News

De-Wipe | Supporting First Responders and Key Workers through uncertain times

After fire decontamination wipe manufacturer De-Wipe is thrilled to be protecting the ongoing health of UK first responders and key workers in vital industries such as utilities, construction and transport during the COVID-19 crisis with decon wipes that contain crucial anti-viral ingredients.

The UK general public is now well versed on Government guidance to wash hands with soap and water in order to contain the spread of coronavirus. However, key workers carrying out essential utilities and construction work often don’t have access to soap and water; they’re at a heightened risk of contracting the virus despite being critical to the continued running of the country.

By developing the UK’s only 100% biodegradable after fire decontamination wipe, De-Wipe already supplies fire and rescue services worldwide with an essential defence in combating the dangers posed by exposure to harmful carcinogens produced in a fire. The wipe itself is scientifically proven to remove harmful toxins from skin; however, it’s key ingredients also contain anti-viral properties such as ‘soap-like’ chemicals known as surfactants. These surfactants can disrupt a virus’ outer structure and therefore help prevent the virus from spreading. Key workers lacking regular access to soap and water have sought De-Wipe’s support as a solution to contamination control and general hygiene.

Virgin Media are one such organisation De-Wipe is supporting. Their workforce carries out essential utilities maintenance on the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure – a sector vital for the continuation of daily life and the economy. The Critical National Infrastructure keeps goods flowing, keeps key workers and emergency services moving and prevents important deliveries from grinding to a halt.

Key workers are also taking advantage of De-Wipe’s ability to reduce the risk of infection on surfaces too. O’Connor Utilities Ltd. have been using the wipes to keep their machinery and equipment as clean and hygienic as possible. The UK’s leading equipment hire company – GAP Hire Solutions – are encouraging their workforce to wipe all machinery and equipment – from tools and tankers to dump trucks and diggers.

Other industries De-Wipe are assisting include: transport companies whose drivers are delivering food and essential household supplies to supermarkets; ferries who are providing a critical service for supporting the transport industry on the import and export of goods; freight rail services who are transporting essential cargo up and down the UK and taxi drivers nationwide are using De-Wipe to ensure they are offering one of the most hygienic modes of transport – especially in heavily populated areas – when compared to crowded buses or trains.

The bottom line: keep vital key workers healthy and you keep the nation’s infrastructure operative. In doing what they can to safeguard utility services and maintain infrastructure, De-Wipe aims to support the NHS, local communities, vulnerable people, homes and businesses.

Demand for De-Wipe’s products has surged in 2020. This is attributed in no small part to De-Wipe being the only decontamination wipe available that is both scientifically proven and 100% biodegradable. A further reason for their meteoric rise, however, is the people behind the wipe; De-Wipe company co-director Jo Taylor MBE has just celebrated a decade of providing fire and rescue services worldwide with lifesaving water rescue equipment through her other company, long-reach telescopic rescue pole manufacturer Reach and Rescue. When being awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to safeguarding the lives of firefighters in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours, Jo said: “I have learnt so much from the passionate people that work in the fire service. I will keep learning and innovating new equipment to make a positive difference.”

In the case of De-Wipe, that innovative spirit shows no signs of extinguishing. Further collaboration with their full-time scientific team, led by environmental forensics scientist Dr David Megson, at the world-leading Ecology & Environment Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University is planned. With firefighter decon such a hot topic in the UK Fire and Rescue Service, De-Wipe is prioritising its time in the lab.

Customers can expect a complete range of scientifically proven decontamination equipment including advances in their anti-bacterial and anti-septic – as well as anti-viral – wipes for the skin plus a range of solutions designed specifically for cleaning equipment in the coming months. Fire services will even have support to train cleaner and smarter with De-Wipe’s upcoming range of De-Wipe Eclipse Masks – a quick to apply reusable firefighter training mask that replicates smoke-filled conditions.

De-Wipe decontamination wipes are now available in over 15 countries worldwide. Their distribution partners are an ever-growing list of who’s who in world fire protection suppliers – but De-Wipe are constantly on the lookout for more.

Contact De-Wipe on jo@dewipe.com to explore the options for distributing in the UK and worldwide. You can also visit our website at www.dewipe .com