System and method for cleaning firefighting equipment

Abstract

A system for cleaning equipment (105) comprising a cleaning unit (110) connected to a filter unit (150) via an outlet pipe (120). The cleaning unit (110) comprises a cleaning chamber (101) having at least one inlet for a cleaning liquid (CL), the cleaning unit (110) being configured to clean the equipment (105) with the cleaning liquid (CL), thereby obtaining a contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The outlet pipe (120) is configured to transport the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) from the cleaning unit (110) to the filter unit (150). The filter unit (150) comprises a plurality of filters arranged to filter the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL), thereby obtaining a decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL), the filter unit (150) further comprising an outlet (170) for discharging the decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning firefighting equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) used for firefighting operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Firefighters use many different protective clothing and equipment during their shifts. When used during firefighting, protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), helmets, face masks, boots and gloves, become contaminated with soot particles and combustion gases. Among these particles are harmful toxins and / or carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) particles, which pose a real threat to human health.

[0003] Studies have shown that firefighters face a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with and dying from various types of cancer than the general population. This is due to the harmful chemicals and carcinogenic particles that firefighters are exposed to while on the job. To reduce this exposure and the resulting cancer risk, it is advisable to thoroughly, safely and efficiently clean and decontaminate all personal protective equipment after each use.

[0004] It is desirable to decontaminate personal protective equipment immediately upon return to the fire station. However, manually cleaning the equipment is time consuming, labor intensive, and may pose health risks due to unprotected exposure to toxic and / or carcinogenic substances. Additionally, cleaning protective equipment may produce contaminated wastewater containing harmful chemical particles.

[0005] A device for purifying contaminated water used for fire fighting is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,399,663. The device comprises several filters to remove soot accumulated in the water. However, even though US Pat. No. 5,399,663 discloses the purification of contaminated water, there is a need for an improved and healthy method for decontaminating protective equipment used by firefighters. The object of the present invention is to overcome these problems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Canadian Patent Application Publication No. 2208604 Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above and other objects of the invention are achieved in whole or at least in part by a system as defined by claim 1. According to this claim, the above objects are achieved by a system for cleaning firefighting equipment, such as personal protective equipment for fire fighting, comprising a cleaning unit connected to a filter unit via an outlet. The cleaning unit comprises a cleaning chamber having at least one inlet for a cleaning liquid, the cleaning unit being configured to clean the firefighting equipment with the cleaning liquid. In this way, a contaminated cleaning liquid comprising polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is obtained. The outlet is configured to transfer the contaminated cleaning liquid from the cleaning unit to the filter unit, the filter unit comprising a plurality of filters, such as at least a first filter and a second filter, and optionally a third and / or further filters arranged to filter the contaminated cleaning liquid, such that a decontaminating cleaning liquid is obtained. At least one of the filters is a particle filter, and at least one of the filters is arranged to filter out polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the contaminated cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the filter unit comprises an outlet for discharging the decontaminating cleaning liquid.

[0008] The system has the advantage that the release of chemicals into drains and the environment is reduced and the firefighting equipment is efficiently decontaminated. When the firefighting equipment is decontaminated, the exposure of staff to chemicals is reduced. Furthermore, the automatic cleaning system also reduces the exposure of staff to chemicals since cleaning and decontamination do not need to be done manually. Therefore, the health risks of staff using the personal protective equipment and optionally other firefighting equipment are reduced and health problems of such staff are prevented. For example, cancer diseases of staff using personal protective equipment can be reduced.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the equipment cleaned in the system is personal protective equipment used during firefighting operations. Firefighters are exposed to many dangerous chemicals and are at increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer due to exposure to PAHs and other toxic chemicals.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the system further comprises a pump. The pump may be disposed upstream of the filter or between the first filter and the second filter. The pump facilitates the transfer of liquid through the filter in the filter unit. The pump may also be disposed to exhaust the contaminated cleaning liquid from the cleaning unit.

