California PPE Launches CO₂ Decontamination for Firefighting Gear
News related to:California PPE · 2 min read
California PPE, an independent service provider based in Riverside, California, has become the first in the Southwest to offer CO₂ decontamination as part of its comprehensive approach to cleaning firefighter protective equipment (PPE). This new service, which complements existing water-based cleaning methods, marks a significant advancement in the care and maintenance of PPE used by firefighters.
The company has installed and qualified the first CO₂ turnout gear cleaning and decontamination system in California at its Riverside facility. This system, known as the DualPhase Clean process, combines advanced water-based cleaning with CO₂ technology to address a broader range of contaminants. According to the press release, the UL-tested process has demonstrated the removal of up to 90%+ of heavy metals and up to 99.9% of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), significantly exceeding the NFPA 1850’s 50% minimum removal standard.
CO₂ decontamination can effectively remove contaminants that water alone may not fully address, such as tar, oil, diesel, and lithium-ion residues. The process also addresses harmful combustion byproducts, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can lead to long-term health risks. By incorporating CO₂ technology, California PPE aims to extend the life and performance of critical protective equipment, while also reducing turnaround time and returning gear to service more quickly.
California PPE’s new service is part of its broader commitment to providing comprehensive PPE care and advanced decontamination solutions. The company combines the responsive, department-focused approach of an independent service provider with the resources, technical expertise, and broader capabilities of its parent company, Lakeland Fire + Safety. This partnership allows California PPE to deliver personal service at the local level while continuing to invest in technologies and capabilities designed to improve firefighter safety and PPE care.
The addition of CO₂ decontamination technology is particularly significant given the large number of firefighters in California. The state has the largest number of firefighters in the United States, and this new service will provide local access to advanced decontamination capabilities that were previously unavailable regionally.
To celebrate the launch of this new service, California PPE will host an open house on October 14, 2026, at its Riverside facility. Fire departments will have the opportunity to see the DualPhase Clean process and the company’s expanded capabilities firsthand, meet the team, and learn more about advanced PPE care.
California PPE, a leading and rapidly expanding UL-certified independent service provider in the California firefighting services market, now offers advanced decontamination, repair, and inspection of firefighting personal protective equipment, along with rental services and sales of cleaning detergents, extractors, and dryers. The company’s services are designed to help fire departments reduce exposure risks and extend the life of their protective gear.
With the installation of the CO₂ decontamination system, California PPE is well-positioned to meet the growing needs of firefighters across the region. The company’s commitment to innovation and advanced technology underscores its dedication to improving the safety and well-being of firefighters.