Frequently Asked Questions
Waste Management
No. No chemicals are added or vented. The whole process results in totally green organic waste, resulting from micro-organisms and water. Non-pathogenic microorganisms (class 1) are very common and environmentally friendly. They live around us and are responsible for digesting all types of waste. Digesters only activate microorganisms and accelerate the decomposition of organic waste, breaking down food waste within 24 hours. After the activation of microorganisms, Digesters only produce water and CO2. All effluents are ecological and in their natural cycle.
Digesters use a natural process in which microorganisms break down food waste in the presence of oxygen. The machine, with our proprietary blend of microorganisms and enzymes, digests biodegradable materials in less than 24 hours. The gray water exit is ecological. You can let it down the drain or use it to enrich your soils. Digesters compose a practical alternative to the traditional disposal of food waste. All your food waste can be loaded into the Digester. The machine can digest both raw and cooked food. The process is totally “green”.
No. The wastes are broken down only by microorganisms which digest the biodegradable material in the presence of oxygen. They break down in the form of water, CO2 and heat as in their natural cycle. The result is therefore safe and environmentally friendly.
Not at all. You can put food waste into the Digester whenever you want, and even during its operation. The machine constantly breaks down organic waste! Our products have an opening sensor that automatically stops the device, for added safety.
Yes. Digesters are able to break down fish bones and chicken bones in 24 hours. In addition, it can break down the flesh of fruits, pine cones, eggshells, nuts, etc.
Digesters are present and active in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, etc.
Yes. If you feed the machine only organic waste, the effluents from the digesters can be used to enrich the soil. They are richer in nutrients than when composted in the traditional way. It is an ideal fertilizer. However, if the food waste contains fat, chemicals or spices (such as salt, garlic, peppers…), the result may not be appropriate. You need to test the effluent to see if it is usable.
Software that calculates the weight of organic waste is integrated into the Digesters. When an overload is detected, the machine will automatically stop and an alarm will sound.
Since the creation of the machine, many models have been released in order to meet the demand of all structures and their production of organic waste. In 1999, the oldest model (EX-100) was installed in Seoul, Korea. This product is still working since that date.
In addition to the hatch opening sensor, Digesters have an emergency stop button to stop the device (in the event of a jam or blockage of the blades, for example).
No. The digesters are hermetically sealed to avoid any odor, and no unpleasant odor is therefore detected.
Automated Hygiene
Manual hand washing with soap can be effective at combating germs, but it is not a consistent method of sanitizing hands. There are many different factors that determine whether someone is washing their hands effectively or not. Some of these factors are the amount of soap and water used, force used to scrub hands, coverage of the hand (fingernails, fingertips, between the fingers, wrist, etc.) and the amount of time spent washing hands. With CleanTech® technology, these factors are taken into account. Each wash with our machines is the same effective scrub, maintaining consistency and control by cleaning the entire hand. In addition to the consistency, CleanTech® technology scrubs 99.9% of deadly pathogens off the skin, guaranteeing clean hands. This innovative technology provides a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to hand washing. Cleantech® technology use 75% less water than a manual hand wash and produce 75% less waste than a standard manual hand wash. Meritech’s independent studies prove that CleanTech® automated hand washing systems remove 99.9% of deadly pathogens with each 12 second wash cycle.
Water temperature has no influence on the effectiveness of hand washing. Human hands can be burned at temperatures passing 105 degrees, but bacteria can withstand temperatures much higher than that. Due to compliance issues, people prefer to wash their hands with water at comfortable temperatures, not too hot and not too cold. CleanTech® systems do not rely on a certain temperature so we focus on a comfort while washing your hands. If a hand washing station is too far from a hot water source, a booster heater can be installed for warmer temperatures. Keep in mind that some State and County Health Departments have requirements for minimum temperatures of water used while hand washing. We can customize your experience for added comfort while maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Although you may believe that if you are wearing gloves you are safe, that is not always true. Washing hands is equally important if you are wearing gloves as well. Gloves can have microscopic tears or defects that you may not notice, reducing the effectiveness of gloves. In addition to any defects, bacteria can multiply in moist environments such as underneath the gloves. Just like your hands, gloves can be contaminated by touching dirty surfaces so it is vital to perform additional hand hygiene measures to counter the contamination. To serve this constant issue, we offer a continuous walkthrough station that automatically sanitizes gloved hands and any type of footwear.