[0011] According to yet another embodiment, the contaminated cleaning solution further comprises contaminants selected from the group consisting of heavy metals, perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), residues from soot, other toxic or carcinogenic hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof. For example, heavy metals include, but are not limited to, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, zinc, compositions and / or ions thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the filters are particulate filters, carbon filters, ion exchange filters, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the first and second filters are particulate filters and the third filter is a carbon filter. This combination successfully decontaminates the cleaning solution, removing both large particles and PAHs, both undissolved and dissolved PAHs, from the cleaning solution.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the outlet is in fluid communication with the cleaning unit so that the decontamination cleaning fluid can be recirculated to the cleaning unit. This is beneficial because the water in the decontamination cleaning fluid is reused. Water recirculation reduces water consumption, making it a sustainable solution and environmentally friendly.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a method for cleaning personal protective equipment is provided, comprising a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning chamber having at least one inlet. The cleaning unit is connected to a filter unit via an outlet. The method includes the steps of: cleaning the equipment in the cleaning unit with a cleaning liquid, thereby obtaining a contaminated cleaning liquid; transferring the contaminated cleaning liquid from the cleaning unit to the filter unit via an outlet; and filtering the contaminated cleaning liquid through a filter unit comprising a plurality of filters, such as a first, a second and optionally a third filter, at least one of the filters being a particle filter, and at least one of the filters being arranged to filter out polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the contaminated cleaning liquid, thereby obtaining a decontaminated cleaning liquid. Optionally, the method includes filtering the contaminated cleaning liquid through one or more additional filters. Finally, the method includes discharging the decontaminated cleaning liquid through an outlet of the filter unit.

[0015] This method is beneficial because it reduces the release of chemicals into drains and the environment and efficiently decontaminates the PPE and other firefighting equipment. The decontaminated PPE reduces chemical exposure to staff. Furthermore, the method is automatic and does not require manual cleaning and decontamination. Thus, the health risks to staff using PPE are reduced and health problems of such staff are prevented. For example, cancer diseases can be reduced in staff using PPE. Furthermore, the method does not require cumbersome processing steps and is efficient and simple.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the step of discharging the decontamination cleaning liquid is followed by a step of returning the decontamination cleaning liquid to the cleaning unit by connecting an outlet to the cleaning unit, which is beneficial as the water can be reused, reducing water consumption and therefore resulting in a more environmentally friendly process.

[0017] According to a second embodiment, the method further includes pumping the contaminated cleaning solution through at least one of the filters in the filter unit using a pump to facilitate transport of the cleaning solution through the system.

[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed disclosure, the appended claims and the drawings. It is noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features.

[0019] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless expressly defined herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0020] As used herein, the term "comprise" and variations of this term are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0021] By way of example, embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for cleaning firefighting equipment, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for cleaning firefighting equipment according to another embodiment. [Figure 1c] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for cleaning firefighting equipment according to yet another embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a washing unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flow chart of a method for cleaning firefighting equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning and decontaminating firefighting equipment such as tools, hardware, hoses, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters. For example, the PPE includes protective suits, boots, helmets, face masks, SCBAs, and gloves. For example, the PPE or parts thereof are arranged to provide protection from fire, smoke, and gas. For example, the PPE includes protective clothing in the form of overalls or pants and jackets that include at least an insulating layer. For example, the protective clothing includes an outer shell, a moisture barrier, an insulating layer, and air pockets.

[0024] When firefighting equipment is cleaned, toxic particles such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) and other toxic hydrocarbons are washed off the equipment and dispersed and / or bound to the cleaning fluid used. As a result of cleaning, the firefighting equipment is decontaminated, but the cleaning process also produces contaminated cleaning fluid, which must be handled properly and safely to avoid environmental contamination and reduce the risk of human exposure.

[0025] In summary, the system and method for cleaning firefighting equipment disclosed herein includes cleaning the equipment in a cleaning unit and transferring a contaminated cleaning liquid obtained when cleaning the equipment to a filter unit. The filter unit then purifies the cleaning liquid and comprises a number of filters that remove contaminant particles from the cleaning liquid. A decontaminated cleaning liquid is obtained, which may be discharged, for example, to a sewer system.

[0026] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the combination of a cleaning unit and a filter unit for cleaning firefighting equipment as disclosed herein decontaminates the personal protective equipment and cleaning fluids to protect firefighters and others from PAHs, heavy metals, PFAS and / or other toxic hydrocarbons. Purifying contaminated cleaning fluids is important because they are contaminated with dangerous chemicals and particles that are toxic and possibly carcinogenic, and should not be released into the environment, and firefighters and others must be protected from them.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1a-2. Referring to Figure 1a, an embodiment of a system 100 for cleaning firefighting equipment, such as personal protective equipment, as disclosed herein is shown. The system 100 comprises a cleaning unit 110 and a filter unit 150. The cleaning unit 110 is connected to the filter unit 150 via an outlet pipe 120, and the filter unit 150 comprises an outlet 170. The personal protective equipment 105 or other firefighting equipment is disposed in the cleaning unit 110. A cleaning liquid CL is provided to the cleaning unit 110 to clean the equipment 105.

[0028] The cleaning liquid CL used in the cleaning unit 110 may include, for example, water (which may be reverse osmosis (RO) water or ultrapure water), a detergent, or a liquid solvent, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The drain 120 transports the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL to the filter unit 150. As shown in Figures 1a-1c, the decontamination cleaning liquid DCL exits the filter unit 150 through a drain 170 and is discharged into a sewer S. Alternatively, the decontamination cleaning liquid may be discharged into the environment if a drain, e.g., a sewer or the like, is not accessible.

[0030] The cleaning unit 110 is adapted to decontaminate and clean firefighting equipment 105, such as personal protective equipment for firefighters. The cleaning unit 110 can use fixed or movable inlets, such as nozzles (as shown in FIG. 2 ), within the cleaning unit 110 to rinse and clean the personal protective equipment disposed therein. Additionally, the cleaning unit 110 may include one or more mechanical cleaning devices, such as brushes in combination with irrigation to remove contaminants from the protective equipment 105.

[0031] Ultrasonic cleaning may also be used in the cleaning unit 110. In such a case, the cleaning unit 110 includes an ultrasonic generating transducer that generates ultrasonic waves that induce vibrations in the cleaning liquid CL to clean the protective equipment 105.

[0032] Additionally, the cleaning unit 110 may include a rotating basket configured to hold the protective equipment 105 and a motor configured to rotate the basket. The cleaning unit 110 may further include holders for SCBA single / double cylinders, holders for SCBA jumbo cylinders, gear holders for face masks, helmets, gloves, and / or boots, for example.

[0033] Yet another alternative to achieve satisfactory cleaning of the equipment is to use a soaking step followed by brushing and / or irrigation and / or to use ultrasonic cleaning in the cleaning unit 110. Furthermore, the equipment 105 may be stationarily arranged in the cleaning unit 110 or may move within the cleaning unit 110 to achieve efficient cleaning. An example embodiment of the cleaning unit 110 is described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0034] The filter unit 150 of Fig. 1a-c has a first, a second and a third filter F1, F2, F3 arranged in sequence with respect to each other. According to the present invention, the filter unit 150 comprises at least a first filter and a second filter, and a third filter and additional filters are optional. The filters F1, F2, F3 may be a particle filter, a chemical filter (such as a carbon filter), an ion exchange filter, or a combination thereof. Two or more of the filters F1, F2, F3 can be combined into one filter device with different filtering functions. Optionally, the filter unit 150 can use flocculation as a filtering technique.

