Industrial Decontamination Services UK has appointed Andy Slater as UK and EU Managing Director and Dave Graham as National Operations Manager as the company establishes its UK operations.
Slater will also join the European Board, while Graham will support the development of the company’s operational capability.
IDS UK is currently establishing a specialist PPE decontamination facility in Northamptonshire, which is scheduled to open by the end of 2026.
Fire sector experience
Slater joins IDS UK from PGI Inc, where he served as Managing Director for the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.
His new role will focus on developing IDS UK’s services for fire and rescue services, emergency responders and industrial customers.
He said: “As an industry, it’s vital that we take action to reduce the health risks associated with firefighters’ exposure to contaminants.
“IDS in Australia is renowned for its expertise in PPE decontamination, and it’s exciting to be bringing such a high level of service to the UK fire market.
“Our approach combines advanced low-temperature decontamination as standard, along with specialist PPE care, all supported by live asset tracking.
“As a result, we can provide fire and rescue services with greater visibility and confidence in the care, condition and availability of their critical equipment.
“I’m delighted to be joining IDS UK while continuing to work in partnership with former colleagues at PGI, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service for valued customers.”
Operations appointment
Graham joins the company following more than 35 years in the fire service.
Most recently, he served as Operational Equipment Support Manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, where his responsibilities included the availability, safety, compliance and maintenance of frontline firefighting equipment.
As National Operations Manager, Graham will help establish the company’s UK operational processes and support service delivery to fire and emergency services.
He said: “After more than 35 years in the fire service I’m excited to be joining a team that’s set to transform PPE care in the UK.
“The thorough cleaning of PPE is essential but it also needs to be affordable and efficient. At IDS UK we plan to keep things simple by ensuring full decontamination and a fast turn-around every time, with no hidden costs.”
PPE decontamination facility
IDS UK’s service will cover cleaning, decontamination, repair, tracking and lifecycle management for protective equipment.
Equipment covered includes firefighting jackets and trousers, SCBA masks, boots and helmets.
The company uses a low temperature decontamination process intended to reduce contamination while protecting the condition and service life of PPE.
According to IDS UK, its Northamptonshire facility will provide decontamination to the NFPA 1850 standard, with equipment processed within 48 hours.
Tracking equipment through lifecycle
The service will incorporate IDS’s asset tracking system, allowing equipment status to be monitored throughout its lifecycle using the DECON Connect application.
Ben Jones, Managing Director of IDS Group, said: “Bringing Andy and Dave into the IDS UK team is a significant step as we establish our presence in the UK.
“Both bring a deep understanding of the fire and emergency services sector, from complementary perspectives.
“Their experience will be invaluable as we develop a service that responds to the operational realities facing UK fire and rescue services today.”