Automated hand washing is strongly recommended in facilities that use gloves due to the high risk of cross-contamination. Gloves carry the ideal conditions that cause bacteria to grow and multiply. A study conducted by BioScience Laboratories showed that 80% of randomly selected vinyl food-grade gloves had pre-existing punctures or tears. In the study when hands were washed properly with gloves, there was no significant microbial growth on the surface of the gloves. In another study, hands that were inoculated with E. coli before donning gloves had more bacteria counts on the surface of the gloves after use. This research supports the notion that when hands are not washed properly before putting gloves on, there is a risk of having pathogens on the hands and inside the glove which can cross-contaminate external surfaces.
For companies that use gloves, the CDC highly recommends washing your hands before putting on gloves due to the risk of rapid bacteria growth and due to the risk of micro punctures and tears. When hands are washed prior to donning gloves, the risk of cross-contamination is greatly reduced, but the manual washing must effective and thorough. Only with CleanTech®, automated hand washing systems can guarantee an effective hand wash every single time.
CleanTech® systems have four nozzles pointed straight up from the bottom of each cylinder that are specifically designed to wash and sanitize under the fingernails. We also recommend that fingernails be kept trimmed at all times.
Meritech Hygiene Solutions are uniquely formulated for use in CleanTech® Handwashing Stations and Meritech Boot Washing Stations to maintain the appropriate chemical concentration (PPM) required to effectively remove pathogens and exceed regulatory recommendations while also improving skin health over time. Hands washed in a CleanTech® system with UltraPure Hand Hygiene Solution are left feeling fresher and softer with each wash, thus encouraging repeated use and great-feeling skin. Frequent hand washing with harsh chemicals that damage the skin can reduce the incentive to wash hands, which impacts the cleanliness of your work environment. By having an effective hand washing machine that does not damage employees’ hands, we are promoting a more sanitary work environment. We have conducted extensive efficacy studies in FDA-certified laboratories to prove that CleanTech® hand washing systems consistently remove more than 99.9% of harmful pathogens with each wash cycle. These studies were conducted on CleanTech® equipment using Meritech Hygiene Solutions in accordance with our recommended operating instructions. Use of other chemical solutions will negatively impact the efficacy of the hand wash process, damage the equipment, and void the equipment warranty.
Yes! Everyday our team is conducting on-site product demonstrations, safety training days, and it is also possible to sign up for a trial of our systems depending on your application.
Please refer to each model’s spec sheet for details. All CleanTech® automated hand washing systems require 110V power access and the same plumbing as a standard sink: hot and cold water supply and a drain. As our systems do not heat the water, hot water access is required from the facility, and then the system automatically blends the hot and cold water to deliver a soothing 105 temperature. If there is a problem in gaining access to a hot water supply, a booster heater can help extend access. Our team of hygiene experts can assist you in designing the ideal equipment installation.
We have an experienced team of trained Technical Support Specialists located throughout the U.S. ready to provide on-site cleaning, equipment calibration, and repair service. Service visits may be purchased a la carte as needed or covered under a Service Agreement.
CleanTech® features twenty rotating spray nozzles in each cylinder that sprays lightly pressurized water and UltraPure Hand Hygiene Solution across the hands during the wash cycle, creating a massage like feeling for the hands. Anyone who’s tries a CleanTech® hand wash for the first time remarks on how amazing it feels “like a car wash for the hands!” The amazing experience encourages increased use alone. Additionally, Meritech’s UltraPure Hand Hygiene Solution contains added emollients so hands feel softer with each wash. The good compliance monitoring program and the use of the automatic hand wash cycle counter enabled on each CleanTech® system, compliance can be managed more proactively and reinforced based on real-time behaviors. Finally, hand washes delivered by CleanTech® systems only take 12 seconds, much quicker than a manual hand wash.
