Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Biohazard Cleanup

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Biohazards are exactly what they sound like – dangerous situations that are the result of biological issues, namely serious trauma, unattended death, suicide, or murder scenes. These are all areas where bodily fluids and tissues may be found, exposure to which may prove harmful or otherwise unpleasant.

Biohazard cleanup is a very specialized service, much like water or fire damage restoration. The goal is the same – to get everything cleaned up in short order and return the area to its original condition, hopefully with minimal disruption to the lives of the people living in the affected space.

Common Biohazards

The most common biohazards are of the airborne variety, namely viruses or bacteria that may be released. Anthrax and tuberculosis are two of the most common airborne biohazards and are easily spread from person to person through inhalation. Biohazards related to sewage are also quite common, with sewage providing an excellent breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, any one of which may prove uncomfortable or even fatal if ingested in large enough quantities.

Biohazards may also be the result of the manufacture of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines. Some of these elements are volatile and dangerous if not properly remediated.

What Biohazard Cleanup Entails

Biohazard cleanup should always be handled by a professional, as the dangers resulting from exposure can be serious. Biohazard cleanup companies are trained, experienced, and certified in handling biological waste as well as other elements commonly found at crime scenes such as pepper spray, tear gas, fingerprint dust, or any of the leftovers that are found in such scenarios.

Likewise for sewage spills, it is never as easy as just drying up the flooded area. Sewage spills require specialized treatment in order to fully remediate the problem. This includes not only water removal and drying, but also cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing (often more than once) as well as the treatment for any materials that may have come in contact with the sewage. Some items will be beyond repair and will have to be thrown out. A professional biohazard service provider can make that call when it comes to determining what can and cannot be salvaged.

The goal for any professional biohazard cleanup provider is to safely and efficiently remove all bodily fluids, tissues, blood borne or airborne pathogens, and other waste products in a manner that adheres to regulations and standards established by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1039 guidelines and protocols are followed to the letter, ensuring both the safety of the provider and the client during the cleanup process. All products used in the process are EPA registered and hospital grade disinfectants. All waste materials will be properly disposed of following federally mandated guidelines.

It is a service all of us hope we will never have to utilize, but in the event of unfortunate circumstances, it is always advised to utilize a licensed, bonded, insured, and certified biohazard cleanup service provider.

Recommended Reading:
Trauma Scene Cleanup