What to Look for in a Biohazard Cleanup Company
A biological hazard or biohazard is any material that poses a threat to any living organism, primarily humans. Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term health complications; such as skin rashes and chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease.
Biohazard substances should be treated with care. One mistake while disposing of a biohazard substance and you can put your safety and the well-being of other people around you at risk. Never, and we mean never, take the DIY route. To steer clear of safety risks, hire a professional for biohazard cleanup in Petaluma.
When to Hire a Biohazard Cleanup Company
A biohazard cleanup company will do more than just cleaning your facility. In addition to performing regular cleaning tasks such as vacuuming the floors, your provider will rid your property of dangerous pathogens and chemicals. Here are some instances in which a biohazard cleanup is a must.
- You have just moved into a house or building that was previously used for the production of methamphetamine
- Sewage or black water damage
- You find deceased animals or ‘nests’
- A crime was committed on your property
- Your property was used for hoarding items (to thoroughly clean the contaminated areas)
Choosing a Biohazard Cleanup Company
What is the first image that comes to your mind when you hear the word biohazard? Large tanks filled with hazardous chemicals labeled with scary danger signs? You only know half the story. A biohazard can be any biological substance that poses a threat to humans, animals, and/or the environment.
You might be an expert in cleaning your property, but when it comes to biohazard cleaning, it’s a different story. You need an expert with a proven track record of success and a good knowledge of decontamination protocols for biohazard cleanup.
Not all biohazard cleanup companies are created equal. Carefully evaluate your options. Choose a company that can deliver a solution that fits your specific needs.
Hire a Company That Specializes in Biohazards and Chemical Waste
You cannot hire just any cleanup company. A local cleaning service will clean your facility, but they won’t know how to rid your spaces of airborne and bloodborne pathogens and chemicals. Follow these tips to find an experienced biohazard cleanup company:
- Talk to family members and friends who have just wrapped up a biohazard cleanup project. Ask them about their experience of working with their provider and if they’d use them in the future.
- Check online ratings and testimonials. Choose a contractor with a healthy positive to negative feedback ratio.
- Talk to provider references. Ask them if they’d recommend the professional.
- Once you have shortlisted candidates, interview them. Ask questions regarding their experience and if they have handled projects similar to yours. Ask them to provide a list of equipment they use.
Check Credentials
Make sure your preferred contractor adheres to OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard and other standards related to personal protective equipment and lockout and has a valid license. Do not hesitate to ask for registration and certification documents to confirm the company is certified.
Biohazard cleanup can be challenging. Technicians have to handle potentially hazardous materials including blood and body fluids. Proper handling and disposal of biohazards are necessary to avoid potential safety hazards. If you hire an amateur, they may accidentally cross-contaminate.
Before hiring a company, make sure it is licensed to transport, handle and dispose of biohazard waste and hazardous chemicals.
Check Their Equipment
Biohazard remediation requires proper training. Usually, specialized equipment is required to safely and effectively clean the scene.
Remember, the wrong equipment will fail to prevent the spread of pathogens to living organisms (including people and animals) and surfaces.
Make sure your contractor uses tools specially designed to help them completely rid areas of dangerous pathogens and chemicals. Check if the company uses testing kits and cleaning chemicals. When you reach out to a contractor for help, ask them to explain their action plan to determine if they are qualified for the job.
Look for a Thorough Professional
Biohazard cleanup is usually required in sensitive situations. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one or maybe your property was a crime scene. Whatever the case may be, look for a provider that makes empathy a priority. Check if the company trains its technicians to behave professionally, and be respectful and courteous at all times.
Make sure the biohazard cleanup company can handle the paperwork involved during the cleanup process. Your contractor should be able to provide you with documents that prove that biohazard materials have been properly and safely removed. Ask your contractor if they can help you file a cleanup claim.
Check the Company’s Reporting Capability
Reputable biohazard cleanup companies produce a detailed report that outlines the cleanup process, photos of the equipment used, and any other documentation that the customer needs.
West Coast Fire & Water is a top-rated biohazard cleanup company. We are committed to helping our customers avoid safety risks. We will completely clean and decontaminate your property. To schedule a cleanup, call (707) 504-3708.