Biohazard Services
Biohazard cleanup involves cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing areas where a traumatic event such as an accident, injury or death has occurred. Thus, dealing with biohazards often means dealing with blood, human or animal remains, chemical spills, and more. Keep in mind that the state is not responsible for cleaning up a crime scene.
After Police Investigators Collect Evidence From The Scene, It Is Up To The Property Owner To Seek Biohazard Cleaning Services. A Professional Cleanup Team Can Arrive Onsite Only After The Police Have Gathered Enough Evidence Related To The Crime.
- Blood and Bodily Fluid Remediation
- Virus Decontamination and Protection
- Sewage Cleanup and Sanitation
- Deodorization and Odor Control
- Crime Scene Cleanup
- Hoarding Cleanup
The Blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (BOPIM) Standard
In 1991, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a standard to protect workers from the risk of blood or other potentially infectious materials (BOPIM). Infectious pathogens include the Hepatitis B virus, HIV, and many others.
This standard helps protect approximately 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations. Biohazard remediation falls within the scope of the BOPIM standard.
Also, the BOPIM standard has several requirements, including:
- Using work practice controls
- Using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Proper handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous medical waste materials
- Specific required vaccinations
- Mandatory training
- Record keeping
Common Biohazard Scenarios
- Crime or homicide scenes
- Suicide or death
- Blood and bodily fluid
- Hoarding scenes
- Animal waste or remains
- Chemical hazards
- Coronavirus contamination
Every time technicians handle potentially hazardous materials; they are put at significant risk. Thus, following proper training and safety procedures is crucial. It’s important not only for themselves but also for the individuals who will reside in the property after the biohazard cleanup is complete.
Does Biohazard Cleanup Require Certification?
It is not obligatory to obtain a certificate to become a biohazard technician. However, OSHA does require biohazard technicians to properly wear PPE when dealing with bloodborne pathogens.
In essence, PPE helps ensure the safety of workers. The equipment prevents hazardous material from entering the body through the skin, eyes, mouth, nose or any other area. Although PPE varies from job to job, it should always include full-face protection, gloves, properly designated waterproof coveralls, and a respirator.
Furthermore, reputable restoration companies offer biohazard remediation training for technicians. That includes learning OSHA’s on-the-job safety methods when handling biohazardous waste. Doing so reduces the risk of accidents and potential lawsuits.
Our Biohazard Cleanup Process
- First, the remediation crew identifies the affected areas and determines the scope of the biohazard cleanup. Once a plan is in place, remediation efforts begin as quickly as possible.
- Then, technicians take steps to maintain their safety and that of other individuals near the cleanup site.
- Afterward, they remove all potentially infectious materials from the site.
- Hazardous medical waste, such as spinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and other bodily fluids, is handled following OSHA regulations. It’s then sent to a licensed hazardous medical waste incinerator.
- Technicians remove porous materials like fabric and carpeting following industry standards and state regulations.
- Non-hazardous materials are either removed or decontaminated and sanitized if they are salvageable.
- After cleanup and sanitization, technicians deodorize the affected areas. Walls and flooring may be sealed to cover any remaining stains from the incident.
- Removing contaminated materials, then cleaning and sanitizing is often enough to control odors. In some cases, the crew will use hydroxyls or ozone to ensure the odor is eliminated.