[0035] Preferably, the first filter F iare particle filters. For example, the first and second filters F1, F2 are particle filters F1, F2. The third filter F3 is, for example, a carbon filter. The first filter F1 is arranged upstream of the second filter F2, and the second filter F2 is arranged upstream of the third filter F3. Thus, the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL encounters and passes through the first filter F1, and subsequently encounters and passes through the second filter F2 and the third filter F3. Preferably, the first particle filter F1 is a coarser filter than the second particle filter F2. According to one embodiment, the first particle filter F1 is a 100-300 μm particle filter for filtering out debris and protecting the subsequent filters F2, F3 and / or other equipment. For example, the first filter F1 is a replaceable bag filter. According to one embodiment, the second filter F2 is a 1-5 μm particle filter. Alternatively, the second filter is a carbon filter. The second filter F2 is arranged to filter out particles from the fire fighting, including, for example, undissolved particles, undissolved hydrocarbons, soot, and the like. The third filter F3 is arranged to filter out hydrocarbons, such as PAHs, dissolved in the cleaning liquid CL. Furthermore, the filter unit 150 may also comprise a fourth filter (not shown), and optionally a fifth and further filters (not shown). The fourth filter is arranged to filter out, for example, heavy metals, and the fifth filter is a PFAS filter. Alternatively, the fourth filter is a PFAS filter. According to an embodiment, the filter unit 150, or for example its third filter F3, is arranged to filter out one or more of benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo(a)pyrene, and dibenzo(ah)anthracene. For example, one of the filters, such as the fourth or fifth filter, is positioned to filter out one or more heavy metals, including, but not limited to, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, zinc, compositions and / or ions thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1b and 1c, the filter unit 150 includes a pump 130. The pump 130 in Figure 1b is disposed upstream of the first particulate filter F1, and the pump 130 in Figure 1c is disposed between the first particulate filter F1 and the second particulate filter F2. The pump 130 facilitates the transfer of liquid through the filters F1, F2, F3 in the filter unit 150. Optionally, the pump 130 may be disposed outside the filter unit 150 or between the second filter F2 and the third filter F3 (not shown). According to one embodiment, the pump 130 is a diaphragm pump.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a cleaning unit 110 according to an embodiment. The cleaning unit 110 is specifically designed for cleaning personal protective equipment for firefighters. Alternatively, the cleaning unit 110 is designed for cleaning firefighting equipment. The cleaning unit 110 of FIG. 2 comprises a cleaning chamber 101 with an inlet such as a nozzle 102 for the cleaning liquid CL and a control panel 103. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 110 comprises a door 104 for closing the cleaning chamber 101. For example, the door 104 is an upper door, and the cleaning unit further comprises a lower door 106 with a handle 107. The discharge pipe 120 is connected to the rear of the cleaning unit 110. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 110 of FIG. 2 features a rotating basket (not shown) that allows the inlet or nozzle 102 for ejecting the cleaning liquid CL to reach and decontaminate small and sometimes hard-to-reach spaces of the protective equipment.

[0038] The system 100 and method 300 disclosed herein are particularly effective at decontaminating firefighting protective equipment 105 and contaminated cleaning fluid CCL obtained when cleaning firefighting protective equipment 105. PAHs are one group of toxic compounds present during firefighting.

[0039] PAHs are hydrocarbons, compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen, and whose molecules are composed of multiple aromatic rings. Aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons can have a variety of numbers of rings and rings of various sizes, including some that are not aromatic. Thus, the size of the compounds within the PAH family varies. Larger PAHs are generally insoluble in water, while some smaller PAHs are water-soluble and are known drinking water contaminants. Larger members of the PAH group are also less soluble in organic solvents and lipids. Many of the PAHs are found in coal and petroleum deposits and are also produced by the thermal decomposition of organic matter. Cancer is the main human health risk from exposure to PAHs. Exposure to PAHs has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and poor fetal development.

[0040] To operate the system 100, the contaminated personal protective equipment 105 is preferably placed in a basket in the cleaning unit 110 and closed (using the doors 104, 106) to start. As the protective equipment 105 is cleaned, the cleaning unit 110 releases contaminating particles and / or molecules from the protective equipment 105 and binds the contaminants in the cleaning liquid CL. Thus, the protective equipment 105 is decontaminated and a contaminated cleaning liquid CCL containing the toxic contaminants is obtained, which is exhausted from the cleaning unit 110 through the exhaust pipe 120.

