Safety Services Management revolutionizing illicit drug vehicle testing and cleaning in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California Sep 12, 2024 (EMWNews.com) – Safety Services Management (SSM), a leading company in the United States specializing in fentanyl cleanup, drug lab cleanup, illicit drug remediation, testing, training, and cleanup consultation, is proud to announce its service for cleaning vehicles contaminated with illicit drugs is now available in Los Angeles.

SSM is currently the only private company in the U.S. to own the MX908 handheld mass spectrometer from 908 Devices Inc., changing the industry with cutting-edge testing technology.

Revolutionizing Recovered Vehicle Decontamination with MX908

The MX908, utilized by specialized hazmat teams and law enforcement personnel, is a high-pressure mass spectrometry device capable of detecting trace amounts of illicit drugs invisible to the naked eye.

This investment allows SSM to provide rapid, in-field analysis, reducing time and cost associated with traditional laboratory-style testing.

“Owning this equipment is a game-changer for insurance companies as they often face the burden of salvaging expensive vehicles,” said Jon Schibsted, CEO of SSM.  “We are now often able to clean these recovered vehicles more quickly and effectively, potentially preventing them from being destroyed. Since traditional laboratory testing is often not cost-effective due to the high cost per sample and the time it takes to get results, we can now pinpoint contamination in real-time, allowing us to make necessary adjustments in the field on how to handle each cleaning.”

Addressing the Surge in Vehicle Contamination and Auto Insurance Costs

The rise in stolen vehicles has significantly contributed to the increase in auto insurance premiums, a trend that is further exacerbated by the growing fentanyl crisis.

According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), vehicle thefts have surged nationwide, with some regions seeing an increase of over 10% in the past year.

In particular, urban areas and densely populated regions like the District of Columbia and Maryland have experienced drastic rises in thefts, with percentage increases of 64% and 63%, respectively.

This surge in vehicle thefts has led to a dramatic rise in contamination cases, further driving up insurance costs as insurers struggle to manage the risks associated with stolen and contaminated vehicles.

Advanced Chemical Detection for Fentanyl Cleanup

One of the MX908’s features is its extensive and continuously updated chemical library, ensuring that the latest and most dangerous chemicals, including fentanyl, are detected in the field during cleanup.

However, using the MX908 is just one key feature – experience plays an equally crucial role.

SSM’s expertise includes identifying the risk level in vehicles and properties.

They have developed a proprietary assessment matrix to evaluate risks, which sometimes involves destroying vehicles.

However, this occurs at a much lower rate compared to the rates most insurance companies currently face.

Drawing on experience and insights from industry experts, Schibsted has developed a comprehensive risk assessment protocol.

This protocol is applied to each vehicle and property to accurately determine its suitability for cleaning and the specific level of decontamination required.

In addition to this, SSM has partnered with certified industrial hygienists to assess more challenging properties.

Between Canadian Decon Solutions (CDS) and SSM, over 1,000 vehicles and properties have been successfully cleaned, and we now hope to pass this knowledge along to others throughout Canada and the U.S.

The Need for Regulation in Fentanyl Cleanup

Currently, there is very little to no regulation in most states when it comes to fentanyl cleanup, as the problem continues to grow.

As the fentanyl crisis worsens, more companies are turning a blind eye because they do not want to deal with the issue, often due to the high costs involved.

Others simply do not understand how dangerous this problem has become.

In response, SSM has developed a cost-effective approach to tackle the issue, including comprehensive training, testing, and cleaning.

With their nationwide expansion, their experience is helping others as they seek additional partnerships to join in addressing this critical need.

A Sustainable Approach

“The environmental benefits of using the MX908 are substantial,” Schibsted said. “By preventing the wasteful discarding of contaminated vehicles, SSM reduces waste and environmental impact. This innovative approach aligns with SSM’s commitment to sustainability and public safety.”

Nationwide Expansion Goals

Currently, SSM can test and clean contaminated vehicles onsite in Southern California, with those out of the area being transported to Southern California for cleaning.

Local service areas include all major cities in Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Long Beach, Irvine, Glendale, and San Bernardino.

SSM aims to achieve nationwide coverage by adding partners in every major city.

“Companies that join our network will learn our techniques and be part of an effort to tackle the fentanyl crisis when it comes to testing and cleaning with the best technology available,” Schibsted said.

Applying Hazmat Expertise to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis

Schibsted, a former hazmat firefighter, has taken his extensive experience and training, gained from working on one of the busiest hazmat rigs in the nation, and applied that knowledge to help combat the fentanyl crisis.

He has focused on educating the public and cleaning both properties and vehicles to ensure they are safe for occupancy.

“One cleanup that really changed my perspective and made a lasting impact was when my team and I conducted cleaning in Northern California, where a house cleaner tragically died after unknowingly cleaning up illicit drugs from a recreational user,” Schibsted said. “The young mother left behind two children and had no idea of the danger she was in while cleaning that home. Since that tragic event, I have been dedicated to developing training courses for employees on how to recognize illicit drugs and the steps to take to keep themselves and others safe.”

Innovative Training and Process Development

In addition to developing training programs, the partnership with CDS creates processes that safely restore properties and vehicles.

“When I first entered this field, the standard approach was to discard everything, costing property owners and insurance companies a fortune,” Schibsted said. “After years of rigorous testing using a combination of field and laboratory methods, including the MX908 high-pressure mass spectrometry technology, I am confident that we can restore vehicles and properties to a safe condition, significantly reducing the need to discard items unnecessarily. This not only reduces costs but also prevents environmental harm from excessive waste.”

“Learning about something new can often be scary, but once you gain knowledge and understanding, it becomes manageable and far less intimidating. Our goal is to provide that knowledge and support, so together, we can tackle these challenges head-on.”

To learn more about joining the SSM network or to get your vehicle or property tested, visit safetyservicesmanagement.com.

About Safety Services Management (SSM)

Safety Services Management (SSM) is a leading company specializing in fentanyl cleanup, drug lab cleanup, illicit drug remediation, testing, training, and cleanup consultation.

SSM also provides confined space standby rescue services across the nation.

With advanced technology and strategic partnerships, SSM is dedicated to ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability.