MEIKO TopClean D: Cleaner gear, healthier firefighters
Iain Hoey
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Learn how FTZ Oldenburg enhanced PPE decontamination, improving technician safety and reducing resource use with MEIKO TopClean D
Decontaminating personal protective equipment (PPE) remains a persistent challenge within the fire and rescue sector.
Manual cleaning methods expose technicians to hazardous substances and demand considerable time and resources.
MEIKO’s TopClean D offers a machine-based solution designed to replace manual pre-cleaning of equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) sets, masks and air bottles.
This article examines the importance of this innovative approach, outlines its benefits and presents a case study from FTZ Oldenburg to illustrate its practical application.
The problem of manual pre-cleaning
Manual pre-cleaning of PPE presents numerous risks and inefficiencies.
Technicians are directly exposed to harmful substances during the cleaning process, including pathogens, toxic fine dust and chemical residues.
This exposure increases the likelihood of health issues and potential contamination spread within the facility.
The process is also time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Manual cleaning requires substantial amounts of water and cleaning chemicals and occupies valuable technician time that could be better utilised elsewhere.
The labour-intensive nature of manual pre-cleaning can lead to bottlenecks in operations, affecting the readiness and efficiency of fire and rescue services.
Moreover, many facilities lack dedicated cleaning spaces with proper hygiene controls.
Small, non-specialised areas make it difficult to maintain the necessary separation between clean and dirty zones, heightening the risk of cross-contamination.
Without adequate zoning, contaminants can easily transfer from soiled equipment to cleaned items or other areas of the workshop.
Additionally, technicians may have to perform pre-cleaning tasks outdoors due to space constraints, exposing them to adverse weather conditions.
This hampers the cleaning process and adds discomfort and potential safety risks for the staff involved.
Introducing the TopClean D
The TopClean D by MEIKO is a machine-based pre-cleaning solution specifically designed to address the challenges of manual PPE cleaning in the fire and rescue sector.
It effectively replaces manual cleaning of SCBA sets, masks and air bottles, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
One of the key features of the TopClean D is the elimination of the need for equipment disassembly.
Technicians can load complete SCBA sets directly into the machine, reducing handling time and minimising the risk of damage or contamination during disassembly and reassembly.
This streamlines the workflow and reduces the potential for human error.
The machine utilises patented wash pipes that reverse direction, ensuring thorough removal of soot and other contaminants without leaving spray shadows.
Despite the hydrophobic properties of soot, this mechanism guarantees effective cleaning of all equipment surfaces.
Additionally, the TopClean D employs patented heads for BA masks that prevent contamination from being carried inside the masks.
This is crucial for maintaining the hygiene of respiratory equipment and safeguarding the health of firefighters who rely on it in the field.
Resource efficiency is another significant advantage.
The TopClean D uses only 5.8 litres of water per cycle and completes cleaning processes in 4 to 16 minutes, depending on the load.
This represents a substantial reduction in water and energy consumption compared to manual methods, without compromising on cleaning performance.
Safety, efficiency and resource savings
By automating the pre-cleaning process, the TopClean D significantly reduces technicians’ exposure to harmful substances.
The closed system operation prevents direct contact with pathogens, toxic dust and cleaning chemicals.
Adhering strictly to manufacturer specifications regarding temperature and chemical dosage, the machine ensures PPE is cleaned safely and effectively.
The patented mask heads and compressed air connection prevent contamination inside masks and moisture ingress into regulators, further enhancing safety.
The TopClean D streamlines the cleaning process, reducing the time required to clean PPE from hours to mere minutes.
With cleaning cycles ranging from 4 to 16 minutes, technicians can process equipment more quickly, improving turnaround times and operational readiness.
This efficiency allows staff to focus on other critical tasks within the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) workshop.
Incorporating an intelligent heat recovery system, the TopClean D lowers energy consumption and contributes to a more comfortable indoor climate by reducing steam emission.
