Biohazards are never something one wants to experience, but they do happen, and being prepared for them is essential for the safety and compliance of any public facility. Whether you help to run a school, courthouse, city building, or any other public facility, having a plan in place for safe biohazard cleanup in California can keep you, your staff, and the public safe!
When disaster strikes, you’ve got to act fast, and you’ve got to do it right!
If you’re a school superintendent, city manager, or anyone running a public facility in California, here’s a plain-English breakdown of how biohazard cleanup works, and what you need to know to keep people safe and stay in compliance.
Step 1: Get Your Bearings
It’s important to stay calm and act fast.
In general, it is best to take the following actions:
- Know what kind of biohazard you’re dealing with. Blood? Vomit? Chemical spill? Mold? Knowing what you’re looking at helps guide the next steps.
- NOTE: Never touch, taste, or smell the substance to figure out the identity of a biohazard. Fumes or other contact with your person could result in illness or injury.
- Keep people away. Put up signs, shut the doors, use cones, tape, whatever it takes. You want that space completely off-limits to prevent contamination and spread.
- Call the pros. This is not the time for maintenance staff with a mop and some bleach. In California, biohazard cleanup has strict rules. Call a certified crew who knows the regulations.
Step 2: Know the Rules (Because the State Definitely Does)
California doesn’t play around when it comes to health and safety laws. Neither should you.
- OSHA says PPE is a must. That means gloves, full suits, face shields, the whole nine yards. No shortcuts.
- The California Department of Public Health has its own protocols, especially for stuff like infectious disease cleanup. Make sure the team you call is following them.
- EPA-approved cleaning products only. Forget DIY sprays, this job takes hospital-grade disinfectants and methods.
Missing any of this? You could face fines, lawsuits, or worse.
Step 3: Containment and Gear
Time to suit up. Your professional restoration team should follow the proper protocols as described below, including:
- Sealing off the space. Pro’s will use plastic sheeting, containment barriers, negative air pressure, and other equipment to keep the biohazard from spreading.
- Using the right safety gear. Hazmat suits might seem extreme, but they’re non-negotiable here.
- Decon stations help. These areas for cleanup crews to safely gear up and strip down keep the mess from moving into clean zones.
Step 4: Getting the Area Clean (Completely!)
A regular cleaning crew can probably prevent a stain, but professional restoration experts can prevent contamination. This is essential when it comes to biohazard messes, otherwise you risk disease spread and potential injury.
- Toss what can’t be saved. Carpets, ceiling tiles, furniture; if it’s soaked or otherwise contaminated, it has to go.
- Deep clean what’s left. Using industrial-strength disinfectants, scrub-downs, and sometimes even foggers or air purifiers.
- Use the right tools. HEPA vacuums, ozone machines, and other professional equipment.
Step 5: Proper Disposal
You can’t just dump biohazard waste in the regular trash.
- Licensed haulers only. California law says only licensed companies can transport biohazard waste.
- Track everything. From bagging it up to getting it to the disposal site, there needs to be a paper trail.
- Follow California’s Medical Waste Act. Seriously, don’t skip this. Failure to follow these laws could result in fines or worse.
Step 6: Testing and Checking
After cleanup, additional testing can help provide peace of mind.
- ATP testing, swabs, inspections, whatever it takes to confirm all the nasties are gone.
- Third-party clearance? Sometimes, especially in schools, it helps to bring in an outside hygienist to double-check.
- Get documentation. You’ll want proof of the cleanup for your records, insurance, or state reporting.
Additional Considerations
If the biohazard that affected your facility was traumatic in nature, it’s a good idea to advise those who experienced it or encountered it to seek counseling assistance. The phycological impacts of biohazards can be difficult to deal with, so providing your staff with additional resources during this time may help ease the transition back to normal operations.
Step 7: Talk About It and Make a Plan
After the dust settles (literally), it’s time to regroup.
- Let people know it’s safe. Staff, parents, the public, be honest, but reassuring. Say what happened, explain what you did, and confirm everything’s clear.
- Review your emergency plan. If this caught you off guard, update your protocols.
- Train your team. Even a quick “what to do if…” guide can help for next time.
Time to Call West Coast Fire & Water?
Need help now? Call West Coast Fire & Water. We’re here 24/7 and ready to help, no job too big, no situation too complex.
Give us a call today at 888-617-3786 or contact us online now to get started.
