Safety Services Management Buys New Mobile Technology to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

Safety Services Management (SSM) a leading company in the United States specializing in illicit drug remediation, testing, training, and cleanup consultation has made a groundbreaking acquisition. SSM is now one of only a few private companies to own mobile equipment that uses high-pressure mass spectrometry, a technology the was developed for the Department of Defense and used by government agencies such as local specialized hazmat teams. With a price tag exceeding $100k, the MX908 is distinguished for its ability to detect trace amounts of illicit drugs that are invisible to the naked eye.

The Power of MX908 in the Field

MX908 used to test a stollen vehicle for illicit drugs.

The MX908 represents a significant technological advancement in the fight against the fentanyl crisis. This powerful tool can identify even the smallest traces of fentanyl and other illicit drugs in the field providing immediate results. Unlike traditional laboratory testing, which often takes a week or longer for analysis, the MX908 delivers rapid in-field analysis, cutting overall costs and saving time. This immediate detection capability is key, particularly when dealing with vehicles contaminated by fentanyl which are often sent to be crushed to prevent accidental second hand exposure. While vehicles are the most frequently tested and cleaned, the MX908 is also highly effective for testing and decontaminating properties such as homes, hotels, public transportation and homeless shelters affected by illicit drugs.

Extensive and Continuously Updated Chemical Library

One of the standout features of the MX908 is its extensive and continuously updated chemical library. Unlike traditional laboratories, which often charge per chemical test and are typically years behind in adding new chemical threats and analogs to their libraries, the MX908 receives regular updates with the latest chemical threats. These updates allow techs in the filed to detect the newest and most dangerous chemicals which provides a level of thoroughness and accuracy.

Game Changer for Insurance Companies

Jon Schibsted, CEO of Safety Services Management, shared the importance of this purchase, "Owning this equipment is a game changer for insurance companies as they are often stuck with the burden of having to salvage expensive vehicles, until now. We are able to safely and quickly clean the vehicle so it doesn't have to be crushed so nobody else can use it."

 Vehicle Decontamination Cost Savings

The MX908 revolutionizes vehicle decontamination by allowing vehicles to be cleaned more efficiently and cost effectively than ever before. Traditionally, the process involves hiring someone to test the vehicle and then sending collected samples to a lab, which isn't cheap. After cleaning, the vehicle must be retested. If it tests positive for any illicit drugs, it has to be re-cleaned and retested, incurring further expenses. Each step of this process is costly, while the vehicle storage yard also adds charges per day to store the vehicle. With the MX908, the vehicle can be tested while the clean team is still onsite. If re-cleaning is required, it can be done immediately, eliminating additional lab fees, having the clean team return and storage fees. This process significantly cuts the cost of cleaning which is often far less than the value of the vehicle, making it a game changer in the industry. 

Environmental Benefits 

The environmental benefits of using the MX908 are substantial. By quickly and efficiently decontaminating vehicles, SSM can prevent the wasteful discarding of vehicles, reducing waste and environmental impact. "Buying this equipment is a huge gamble but a risk worth taking," Schibsted added. He acknowledged the high stakes involved, noting that the MX908 is primarily purchased by public agencies that typically do not buy used equipment. This means that if the investment doesn't pay off, SSM could be left with an expensive piece of equipment that is difficult to resell.

Tech sampling vehicle to determine if illicit drugs are present.

Partnership with Canadian Decon Solutions

In a strategic move to enhance its capabilities and expand its reach, SSM has partnered with Canadian Decon Solutions. Schibsted stated, "Partnering with a company that pioneered safe and effective testing and cleaning of fentanyl contaminated vehicles gives us a significant advantage. Canadian Decon Solutions has successfully tested and decontaminated over 1,000 vehicles without any issues. Implementing their strategy and leveraging their experience will benefit not just my company, but also our customers, the public and the environment." This partnership expands illicit drug testing and cleaning coverage throughout the US and Canada making SSM and Canadian Decon Solutions the go to experts for illicit drug remediation.

Join Our Network

Currently, contaminated vehicles in the US can be tested and cleaned onsite, and those out of the area are being transported to Southern California for cleaning. SSM's goal currently has nationwide coverage but looking to add partners in every major city. Schibsted concluded with, "Companies that join our network will learn our techniques as well as be part of an effort to tackle the fentanyl crisis with the best technology available."

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