FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We Offer Crime Scene and Blood Cleanup Services in Central Florida
You will often be left to deal with the aftermath of a trauma scene on your own.
The Police, Fire Department, EMTs, or the Medical Examiner’s Office DO NOT clean up a crime or trauma scene when they have finished. They have neither the time nor the expertise and most are even forbidden to even refer you to a specialist in trauma scene cleanup.
There are few truly qualified companies that can assist you in handling these complex situations.
There are serious, often life-threatening risks, such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis involved if you attempt a cleanup on your own.
There are strict governmental restrictions involving the cleanup and disposal of biohazardous waste from a crime or trauma scene. OSHA forbids the clean-up of these disasters by untrained personnel.
Q: Why call Biohazard Response?
A: We are a professional, full-time bio-remediation company
- Our bio-technicians have been serving Florida since 1988
- We specialize in the cleanup of accidents, blood, crime, death and trauma scenes
- Certified and instruct in bloodborne pathogens and trauma scene management
- Licensed by the Florida Department of Health as a bio-medical waste transporter
- We follow strict guidelines imposed by OSHA and the Florida Department of Health in the cleanup, removal, and disposal of biohazardous/biomedical waste
Q: How fast can you respond?
A: We are available 24 hours a day every day including holidays and can usually have a Biohazard Response Team on the scene within 1 to 2 hours depending on where the incident has occurred.
Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?
A: In most cases, your homeowners, business, or auto insurance will pay for this service. Tenants may be responsible, but the responsibility ultimately falls to the property owner. We bill insurance companies directly or we can provide assistance in filing any claims for you. If a victim of a crime has no insurance then victim services may be in a position to authorize and help pay for our services. We also offer payment plans and accept most major credit cards. We will find a solution for you!
Q: How much does it cost?
A: This is usually one of the first questions we are asked. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to give an accurate estimate over the phone. We need to come out for a FREE onsite analysis. Every incident scene differs, so until we know what is involved, we don’t know the costs. Estimates are affected by the number of technicians needed, their time needed to complete the cleanup, to the amount of bio-medical waste. We will beat any company’s written estimate. Save money, call Biohazard Response now at 407-862-5552.
Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?
A: OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standards; 29CFR1910.1030, states that employees must be provided with information and training prior to dealing with blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM), including:
- The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
- Epidemiology, symptoms, and transmission of bloodborne diseases
- Your facility’s exposure control plan (most businesses are required to have one)
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) provided at no cost by the business
- Information on the Hepatitis B vaccine and information on how to receive it (provided at no cost by the business)
- Provide a method to safely remove and/or store biohazardous waste
Only if your business complies with these actions and 29CFR1910.1030, can you allow an employee to cleanup a trauma scene?
Q: Can’t I just let my regular cleaning or janitorial service clean up the biohazardous waste?
A: Only if you know that they comply with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, 29CFR1910.1030 (see above). You are ultimately responsible for whom you choose to clean up a biohazardous situation.
Q: What questions should be asked to help in selecting a bio-recovery company?
A: Ask for proof of the following:
- Length of experience
- Occupational License
- Proof of Insurance (liability, auto, and workers-comp)
- Can they provide references?
- Can they provide a contract for biomedical waste disposal and documents proving the destruction of generated waste?
- Will they work with the property owner’s insurance and can they handle all the insurance paperwork?
- Can they assist with or provide crisis counselors
Q: Am I liable if someone suffers a bloodborne pathogen exposure in my home or property?
A: Yes. If somebody becomes infected with a virus or infectious disease, no matter the severity, you may be held accountable. This can include lawsuits and civil action.
Q: Are there state agencies to help with the costs of a crime scene cleanup?
A: Yes. There are many outreaches and support programs to help victims of crime. State Attorney General Offices also tend to have victims’ assistance agencies. They can help with crime scene blood cleanup costs on your property after a violent crime. View our helpful links page for more information.
Q: How quickly can you respond to a crime or trauma scene cleanup?
A: Time is of the essence in cleanup. We are able to respond to your crime scene in one to three hours, depending on how far away you are from our office. We also provide 24/7 service for emergency cleanup.
Q: How long does it take to clean up a crime scene?
A: The length of time it takes our team to clean up a crime scene depends on many factors, including the severity of the contamination and the size of the area. Typically, a cleanup takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Once we’re on site and have conducted an assessment, we can provide you with a close estimate.
Q: What are bloodborne pathogens?
A: Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that can cause disease. It is present in blood and can include viruses and deadly diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and more. It is incredibly important to limit exposure to bloodborne pathogens as anyone who is exposed to them is at high risk for diseases and illnesses.
Q: Will the authorities clean a scene after a crime or tragic incident?
A: No. The authorities and first responders do not clean up after a crime has been committed, death has occurred, or trauma has happened. This responsibility falls on the property owner.
Q: Who pays for crime scene blood cleanup in Orlando, FL?
A: It is the property owner’s responsibility to pay for crime scene cleanup. However, homeowners and business owners may not know that their property or auto insurance often times covers crime scene blood cleanup. We can also bill your insurance company instead of you, helping to streamline the process. We’ll also help with follow-ups and claims. If your insurance does not include hazardous cleanup, we also affect payment plans and credit cards. Finally, if you are the victim of the crime, you may be able to file for financial assistance. It’s a good idea to research victim compensation programs and assistance.
Q: How do I dispose of a mattress containing biohazards?
A: To dismantle a mattress soiled with blood or other biohazards, you need to place it into a biohazard box. We offer state-compliant services to safely remove and dispose of mattresses, carpets, and other furniture. These items may require our removal services if they have been affected as the result of a homicide, natural death, sickness, suicide, trauma, accident, or other incident involving blood or other biohazards.