that the equipment is safe for future use but also prolongs its lifespan, as persistent contaminants can degrade the materials over time.

Regular decontamination also helps in preventing cross-contamination, protecting both the wearer and those around them from exposure to harmful substances. It ensures that the PPE continues to offer the level of protection it was designed for, which is crucial in high-risk environments like firefighting or emergency response scenarios.

Each of the other options lacks the rigorous approach needed for proper PPE maintenance. Simply washing the equipment once a month may not adequately address the contaminants encountered during operations, and storing PPE without cleaning it can lead to increased degradation and loss of protective features. Inspecting PPE before each use is important, but it is not sufficient alone without proper cleaning post-use to maintain safety and effectiveness over time.