[0041] Thus, the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL is discharged from the cleaning unit 110 through the discharge pipe 120 and transferred into the filter unit 150. In the filter unit 150, the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL passes through each of the filters F1, F2, F3.

[0042] The first particle filter F1 and the second particle filter F2 mechanically capture the particles contained in the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL, while the carbon filter F3 chemically purifies the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL by chemical bonding of unwanted contaminant particles and molecules. The coarsest particle filter F1 removes particles larger than a threshold size, and the next less coarse particle filter F2 removes even smaller particles. Thus, the first particle filter F1 removes coarse contaminants such as gravel, sand, while the second particle filter F2 removes non-dissolved particles such as soot or non-dissolved PAHs from the cleaning liquid CL. Finally, the chemical carbon filter F3 reduces the amount of harmful particles remaining dissolved in the cleaning liquid CL. For example, PAHs are dissolved in the cleaning liquid and therefore are not separated from the cleaning liquid CL when passing through the second particle filter F2. By combining both mechanical and chemical filtration, an efficient and satisfactory purification of the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL is achieved.

[0043] When the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL passes through the three filters F1, F2, F3, it is decontaminated and a decontaminated cleaning liquid DCL is obtained. The decontaminated cleaning liquid DCL leaves the filter unit 150 through the outlet 170, so that the decontaminated cleaning liquid DCL can be led and discharged into the sewer S (or into nature or rainwater).

[0044] Optionally, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 1a-1c, the exhaust 170 may continuously or intermittently return the decontamination cleaning liquid DCL to the cleaning unit 110 so that the decontamination cleaning liquid DCL can be reused. In this manner, the decontamination cleaning liquid DCL is recirculated, reducing the need to use water, for example, in subsequent cleaning cycles.

[0045] 3, a flow chart of a method 300 for cleaning firefighting equipment, such as personal protective equipment 105, is shown. The method 300 comprises a first step 310 of cleaning the equipment 105 in a cleaning unit 110 using a cleaning liquid CL. Furthermore, the step 310 of cleaning the equipment 105 may comprise soaking the equipment 105. Optionally, the step 310 of cleaning may further comprise brushing the equipment 105 and / or spraying the equipment 105 with the cleaning liquid CL, preferably by using a nozzle / jet 102 arranged in the cleaning unit 110, and / or rotating / moving the equipment 105 in the cleaning unit 110. Furthermore, the step 310 of cleaning may be performed using ultrasonic cleaning.

[0046] In a second step, the method 300 includes a step 320 of transferring the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL obtained when cleaning 310 the equipment 105 from the cleaning unit 110 to the filter unit 150. Optionally, the method 300 further includes a step 330 of pumping the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL through at least one of the filters F1, F2, F3 in the filter unit 150 using the pump 130. The optional pumping step 330 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG.

[0047] Next, the method 300 includes filtering 340 the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL in the filter unit 150, which includes at least a first particulate filter F1, a second particulate filter F2, and a carbon filter F3. The filtering 340 occurs as the contaminated cleaning liquid CCL passes through the filters in the filter unit 150 in sequence. Alternatively, the method includes filtering through at least a first filter and a second filter, and optionally a third and additional filters, where the first filter may be a particulate filter and the second filter may be a particulate filter for smaller particles, a carbon filter, or a PFAS filter. For example, the method includes filtering through a fourth filter, and optionally a fifth and additional filters, where one of the fourth filter and the fifth filter is a heavy metal filter and the other is a PFAS filter. For example, the method may include filtering out and removing one or more heavy metals, including, but not limited to, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, zinc, compositions and / or ions thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0048] The method 300 then includes the step 350 of discharging the decontamination cleaning liquid DCL from the filter unit 150 through the outlet 170 .

[0049] The method 300 further includes an optional step 360 of returning the decontamination cleaning liquid DCL to the cleaning unit 110 by connecting the exhaust 170 to the cleaning unit 110 .

