Industrial Cleanup Service in Meadville, PA

When an unexpected fire suppression discharge brought operations to a halt at a local manufacturing facility, Zehr Restorations was called in to resolve the issue—fast.

Meadville Forge, a precision manufacturing facility in Crawford County, experienced an unplanned deployment of a dry chemical fire suppression system inside one of its EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) units. The automated system activated properly to prevent fire, but the discharge covered equipment, floors, work surfaces, ceilings, and adjacent workstations in fine powder—disrupting production and creating an immediate cleanup challenge.

Our team responded within hours to provide emergency industrial cleaning, aiming to return the shop floor to full operation by the end of the shift.

The Challenge: Dry Chemical Contamination

Though effective at extinguishing fires, dry chemical fire suppressants pose a serious cleanup challenge—especially in precision manufacturing environments. The ultra-fine powder can infiltrate electrical components, bearings, sensitive tooling, and air systems, potentially leading to corrosion, malfunction, and product contamination if not handled correctly.

When Zehr Restorations arrived on-site, we quickly assessed the situation. The powder had spread:

• Across floors and walkways
• Into and around high-value EDM machines
• Over workbenches, cabinets, and shelving
• Onto walls and overhead piping
• Throughout the HVAC airflow zone

Given the presence of sensitive equipment and the manufacturer’s urgent need to return to production, our team had one clear goal: complete cleanup with minimal downtime.

Phase One: Damage Assessment & Containment

The first step was careful documentation. Our crew worked with plant management to:

• Identify contaminated zones
• Isolate equipment requiring special handling
• Tag sensitive areas to avoid cross-contamination
• Determine airflow direction and HVAC intake points

We installed a Phoenix Guardian HEPA-grade air scrubber to begin filtering fine particulates from the air while we worked, minimizing airborne spread and protecting both equipment and personnel.

Phase Two: Targeted Industrial Cleaning

Using a combination of dry and wet cleaning methods, our technicians began a phased cleanup of the affected work area:

• Vacuuming with HEPA-rated backpack systems to remove surface powder from machinery, floors, and flat surfaces
• Manual hand-wiping and chemical-safe treatments on electronics, control panels, and machine interiors
• Mopping and floor scrubbing with industrial cleaners to remove residue and restore traction
• Wall and ceiling cleaning in overhead areas affected by chemical drift

The EDM machine itself required extra attention. We used low-moisture, non-corrosive cleaning agents to wipe down the exterior and interior compartments, ensuring that no residual chemicals would compromise future operation.

Phase Three: Final Drying, Air Filtration, and Clearance

Once surfaces were cleaned, our team conducted a full secondary wipe-down and left air filtration systems running to remove remaining particulates. We also checked filters and vents in adjacent rooms—including the break room and storage areas—to ensure the contaminant hadn’t migrated outside the production zone.

The final step was a walkthrough with the facility’s management team to verify cleanliness, confirm all affected surfaces had been addressed, and ensure equipment was safe to power up.

The Result: Full Operational Recovery in a Single Shift

Thanks to quick action, efficient coordination, and years of industrial experience, Zehr Restorations returned the Meadville Forge production floor to operation within a single shift. Downtime was minimized, safety protocols were upheld, and high-value machinery was protected from long-term damage.

Project Summary

Location: Meadville, PA
Client: Meadville Forge
Type of Incident: Unintentional dry chemical fire suppression discharge
Primary Concerns: Equipment protection, air quality, production downtime
Response Time: Same-day emergency dispatch
Restoration Duration: < 1 full shift
Services Provided:

• Dry chemical cleanup on EDM machinery
• Surface and floor restoration
• Air scrubbing and filtration
• Equipment-safe chemical treatment
• Final drying and air quality protection
• Coordination with facility management for seamless recovery

Precision Cleanup for Precision Environments

Whether it’s a manufacturing mishap, chemical spill, or fire suppression event, Zehr Restorations delivers fast, compliant, and professional cleanup services that respect your timelines, your equipment, and your business. We’re not just cleaners—we’re problem solvers who help businesses move from disruption to recovery with speed and confidence.

Need industrial cleanup services? Call 833‑GET‑ZEHR for emergency response and fast turnaround.
One call restores it all.