In cases where the hands are heavily soiled, the faucet can be used as a pre-rinse. In some healthcare settings, a surgical scrub up to the elbows may be required at the beginning of each shift. While CleanTech® systems are accepted by the FDA and are recommended in the Food Code, in food service settings if employees are dealing with heavy debris, access to a faucet may be required by your health department (unless there is another manual hand wash sink within a reasonable distance). You should consult with your local health department on this requirement, or we can assist you in communicating with your department regarding the requirements of your regulations.
GlowGerm is an oil based product designed for use as a teaching aid. The common misconception is that GlowGerm represents bacteria or biohazards, when in fact it does not. It is a teaching aid meant to serve as a “surface indicator” i.e. to point out the areas “where I have missed”. GlowGerm and other heavy oils do not come off the hands easily without the application of a surfactant. It is more accurate to test viable bacteria with the “glove juice test”, rather than to simply illuminate residual oil based product with a black light. Meritech also uses ATP testing which measures total proteins on the skin as a good proxy for transient pathogen removal. We will happily give you the names of companies that provide ATP test equipment so that you can perform your own testing.
6/10ths of a gallon is used in each wash cycle, 75% less water than a manual hand wash. An important note to make is that when washing your hands manually, about 60% of the water used never touches the hands. With CleanTech ®, 100% of the water used touches your hands and assists in pathogen removal.
Resident flora are microorganisms that reside in the layers of our skin. Resident flora is responsible for keeping our hands healthy and alive. They are beneficial to our good health and do not cause diseases. Transient bacteria are viruses that do cause illness, disease, and death in extreme cases. Transient bacteria attaches itself to our skin through contaminated surfaces that we touch (doorknobs, viscera, utensils, etc.) The hands serve as transportation for these potentially deadly pathogens. CleanTech® systems prevent the spread of these hazardous pathogens by removing 99.9% of transient pathogens on the hands in just 12 seconds.
The key in promoting appropriate employee hygiene is to lead by example and create a culture that promotes appropriate hygiene for everyone. Clean hygiene is the result of day-to-day reinforcement and continuous training and education. Day-to-day reinforcement will create good hygiene habits throughout the entire workplace. Compliance monitoring is recommended to validate your processes and identify potential problems before they become uncontrollable. We can provide full training programs for any industry, including information about hand hygiene and ways to monitor compliance in order to address issues before they arise.
Hand sanitizers are a quick alternative to hand washing with plain soap. Hand sanitizers often rely on a form of alcohol as an active ingredient to combat germs. While quick and sometimes convenient, research shows that the alcohol gel is not an equivalent substitute for hand washing. The CDC and FDA strongly recommend that hand sanitizers only be used when a manual or automated hand washing option is not available. Instant hand sanitizers are not an acceptable method for hand washing in any food application (production or food service). They are not accepted because people rarely use the appropriate amount needed and or do not allow the gel to absorb on their skin. In addition to not being a consistent and effective method of cleaning your hands, hand sanitizers are not healthy for the skin. They are in fact damaging to the hands. While this seems like a minor issue, it is not. Cracks of dried or dead skin can be a breeding ground for bacteria. The ineffectiveness of hand sanitizer, which can actually spread the germs, and the growing bacteria in cracked or dead skin are a recipe for disaster. A perfect example of a situation where gel sanitizers are a poor solution to controlling spread of germs, is if norovirus is on a cruise ship. The CDC has clearly stated that alcohol gel does not kill or remove norovirus, and cruise lines are being required to encourage more regular hand washing among their guests. When hand sanitizers are used in any application, they give a false sense of security while increasing the risk of cross contamination and infection rates.
