Exploring the Biohazard Clean-Up Process

The cleanup process for water or fire damage is drastically different from a trauma scene cleanup near Tampa. Not only does trauma scene cleaning pose risks for the safety and health of those who clean the property and who live in it, but it also requires a level of special training that few people have. Continue reading to learn more about the biohazard cleanup process.
Regulation Compliance
Bioremediation standards were created to protect biohazard cleaners as well as property owners who will be in contact with the trauma scene after cleaning. OSHA standards require that supervisors and field technicians are trained in at least nine different OSHA programs: Personal Protective Equipment, Heat Illness, Asbestos Awareness, Hazard Communication, Bloodborne Pathogens, Lock Out – Tag Out, Power Tool Safety, Lift Safety, and Fall Protection. It is illegal for employers to ask employees to engage in biohazard cleanup unless they are properly trained.
Sensitivity
Trauma scene cleaning may be emotionally taxing, but it does not compare to the trauma of losing a loved one. Family members are often present during the biohazard cleaning process, so it essential that biohazard cleaners are compassionate and considerate. Speaking empathically with the property owner is an essential part of the biohazard cleanup process.
Odor Removal
Many people mistakenly believe that a trauma cleanup is finished once the scene looks like it did before the trauma. Unfortunately, even if a scene looks perfectly clean, there may be microscopic bacteria present that can create odors. These odors are not only unpleasant to smell, but can be hazardous to the health of those who breathe them. The resulting bacteria growth can even cause property damage over time.
Disposal of Waste
Disposal of medical waste must accord with federal, state, and local regulations. Cleaning companies can receive steep fines if they improperly dispose of medical waste. Some biohazard remediation companies are not licensed to store or transport medical waste. These companies must find a licensed third party to transport and dispose of the waste.