HIGH LEVEL DRY MACHINERY CLEANING
Serco (Ministry of Defence - RAF Fylingdales) - Pickering, YO18
Client's Challenge
Serco engaged APT ICC to carry out specialist high-level dry machinery cleaning on two large, mission-critical machines at RAF Fylingdales, a remote radar tracking station supporting essential defence operations.
Dust accumulation on high-level and hard-to-reach areas posed operational and reliability risks. Due to the sensitive nature of the equipment and environment, all works were required to be completed using a strictly dry-clean-only method, with no moisture introduced at any stage.
The client required a contractor experienced in working within restricted, high-security environments and capable of delivering precise, controlled cleaning without disrupting operations.
Assessment & Planning
APT ICC met with site representatives to review the machinery, access arrangements, and operational constraints specific to the defence installation.
The assessment focused on understanding the sensitivity of the equipment, confirming the requirement for a dry-only cleaning process, and identifying safe access routes using existing infrastructure. Cleaning tools and methods were selected to ensure effective dust removal while eliminating any risk of moisture exposure or operational disruption.
The proposed method and controls were agreed in advance to align with site security and operational requirements.
Methodology
APT ICC delivered the works using a controlled dry industrial cleaning process specifically suited to sensitive machinery.
The works were carried out as follows:
1. Safe access to high-level areas using pre-installed ladders.
2.Deployment of industrial-grade dry vacuum systems.
3. Use of extended-reach attachments to access enclosed and difficult-to-reach areas.
4. Progressive dry cleaning of machinery surfaces to remove accumulated dust.
5. Continuous inspection to confirm complete dust removal and zero moisture introduction.
This approach ensured effective cleaning while maintaining the integrity and operational reliability of the equipment.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Industrial dry vacuum systems
• Specialist dust-removal tools
• Extended-reach vacuum attachments
Chemicals
• None
Cleaning completed using dry mechanical methods only, in accordance with site requirements
The Results
• High-level dust successfully removed from both machines
• Sensitive equipment cleaned with no moisture exposure
• Operational integrity of machinery maintained
• Reduced risk of reliability and contamination issues
• Works completed in line with strict defence site controls
APT ICC’s specialist approach ensured the machinery at RAF Fylingdales was cleaned safely and effectively within a high-security, mission-critical environment.
