The Biohazard Cleanup Guide – How to Identify And Deal With Biohazards
Biohazards or biological hazards are biological substances that pose a threat to human health. Some common biohazards include harmful microorganisms or biological agents, bodily fluids such as mucus, blood, urine, and saliva, and organic material. Exposure to biohazards can lead to acute or chronic health conditions. If a person committed suicide on your property or if it was a crime scene, have a professional perform a biohazard cleanup in San Francisco Bay Area in a timely manner before someone comes in contact with bodily fluids or any other biohazard.
When is Professional Biohazard Cleanup Necessary?
Here are some situations in which professional biohazard cleanup in the San Francisco Bay Area is necessary:
➢ A homicide, assault or any other type of violent crime occurred on your property
➢ If your property was unoccupied for a long time and an unattended death occurred on it. The body may have decomposed and started releasing harmful biological material, necessitating specialized cleaning
➢ Someone committed suicide on your property or a traumatic death occurred on it. A biohazard cleanup specialist will carefully remove bodily fluids and any body tissues and thoroughly sanitize your property
➢ Someone was injured in an accident on your property
➢ Your property was a hoarding site. Extreme hoarding can lead to unsanitary conditions (often result from human waste, rodents, and decomposing food scattered lying around)
➢ Your property is contaminated with harmful microorganisms such as staph bacteria, the SARS-CoV-2 virus or Hantaviruses. If not cleaned properly, a contaminated property can become an infection hotspot
➢ A severe sewage backup occurred in your property. Because raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, a severe backup necessitates professional cleanup
➢ Situations involving dead animals or significant amounts of animal waste
The Professional Biohazard Cleanup Process
Biohazard cleanup in the San Francisco Bay Area is a highly specialized task. There is no room for errors. Biohazard cleanup specialists plan in advance to ensure safe and efficient removal of biological hazards.
The professional biohazard cleanup process consists of the following steps.
➢ Assessment and planning: The cleanup team starts by examining the area to determine the nature and extent of contamination. An in-depth assessment helps in planning the cleanup process and guides the selection of the right protective equipment and cleaning agents
➢ Safety measures: Safety comes first. Once they develop a cleanup plan, the cleanup specialists slip into personal protective equipment (PPE) (includes gloves, masks, and protective suits) designed to help avoid direct contact with hazardous materials
➢ Containment: The contaminated areas are isolated to prevent the spread of biohazards. This may involve sealing off the area or the use physical barriers
➢ Biohazard removal: The cleanup team removes all biohazardous materials, including tissue, and bodily fluids using specialized equipment and techniques
➢ Cleaning and disinfecting: The area is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any pathogens that can cause infectious diseases
➢ Deodorization: If necessary, the area is deodorized to get rid of any lingering odors caused by the biohazardous materials removed
➢ Proper disposal: All biohazardous waste is disposed of using specially marked biohazard bags and containers. Make sure the biohazard cleanup team follows local, state, and federal regulations when removing and disposing of biohazard materials
➢ Verification: After cleaning, the area may be tested to ensure that it is free of biohazards. This step is especially important if the cleanup project involves sanitizing a hospital or laboratory
Why Hire a Professional for Biohazard Cleanup?
Biohazard cleanup is not a standard cleaning job. It requires specialized skills. Biohazard cleanup specialists are trained to safely handle biohazards. If disposed of in an irresponsible manner, biohazards can cause infectious diseases and may harm the environment. Biohazard cleanup specialists follow best practices when disposing of biohazards.
Here are some compelling reasons to hire a professional for biohazard cleanup in San Francisco Bay Area.
Safety
Biohazardous materials, including bodily fluids, and hazardous chemicals contain harmful microorganisms, and can pose serious health risks. Biohazard cleanup professionals have years of experience dealing with hazardous substances. Their extensive training allows them to handle biohazards safely and in a responsible manner. They use PPE kits to prevent cross-contamination and avoid direct exposure to biohazards.
Professionals take various steps to prevent pathogens found in biohazards from spreading to other areas of contaminated buildings.
Proper Disposal
Cleaning a contaminated property is half the battle. The biohazards removed from the property should be disposed of in a responsible manner. Improper disposal of biohazards can lead to environmental contamination and may result in legal issues. Professionals know how to dispose of biohazardous waste properly according to local, state, and federal regulations.
Thorough, Effective Cleaning
Biohazard cleanup is not just about removing visible traces of blood and other biohazards. It also involves ensuring that the area is thoroughly sanitized and free of any potentially infectious materials. Professionals have the right cleaning agents and equipment to thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated areas.
Avoid Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Dealing with a biohazard situation, especially in the case of a traumatic event, can be emotionally challenging. Experienced biohazard cleanup specialists are equipped to handle stressful situations. Their experience allows them to maintain their composure during cleanups. When you hire a professional, you can supervise the cleanup process from a safe distance.
Time and Efficiency
Professional cleanup teams can complete biohazard cleanup jobs more quickly and efficiently than amateur, untrained individuals. If your office has become contaminated, a biohazard cleanup professional can help ensure your business is operational as soon as possible.
Legal Compliance
Regulatory bodies have created several guidelines for handling biohazards and documenting cleanup tasks. Professionals ensure that all protocols are followed. Proper documentation can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free claim settlement.
West Coast Fire & Water is a leading biohazard cleanup service in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our biohazard cleanup specialists are equipped to handle complex, multifaceted cleanup projects. To learn more, call us at 415-499-9000.