Paper towels are the most sanitary means of drying hands. Studies have shown that the use of high-quality paper towels increases the effectiveness of the wash and promotes better skin health. Many organizations are adopting hand dryers to eliminate the waste of paper towels. If you are considering implementing hand dryers, we have tested and identified hand dryer options that present the lowest risk of cross-contamination with the highest level of effectiveness at the best cost, and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
Product fit can vary depending on your industry, hygiene needs, employee count, regulatory environment, and business processes. We have a vast range of hand washing and footwear sanitizing options designed for various business types and use cases. Do not hesitate to contact us to speak with a hygiene expert that can tailor a program to fit your needs and desires.
We currently do not sell into the home market, however we are improving our technology everyday and it is in our plans for the future.
CleanTech® hand washing stations should be located at critical entry points to areas where people congregate and so the risk of pathogen spread is higher, such as food courts or cruise lines, or in areas where contamination control is critical in order to ensure the health and safety of others, such as the entry to a NICU or the entrance of food packing areas in a food processing facility. The standard configuration of CleanTech® systems allows placement anywhere a conventional sink might otherwise go- where there is both water and drainage access. Our team of hygiene experts can assist you in determining the best location to place CleanTech® automated hand washing stations in your facility, and can even consult on the design and layout of new production facilities and areas.
CleanTech® excels in three key areas: Standardization: The wash method and solutions delivery provided by the CleanTech® system is effective, efficient, and confidently consistent across all users. Efficacy: We have conducted extensive efficacy studies in FDA-certified laboratories to prove that CleanTech® handwashing systems consistently remove more than 99.9% of harmful pathogens with each wash cycle. These studies were conducted on CleanTech® equipment using Meritech Hygiene Solutions. Compliance: Guests and employees are delighted to wash hands with such ease and confidence using the CleanTech® hand washing systems. Meritech’s UltraPure Hand Hygiene Solution includes natural conditioners so that hands feel as soft as silk after each wash. Each CleanTech® model includes an automatic wash cycle counter which makes compliance monitoring and documentation effortless.
We have conducted extensive efficacy studies in FDA-certified laboratories to prove that CleanTech® hand washing systems consistently remove more than 99.9% of harmful pathogens with each wash cycle. While the wash cycle length can be adjusted, the effectiveness of CleanTech® can only be guaranteed at cycle lengths of 12 seconds or more.
CleanTech® units require the same service hookups as a clothes washer: hot and cold 3/4 inch garden hose connections, a 1-1/2 inch drain, and 110-230 VAC power. The unit can drain directly onto the floor, if so desired. CleanTech® systems may be set up with a sump pump system to drain to a remote location. The potable water hot and cold supply lines should be 3/8” diameter minimum with a flow capacity of 5 gym at 40 psi each. These lines are common and inexpensive to install. We would be happy to assist you.
When comparing manual to automated handwashing, the biggest difference is the human behavior. Every time someone washes their hands they do it differently. Most people really don’t rub their hands together and really work up a lather, getting all the parts of the hands efficiently. Some people use too much soap, others not enough. Many handwashing sinks on the market have water flow too low to effectively flush the pathogens off the skin. Automation removes the human behavior issues and allows both science and engineering to take over. The same quantity of water, hand solution, & time all the same. The system has 40 nozzles (20 per hand) that are placed in such a way that 100% of the hand is covered. There are 8 nozzles at the wrist that direct all the water downward and block splashout. The next group of nozzles are designed in a helical pattern with both pitch and roll to force everything downward. The last 4 nozzles are directed at the fingertips. The cylinder turns around your hand 23 times in 12 seconds, allowing the spraying nozzles to get in to all the cracks and crevasses of the skin with both the soapy water (6 seconds) and then a potable water rinse (6 seconds) pulling all the pathogens off the hand like a tornado. The nozzle sprays the wash the hand like a nozzle cleans your car at the carwash. This spray pattern, in combination with hand solution chemistry, is specially designed to work with the correct volume of water. Each hand wash event is identical thus removing the human variable. 100% of the water used in Meritech automated handwashing systems is used to wash the hands, thus zero waste. Even though the time is shorter, it was done by allowing engineering, science, and chemistry to work in conjunction to create the best and fastest hand wash. Check out these clinical studies looking at the efficacy of CleanTech®.