Using only 5.8 litres of water per cycle, it is more economical than traditional manual cleaning methods, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
The machine’s flexible rack system can accommodate various types of PPE: Four complete SCBA sets; Twelve BA masks stretched on plastic heads; Four compressed air bottles; and a combination of the above equipment.
This versatility allows fire and rescue services to tailor the cleaning process to their specific needs, enhancing operational flexibility.
The TopClean D features a front-loading design with an extendable rack, allowing for convenient loading and unloading.
This ergonomic consideration reduces physical strain on technicians.
Additionally, the reduced steam emission conserves energy but also improves the working environment, promoting better overall comfort and safety.
Case Study – FTZ Oldenburg
FTZ Oldenburg, situated in the German municipality of Ganderkesee, provides technical support for 31 voluntary fire services.
With two technicians responsible for decontaminating approximately 3,000 BA masks and over 1,000 regulators, the centre faced significant challenges related to space limitations and the inefficiencies of manual pre-cleaning.
Initially, the RPE workshop lacked sufficient space, compelling technicians to perform pre-cleaning outdoors regardless of weather conditions.
This situation was uncomfortable and posed risks related to inconsistent hygiene standards and increased potential for cross-contamination.
To overcome these challenges, FTZ Oldenburg relocated the pre-cleaning process to a shipping container equipped with the TopClean D.
This solution provided a dedicated space, allowing for proper separation between dirty and clean zones, which is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination.
The impact was immediate and substantial.
“We were able to decontaminate 30 SCBA sets in our RPE workshop on that first day,” reported Frank Hattendorf, head of the RPE workshop at FTZ Oldenburg.
The machine replaced manual labour and significantly reduced the time and effort required for pre-cleaning tasks.
Hattendorf highlighted the user-friendly design and compatibility of MEIKO’s systems: “We were really impressed by the care and attention paid to every technical detail.
For example, the small parts racks can be used in all MEIKO machines, which shows how they value compatibility.
And the fact that all MEIKO machines work according to the same principle makes them simple to operate, even for people who don’t use them very often.”
The adoption of the TopClean D improved safety by minimising technicians’ exposure to hazardous substances and provided a more efficient and ergonomic working environment.
The container setup also shielded technicians from adverse weather conditions, enhancing overall job satisfaction and safety.
Long-term benefits and future implications
The introduction of the TopClean D has had lasting positive effects on FTZ Oldenburg’s operations.
The centre has achieved significant time savings and enhanced safety protocols, allowing technicians to focus more on essential tasks such as drying and testing equipment.
Looking ahead, FTZ Oldenburg plans to integrate more MEIKO systems as part of their workshop expansion.
This scalability demonstrates the TopClean D’s ability to adapt to evolving needs, making it a sustainable and future-proof solution for other fire services facing similar challenges.
The partnership between FTZ Oldenburg and MEIKO is built on trust and a shared commitment to improving safety and efficiency.
MEIKO has expressed its readiness to support FTZ Oldenburg’s future developments.
Jens Jacobsen, MEIKO’s sales manager for personal protective equipment, stated: “As soon as approval comes through to extend the RPE workshop, we will be happy to support the FTZ with all our expertise and technology and partner with them on the planning process.”
For other fire and rescue services, the success at FTZ Oldenburg illustrates the tangible benefits of adopting machine-based pre-cleaning solutions like the TopClean D.
By enhancing safety, efficiency and resource management, such technology can significantly improve operational effectiveness and personnel well-being.
MEIKO’s TopClean D provides an effective solution to the challenges associated with PPE decontamination in the fire and rescue sector.
By replacing manual pre-cleaning with a machine-based process, it reduces technicians’ exposure to harmful substances, saves time and conserves resources.
The case study of FTZ Oldenburg demonstrates the practical benefits of implementing the TopClean D, highlighting improvements in safety, efficiency and overall operations.
As the fire and rescue sector continues to seek ways to enhance its practices, MEIKO’s TopClean D stands as a valuable tool in ensuring PPE hygiene and protecting the health of personnel.
