All About Biohazard Cleanup

Biohazard Cleanup

Biohazard Cleanup

Biohazard

Biohazard clean up is not a very common service, hence very few people know what it entails. It, however, calls for professional expertise. Also known as trauma cleanup, the job involves cleaning the property and restoring it after an accident.

What Is a Biohazard?

A biohazard refers to a biological substance that’s harmful or toxic. Examples include chemicals, microbes, and bacteria. Biohazard cleanup is required whenever there is any form of contamination.

While biohazard risk is usually higher at factories or commercial sites, you may also require biohazard cleanup services at home due to water contamination and other such reasons. Biohazard cleanup is important to ensure the safety of all living beings.

For example, your house may get infected after a flood. Things worsen if the water is allowed to stay for too long, resulting in the growth of dangerous elements. A professional agency like Get Del Mar can remove all harmful elements and make your home safe again.

Types of Biohazard

Situations such as natural disasters and crimes could result in damages that require specialized restoration and sanitation treatments. In this article, we have covered some of the most common types of biohazard below:

Waste or Animal Remains

Dealing with pets can be troublesome as they aren’t in the habit of cleaning up. If you have an animal, you must make sure to dispose of waste as quickly as possible as leaving it could result in contamination.

Disinfectants are typically used to clean up waste. In addition, you may also require upgrades such as replacing some building materials.

Chemical Spills

A common occurrence in industry settings, spills could be dangerous and involve complex cleaning. Thus, work with a certified biohazard cleanup company to reduce the risk of exposure and ensure a proper job. Additionally, you will need biohazard cleanup after a forensic investigation as experts use chemicals that need to be removed with care.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Blood contains pathogens including viruses and bacteria. Hence, they require proper care and sanitation using consumer-grade cleaning products that only a professional biohazard cleaning company can provide. In essence, these services are usually required after a trauma.

Hoarding

You will need biohazard cleanups and restoration services if you are dealing with a hoarding situation. The process involves sorting contents and extensive repairs and cleaning to ensure there is no risk.

Sewage Backups

Sewage water can cause serious damage and require cleanups. A lot of homes and buildings have basement floor drains linked to a municipal sewer system that keeps on flooding resulting in water damage. Since sewage water is dirty and contaminated, it’s a major biohazard risk and requires proper clean up.

There are different categories of sewer damage. Category Two, also called gray water, contains microbes and chemicals. Similarly, Category Three contains solid waste. The right cleanup technique depends on the type of water. It can be difficult to fully sanitize carpets and building materials, and tearing out some items may be the only option. Insurance, however, may cover your losses.

We suggest that you keep the sewage system maintained and install a sump pump and backwater prevention valve to reduce the risk.

Tear Gas

Tear gas is harmful and needs professional care. Hence, you’ll need to hire experts to clean tear gas from the interior or exterior of any structure. The right option depends on the type of tear gas used. Some of the most popular options include:

  • CN
  • CS
  • OC
  • CS/OC

Ventilation and thorough cleaning can be enough to deal with OC, CS, or CS/OC tear gas. The process involves removing crystalline residues and degreasing surfaces and contents.

In some cases, we may have to heat the affected area and run an air scrubber as the smell can take a while to go on its own. Moreover, cleaning the HVAC system may also be necessary.

What Does a Biohazard Cleanup Involve?

The process involves identifying the affected area and creating a plan. When you call our team for a biohazard clean up, we’ll come all prepared to inspect the area. In some cases, a special gear may be needed to reduce the risk of contamination.

We suggest that you follow these tips until a professional cleaning company arrives to clean the area:

  • Stay away from the affected areas
  • Do not touch any fluids, including blood and water
  • Switch off the HVAC system and fan
  • Do not stay in rooms with sagging ceilings
  • Avoid using standard vacuums for water removal
  • Avoid using electrical appliances
  • Do not come into contact with damaged items including furniture and accessories

Our team will inspect the area and get to work right away. The process usually involves removing contaminated items such as waste and water and cleaning the area thoroughly. Furthermore, it may involve repairing or removing certain items. Additionally, it is important that you identify the cause so that such a situation doesn’t arise again. For this purpose, our team will examine the area and make suggestions.

Conclusion

This is all you need to know about biohazard cleanup. Do not take the matter into your own hands and make sure to hire the services of a professional.

By Holly Kelsven | September 22, 2022 | News