[0050] In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, reference to the singular does not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A system for cleaning firefighting equipment (105) comprising a cleaning unit (110) connected to a filter unit (150) via an exhaust pipe (120), said cleaning unit (110) comprising a cleaning chamber (101) having at least one inlet for a cleaning liquid (CL), said cleaning unit (110) being configured to clean said firefighting equipment (105) with said cleaning liquid (CL), thereby obtaining a contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) comprising polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); the discharge pipe (120) is configured to transport the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) from the cleaning unit (110) to the filter unit (150); The filter unit (150) includes a plurality of filters (F) arranged to filter the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL). １ , F ２ , F ３ at least one of the filters is a particulate filter, the at least one of the filters being arranged to filter out polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL), thereby obtaining a decontaminating cleaning liquid (DCL); The system, wherein the filter unit (150) further comprises an outlet (170) for discharging the decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the firefighting equipment (105) cleaned in the system (100) is personal protective equipment used for firefighting activities.

3. The system includes the filter (F １ , F ２ , F ３ 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pump (130) for pumping a contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) through at least one of the first and second drains.

4. The pump (130) is connected to a first and a second filter (F １ , F ２ ), or upstream of the first filter (F １ ) and the second filter (F ２ 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second inputs are disposed between the first and second inputs.

5. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) comprises contaminants selected from the group consisting of heavy metals, perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), residues from soot, other toxic or carcinogenic hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof.

6. The filter (F １ , F ２ , F ３ 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter is a particulate filter, a carbon filter, an ion exchange filter, or a combination thereof.

7. The first filter (F １ 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter is a 100-300 μm particle filter.

8. The first filter (F １ 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter is a replaceable bag filter.

9. The second filter (F ２ 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter is a 1-5 μm particle filter.

10. The filter unit (150) includes a third filter (F) disposed after the first and second filters. ３ 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the third filter is a carbon filter.

12. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit (150) comprises a filter for filtering out heavy metals.

13. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit (150) comprises a filter for filtering out PFAS.

14. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust (170) is in fluid communication with the cleaning unit (110) such that the decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL) can be recirculated to the cleaning unit (100).

15. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit (150) further comprises a flocculation means for inducing flocculation in the cleaning liquid (CL).

16. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning unit (110) further comprises at least one of a brush, a gear retaining basket, a rotating basket, and a motor for rotating the basket, or an ultrasonic generating transducer.

17. A method for cleaning firefighting equipment (105) using a cleaning unit (110), said cleaning unit (110) comprising a cleaning chamber (101) having at least one inlet, said cleaning unit (110) being connected to a filter unit (150) via an outlet pipe (120), said method (300) comprising: - washing (310) said firefighting equipment (105) in said washing unit (110) with a cleaning liquid (CL), thereby obtaining a contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL); transferring (320) the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) from the cleaning unit (110) to the filter unit (150) through the drain (120); Multiple filters (F １ , F ２ , F ３ filtering (340) the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) through the filter units (150) comprising at least one of the filters being a particle filter, the at least one of the filters being arranged to filter out polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL), thereby obtaining a decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL); Discharging (350) the decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL) through an outlet (170) of the filter unit (150); A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of discharging (350) the decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL) is followed by a step of returning (360) the decontamination cleaning liquid (DCL) to the cleaning unit (110) by connecting the exhaust (170) to the cleaning unit (110).

19. The filter (F) in the filter unit (150) is pumped using a pump (130). １ , F ２ 20. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising the step of pumping (330) the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL) through at least one of the

20. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the cleaning step (310) comprises soaking the fire-fighting equipment (105), rotating the fire-fighting equipment (105) and / or spraying the fire-fighting equipment (105) with a cleaning liquid (CL), brushing the fire-fighting equipment (105), or a combination thereof, before starting the cleaning step (310).

21. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the cleaning step (310) is performed using ultrasonic cleaning.

22. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the firefighting equipment is personal protective equipment used for fire fighting activities.

23. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, comprising filtering out contaminants selected from the group consisting of heavy metals, perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), residues from soot, other toxic or carcinogenic hydrocarbons, or combinations thereof, from the contaminated cleaning liquid (CCL).

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