PPE decontamination company launches operations in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A company that specializes in decontaminating personal protective equipment for safe reuse has begun operating in Phoenix.

The request for Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System to come to Phoenix was made by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a press release.

Battelle will decontaminate PPE within the Phoenix Fire Department Administration Building.

“N95 masks are critical to our first responders and health care professionals who have to be out working,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said during an on-site Thursday press conference.

“We owe it to them to get the key safety equipment.”

Gallego said that face masks can be cleaned up to 20 times by Battelle’s process.

First responders will have access to Battelle’s operations where their identifying information will be recorded in order to track PPE usage and ensure masks are properly returned to their owners.

The mayor added that Battelle’s operations would also support the Navajo Nation.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report

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