Case Study: Urgent Fire Restoration at a Food Processing Plant
When a fire broke out at a major food processing plant, the company faced an urgent challenge—restoring operations quickly and ensuring the facility met strict sanitation standards. With a supply chain serving major retailers, every day of downtime resulted in substantial financial losses. The facility required specialized cleaning solutions that could remove both the fire damage on the facility and any food byproduct that could possibly contaminate future production.
The Situation
The fire primarily affected one section of the plant, but the damage extended far beyond the flames. Smoke and soot had spread throughout the facility, covering machinery, ovens, and production areas. While the fire only directly impacted about a third of the plant, it was no longer safe for production, leaving operations completely shut down.
In addition to the fire damage, there was a build-up of food byproduct on processing equipment that had been left untouched for months. The fixed and mobile equipment required specialized cleaning to remove both soot and contamination, ensuring that production could resume safely. The solution had to be effective, food-safe, and moisture-free where necessary.
The Solution
Wickens implemented a two-step cleaning process combining DOFF cleaning and dry ice blasting to restore the fixed and mobile equipment while maintaining compliance with food safety standards. Throughout the project, Wickens worked side by side with a hygienist and forensic investigator to ensure that the cleaning met regulatory requirements and passed sanitization verification.
DOFF Steam Cleaning for Mobile Equipment
DOFF is a steam-based cleaning system that reaches temperatures up to 150°C at the nozzle, effectively removing soot, carbon deposits, grease, and biological matter without requiring harsh chemicals. Unlike traditional pressure washing, DOFF evaporates quickly, reducing the risk of moisture retention. It is commonly used in sensitive environments where deep cleaning is required but surfaces cannot be damaged.
For this project, Wickens used DOFF cleaning on mobile equipment that could be removed from the facility once sanitized. By sanitizing the equipment in a designated clean room, Wickens ensured that all fire-related contaminants and food byproducts were eliminated while avoiding any risk of cross contaminating already cleaned equipment.
Dry Ice Blasting for Stationary Equipment
Dry ice blasting, also known as CO₂ blasting, is a moisture-free cleaning method that uses high-velocity CO₂ pellets to remove contaminants without leaving behind residue or water. Since dry ice sublimates upon impact—transitioning from a solid to a gas—this method is ideal for cleaning sensitive machinery and electrical components where water-based cleaning cannot be used.
Throughout the food processing plant, dry ice blasting was the best solution for stationary equipment that could not be moved, including machinery with exposed electrical panels and delicate components. The method provided a precise clean, effectively removing smoke damage, fire residue, and built-up food waste without introducing additional moisture that could lead to future contamination or equipment malfunction.
By combining these two specialized techniques, Wickens ensured that fixed and mobile equipment was restored efficiently.
The Results
The implementation of this dual-method cleaning approach yielded significant benefits:
- Accelerated Restoration— The efficient cleaning processes enabled the plant to resume restoration operations onsite ahead of the anticipated schedule, minimizing downtime and associated financial losses.
- Compliance with Food Safety Standards—Both cleaning methods ensured that the equipment met the rigorous hygiene requirements necessary for food processing environments.
- Client Satisfaction: Wickens delivered an exceptional result while staying ahead of the anticipated working schedule.
Despite external factors preventing the completion of stationary equipment cleaning, the work completed by Wickens exceeded expectations, allowing the plant to resume their restoration efforts efficiently.
Get Back to Production Faster with Wickens
Fire restoration in food processing facilities requires more than just cleaning—it demands precision, regulatory compliance, and the right techniques to prevent further contamination. Wickens Dry Ice Blasting delivers fast, effective, and industry-approved restoration solutions to help businesses recover safely.
Contact us today to discuss your fire restoration or industrial cleaning needs.